that movement is both external and internal. Move the body and you move the spirit. Often, people find that the physical act of walking mirrors the internal movement that accompanies healing. Walking wakes up the profound healing powers of the human spirit and carries it into each cell, literally, with chemicals that change the way you feel. When the spirits droop and footsteps falter, the physical steps of a neighbourhood stroll can offer an antidote to despair. Each step launches a chain reaction of healing that's both physical and mental. But each step requires an act of faith when often the first step is the hardest. The first step declares your intention to heal. With each walk, you begin to move ahead in a life that has been shaken. Taking control of something as basic as a walk may seem insignificant when you are facing an enormous personal challenge, but research suggests that even small acts of control can help you recover from the feeling of hopelessness that often accompanies trauma. Sustained helplessness upsets the body's endocrine system by suppressing immune functions and elevating production of stress hormones. The ability to find even a small area of control triggers healing, both in the spirit and in the chemicals that regulate the body.
walking enjoyable. If you don't enjoy solitary walks, ask a friend or neighbour to join you. If you're invigorated by groups, join a health club. Vary your routine. If you're walking alone, be sure to tell someone which route you're taking.
Take missed days in stride
If you find yourself skipping your daily walks, don't give up. Remind yourself how good you feel when you include physical activity in your daily routine – and then get back on track.
Choose a safe place to walk
If you walk at dawn, dusk, or night, wear a reflective vest or brightly-coloured clothing. Walk in a group when possible. Do not wear jewellery and preferably not headphones and be aware of your surroundings.
Set goals & reward yourself
The more you walk, the better you will feel. The faster, the further and more frequently you walk, the greater the benefits. Other options to build physical activity built into a daily lifestyle plan is to take the stairs instead of the lift, get off public transport one stop earlier and walk to work or home, or do housework like vacuuming, walk to the local shops instead of driving and walk the dog with glee.?O
Initiative & commitment
Starting a walking program takes initiative. Sticking with it takes commitment. So, stay motivated by making your
WALKING CAPE TOWN: Urban Walks & Drives in the Cape Peninsula John Muir
Random Struik • 978 1 9205 7294 5
This book is based on the places you will see and experience when you explore Cape Town on foot or during a road tour, and explains how they fit into the tapestry of Cape Town’s history. It is important that we all attempt to conserve and retain the old buildings, and are able to continue to enjoy the scenic vistas and traditions of the Cape. The chapters start with a series of urban walks and then proceed to places that need transport to access. In some cases, a combination of walking and driving will provide the best experience. Distance and degree of physical effort as well as facilities available along the route are included in each chapter. Street names and the names of buildings change with time and wherever possible street numbers have been supplied. Detailed illustrated maps have been provided, showing the main landmarks discussed in the text as well as public transport facilities, where these exist. Start and finish points are clearly marked on each map.
?
3
ODYSSEY?167
•?
DIGIMAG
We have 3 copies of Walking Cape Town to give away. Email here with your name and postal address by 25 September 2013 to stand a chance to win.