The Simple Joy of Morning Walks
My 25-year old self would probably laugh at me when I say that one of my main form of exercise nowadays is plain old morning walks. I've always had an impression that only old people does it. Not only because it requires so little effort but also it's practically boring. It's so far from the bench presses, squats, and deadlifts that I was so into. There's nothing to show for it!
A great way to jumpstart the day
I only started doing it early this year and quickly became a crucial part of
my day. Every morning, at around 7 am, I would get up, get out, and have a 45-minute stroll around the block. No music or podcast to listen to. Just walking.
These morning walks serves as the official start of my day. Before being pulled away by daily commitments and responsibilities, I make sure that it's the first thing that I do. It feels satisfying knowing that however the day turns out, I know that I already accomplished something. There's no intricate goal to reach, no personal best to beat. There's no competition. Being done is enough. It's just me putting one foot forward from the other, trying to walk mindfully as I watch cars pile up as people go about their business of the day.
A form of mindfulness practice
As a software engineer, I spend most of my day on a computer. Aside from the screentime spent on work, a considerable amount of time is spent staring at my smartphone as well. These morning walks gives me the pockets of time to get away from these devices, be fully present in my environment and just experience life in a much slower and deliberate phase. It's like a daily reset for me, a sort of windshield wiper for the mind. I try not to think about what had happened in the past and not daydream about the future.
"Build pockets of stillness into your life"
- Maria Popova
It is somewhat ironic that being in such motion can give somebody a feeling of stillness. But that's exactly what it feels like for me. A chance to clear my mind, and a strong reminder to be grateful for the ability to walk on my own strength.