Squeezing exercise into a busy schedule is a hard thing to do. I know I’ve avoided it for months. But it’s so important. Finally I decided to take action. I started walking morning and evening. Nothing fancy, no gym bag, no plan, just walk out my front door and explore my neighborhood. Easy. Heading out twice a day, I soon got bored with the same route so I varied my route. My neighborhood began to open up to me. I wandered down streets I’d only driven by for years.
The Amish are connected to their land through hard work and community. They know the features of the world around them intimately. In my neighborhood I was just driving through. I didn’t pay any attention to my surroundings. However, walking the streets where I live, I discovered all kinds of treasures I didn’t know existed.
One day I ventured up some steep hills. I turned the corner and saw a vineyard! Rows of vines turning yellow in the sun. The hill glowed. Right in my own neighborhood! It put a smile on my face. What a surprise.
On another walk I went through a churchyard I’d driven by many times. They have beautiful landscaping, and I wanted to walk through and enjoy it. Hidden in plain view in the middle of their grounds was a labyrinth. I never knew that! I walked through the maze, the twists and turns of the path easing my mind and calming my thoughts. Now I make this a destination on my walk at least once a week.
My point in all this? I was trying to squeeze exercise into my day. Instead I discovered my neighborhood in a whole new way. A vineyard! A labyrinth! I never knew. Walking in my own neighborhood has opened my eyes to what’s right under my nose. Wherever you live, features of the land are lost if you just drive by. Walking is a way to get up close and personal with your surroundings. And what a bonus to get fit while you wander. Tie on your tennies, and see what’s down the street from your house. It might surprise you. In fact here’s a link to a worldwide labyrinth finder. Maybe there is one in your neighborhood
Lisa Bogart. Lisa is a movie-loving, book-reading, sweater-knitting, cookie-baking, world-traveling woman. She is also the author of Knit With Love, Stories to Warm a Knitters Heart. She won the Guideposts Writers Workshop in 2010. These days Lisa works part time at Piedmont Yarn in Oakland, CA. And she loves nothing better than writing all morning, knitting all afternoon, and watching a movie with hubby in the evening. You can find Lisa online at LisaBogart.com.
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I loved the labyrinth link. Thank you so much. I’ve included your button on my blog. What a blessing.
Marie
I was surprised to find many labyrinths close to my house. I’ve been driving to a few new ones. Hope you find one near you.
I love your positive take on exercise, Lisa! It’s so encouraging.
It is something that I have done this past year as well!