Walking Shoes - Walking and Other Exercise

Guest_1055 · ‎27-01-2016

Hey to anyone reading this.

Last night I had an idea about starting a new thread about exercise especially walking. I am aware that walking is very beneficial for our mental, emotional and physical well being. And by actually doing it....well it can make a huge difference to how we cope with the storms that we face in life.

OK, I am not real good at disciplining myself to walk, and have to really push myself to do it. And sometimes it is even hard to leave this bedroom. Anyway I am not a beginner walker, as I have stuck to sort of a plan before. So I know that it does make me feel somewhat better. But I only stayed on the plan for a couple of months, then gave up.....for whatever reason. So here I am again wanting desperately to not fail this time.

So I guess this thread is for anyone that does walk, anyone that is struggling to walk because of depression or anxiety issues. And anyone else really......

I am unsure of the outcome of all this. But my ideas included: Sharing about things we have found out about exercise especially about walking. Writing down the reasons that one would chose to walk ( like something to help motivate). Being accountable in same way. Sharing about the places where we actually do walk, like the beach, gym, around the block, with the dog, out to the clothesline and back. And any other useful tips that could help others. So here we go......

Guest_1055 · ‎06-07-2023

Walked again on the breakwall today. Noticed some more black dolphins in the port. Felt the invigorating chill in the air on my face.

Doolhof · ‎06-07-2023

Hi Shell and all,

Congratulations for going out to walk. I stayed inside today, had no energy or enthusiasm for a walk. I've not seen black dolphins, have seen a few bottle nosed dolphins while out on boats and close to shore near to where I grew up as a child.

Hey Shell, maybe just accept whom ever yo are right now and if you want to make some changes to how you feel about yourself consider what those changes might be and how you could go about it.

To me anger and frustration help me acknowledge that something is not right. Problem is I don't always know what is not working and why.

I'm going to try for a walk tomorrow!

Guest_1055 · ‎08-07-2023

Hey Mrs D, I have read your post several times, not much is registering. But hoping that writing is helping you.

I have been walking over the last couple of days. Long walks out near the ocean and around here

Doolhof · ‎09-07-2023

Hi Shell, Eagle Ray and all,

It is wonderful you are enjoying some long walks Shell. I'm not going to head off this morning and will be out all day, by the time I get home it will be dark.

Yesterday I went for a walk, it was drizzling when I set off and windy. I found a semi sheltered place near a gum tree, I piled up some reasonably dry bark, sat down and had a good cry with the wind howling around me.

Back on the road again, I saw a brilliant rainbow and took a photo. Then the rains came down really heavy. My semi waterproof jacket was dripping with water. Thankfully my woollen jumper underneath kept me dry and a little warm. Everything went in the washing machine when I arrived home to be spun out an hung up to dry.

It was good to get out in the weather to try to clear my thoughts.

Eagle Ray · ‎09-07-2023

Hello Shell, Dools and All,

I hope you are both benefiting from your walks as you process things. It sounds like you are both working through a lot. Dools, sometimes I like being out in those heavy falls. It’s like totally cleansing somehow. But glad the woollen jumper kept you a bit warm too.

I felt quite weak and tired this afternoon but still made myself go out late afternoon for fresh air and exercise. I walked in nearby woodland. There was a pungent, earthy smell, possibly from the decomposing leaves on the track. I noticed some creamy wattle flowers have come out. The light, partly filtered by clouds, was lovely. The clouds turned a peachy colour as I was heading home. Little wrens and fantails were darting about. I didn’t have to rug up as much as it’s quite a bit warmer.

Eagle Ray · ‎11-07-2023

Hi All,

Today I’m on a walk by the river. I’m currently sheltering under a tree that’s doing a good job of keeping me dry. I can see the rain sweeping across the river. The sun keeps coming out and then it’s cloudy again, so there are some sun showers too. There is a bench here to sit on that’s stayed dry under the tree.

On the way along the river I saw a white-faced heron and an egret wading and feeding along the water’s edge. The egret picked up something and swallowed it. I patted a border collie along the way too who looked quite elderly and chatted to the owner.

