A Walking Life

Synopsis

Have you heard? Sitting is the new smoking. We're sitting longer than we ever have before: adults average nine hours of sitting a day, while children spend almost as much time sitting in front of a screen and in school. Driven by a combination of a car-centric culture and an insatiable thirst for productivity and efficiency, we have been designing walking out of our lives for nearly a hundred years--and there's an ever-growing concern and national conversation about our increasingly sedentary lifestyles. But here's the quandary--and it's a big one: If bipedal walking is truly what makes our species human, as paleoanthropologists claim, what does it mean that we no longer walk as much as we used to-that we are designing walking right out of our lives? Delving into a wealth of science, history, and anecdote--from our deepest origins as hominims to our first steps as babies, to universal design and social capital, to walking as protest (from medieval England to Black Lives Matter), to our very concepts of self and community, A Walking Life shows exactly how walking is essential--to how we think, how we grow, how we socialize, how we move, and how deeply reliant our brains and bodies are on this simple pedestrian act.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Practice

* Summary: This chapter introduces the concept of "walking as a transformative practice." It argues that walking can be a means to connect with the body, mind, and environment, and promote well-being.
* Real Example: The author recalls a walk in nature that left her feeling "grounded, connected, and alive."

Chapter 2: The Journey

* Summary: This chapter explores the different ways walking can facilitate personal growth and transformation. It discusses how walking can be a metaphor for life's journeys and can provide insights into our challenges and strengths.
* Real Example: The author describes a pilgrimage walk she took in Spain, which taught her about perseverance, self-reliance, and the power of community.

Chapter 3: The Landscape

* Summary: This chapter emphasizes the importance of the environment in walking experiences. It discusses how different landscapes can evoke emotions, challenge beliefs, and inspire creativity.
* Real Example: The author compares walking in a bustling city versus a serene forest, highlighting the contrasting ways these environments influenced her thoughts and feelings.

Chapter 4: The Body

* Summary: This chapter focuses on the physical benefits of walking and explores how it can enhance our health and well-being. It discusses the importance of listening to our bodies and respecting our limits.
* Real Example: The author shares her experience recovering from an injury and how walking helped her regain her strength and confidence.

Chapter 5: The Mind

* Summary: This chapter examines the cognitive and psychological benefits of walking. It discusses how walking can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost creativity.
* Real Example: The author describes how walking became a form of meditation for her, helping her process emotions and gain clarity.

Chapter 6: The Spirit

* Summary: This chapter explores the spiritual aspects of walking. It discusses how walking can connect us with a sense of purpose, meaning, and the divine.
* Real Example: The author recounts a transformative walk on a sacred mountain, which left her feeling "deeply connected" and "in awe of the mystery of life."

Chapter 7: The Community

* Summary: This chapter emphasizes the social aspect of walking. It discusses how walking can foster connections, promote inclusivity, and create a sense of belonging.
* Real Example: The author describes joining a walking group, which provided her with companionship, support, and a shared sense of purpose.

Chapter 8: The Legacy

* Summary: This chapter concludes the book by reflecting on the lasting impact of walking. It discusses how walking can shape our values, beliefs, and the way we engage with the world.
* Real Example: The author shares a story about her grandmother, who walked every day until her final days, inspiring her family and leaving a legacy of health and vitality.