Year of the Rabbit
Happy Chinese New Year! may we all have a prosperous, healthy and happy year ahead! the Chinese New Year is a time for family gatherings and celebrations. it is also a time to reflect on the past year and set goals for the new one. to ensure a good year ahead means taking the necessary steps to improve our wellbeing. walking is good for our health in many ways. it helps with achieving and maintaining our goal weight, lowering blood pressure, and improving our mental and emotional capacity. walking also gets us out in nature, which has its own health benefits.
Marin County, Okinawa, and Sardinia, are so called "blue zones," where people are said to live longer and healthier lives. the exact reasons for this are not always clear, but it is thought to be due to a combination of factors, including diet, lifestyle, and environment. one thing we know is that people in these zones walk a lot. as we age, telomeres, structures that protect our DNA, become shorter, like a candle when it burns down. a brisk paced walk is said to help extend the lifespan of telomeres (shorter telomeres are linked to age-related illnesses such as cancer). furthermore, the benefits are linked to the intensity of the activity, rather than the total number of steps or walking duration. walking is one of the most evidence-backed strategies to improve longevity.
it's easy to begin and see results. start with small moves by taking 5 - 10 minute walks three to six times a day. work up the intensity by climbing a hill or stairs, or with light ankle weights or carrying groceries. break up the day into quick, intense intervals done with others or in solitude. with gas prices and the economy being the way they are, we are making a shift toward walkable and local businesses. we order our groceries online and walk to pick them up, which also means very little waiting in lines. embrace the power of this practice and find the courage to take on any challenge that comes your way. take the steps to carve out a new path this year!
all are invited to join the next cohort of our movement meditation and study group, "The Fourfold Way: walking the path Warrior, Healer, Visionary and Teacher." register and sign up on our mobile app for free. join with this link. got the app? use the invite code: 6JAFHI.
we look forward to walking the paths with you!