Although there’s a breeze it’s not cold, a nice change from last week. I only need a light jumper. The sun feels warm and medicinal. Kids are fishing further up on the jetty. The water is lapping the shore gently which is a lovely sound. This is such a calming spot for me.

Wishing everyone a lovely, peaceful day.

Guest_1055 · ‎12-07-2023

Still not much is registering when I read. But the beauty was there, and that registered with me. So thankyou Mrs D and Eagle Ray

I have been walking still ,long walks. Saw many dogs, sausage dogs are so cute. Felt the fresh invigorating air on my face. Felt the spongey grass as I walked across the rec area. Heard the birds chirping away in the trees whilst walking in the park. Heard a duck which sounded like it was happy. Saw the orangey low sky at sunset several times, smelt the aromas of people's dinners cooking. Saw the pretty pink feathers in the galah or cocotoo. Not sure what bird. A summary of a collection of different walks

Also been walking barefoot in the grass at my place.

Eagle Ray · ‎12-07-2023

Dear Shell, Dools and Everyone,

Shell, I loved reading the descriptions of all the things you sensed and felt on your walks. I especially liked the sound of the happy duck 🦆🙂 Loved hearing about the cute sausage dog too 🐶💗 Another thing I noticed on my walk by the river yesterday was the sound of frogs. They have this sound that’s really comical as it sounds like a baddie in a movie or tv show plotting something mischievous. I can never see these frogs because they are so good at hiding, even when doing their humorous croaking right under my nose.

Today I walked by the ocean. I saw a few surfers in the surf break that occasionally develops here. It never gets very big and only occurs when certain winds are prevailing. I walked down to a rock right next to the water I like to sit on. Gulls, terns and cormorants intermittently flew past. I didn’t have my camera but enjoyed watching them and their flight patterns. The terns are particularly swift and can change direction rapidly. All birds were having to make effort flying into the wind.

Shell, I hope you are doing ok and understand about it being hard to register what you are reading. It’s good you are able to enjoy things through your senses on your walks. I think that can be very healing when it’s hard to register things in other ways. Take care.

Speaking of happy ducks I just remembered one I saw today who flew across the road and landed in a nearby puddle from recent rain to have a splash and a drink.

Doolhof · ‎13-07-2023

Hello Shell, Eagle Ray and to all reading,

It is lovely to be encouraged by your walks and to imagine the things you are seeing and smelling.

This week we have experienced a burst of sunshine during the days. This morning we had a frost, I took some photos of frozen leaves, they looked impressive even though they were a little blurry due to the close up attempts with my phone. It was chilly out walking. On my way back the sun was a little higher and I felt warmer, plus I had the wind behind me for the return journey.

The paddocks are a vibrant green with new crops growing and grass in other areas. It was lovely to watch the lambs frolicking and I saw some kangaroos and a hare. The magpies seems to be congregating togheter and were having quite a sing a long. I saw a scarlet robin, at least that is what I think it was from a distance. It was beautiful and I thought of you Eagle Ray and your camera.

This afternoon I took my yoga mat into the garden and had a lay down with my back to the sun, it was glorious.

It has been a quiet day, just what my mind needed.

Eagle Ray · ‎13-07-2023

Hi Dools, Shell and All,

Your day sounds lovely Dools. Soaking up the sun is so relaxing. I like it when the magpies come together like that and have a singalong. It’s gorgeous seeing frolicking lambs 🥰 It’s so nice to hear about all the things you saw during your day.

I did not go for a nature walk today but I did visit a nearby town and walked about as I did errands. I noticed the busyness in the main street which is much busier than my town. People were chatting, reading newspapers and working on their laptops in a cafe I visited. A family were sitting in a square between two shopping areas and had a very cute baby. In this town you can feel like you’re in the city, but you can be out amongst paddocks in a few minutes.

On the way there I noticed some lambs getting bigger now. I also noticed a couple of black calves running around energetically in a paddock. Another paddock was full of ibis grazing, and another had a big puddle with a duck in it.

I chatted to the friendly woman at the place where I bought my fruit and veg. I got well stocked up with other groceries at the supermarket. I got other errands done too and it felt like a successful day.