On Habits — Walking

My favorite and most beneficial habit formed over the last decade was … walking.

Having a dog helps to build this habit. It also helps when you live on the fifth floor of an apartment building in Denver. Many mornings, Jefferson — the beagle — and I would extend the simple act of doing his business to a stroll around Union Station before heading back in and getting ready for work.

By eleven, Jefferson was calling for a walk. And to close out the day, whether he came to the office with me or stayed home, a pre-dinner walk was made to order.

Thomas Jefferson once dedicated a good portion of a letter to the topic of exercise — specifically, walking.

The object of walking is to relax the mind. You should therefore not permit yourself even to think while you walk. But divert your attention by the objects surrounding you. Walking is the best possible exercise. Habituate yourself to walk very far. (Jefferson to Carr, Aug. 19, 1785)

Yes, my dog Jefferson is named for the aforementioned author of the Declaration of Independence.

Jefferson — the beagle — and I will do some epic walks — especially on the weekend. But, we average 45 minutes per outing. We averaged 4.3 miles per day in 2019.

Most the time I’m listening to podcasts or audiobooks. Sorry, Thomas. The body is activated. The mind is simultaneously calmed and engaged. Wellbeing grows.

This is what Mr. Jefferson was telling us to strive for while walking — pursuit of wellbeing, err happiness.

We’ll keep walking in 2020. Our goal: 50% increase in miles walked per day.

See you out there.