“If you are in
a bad mood,
go for a walk.
If you are still
in a bad mood,
go for another walk.”
~ Hippocrates

It’s no secret that walking is good for us. The health benefits of engaging in a regular walking routine have been well-documented:
• Effective weight management 
• Increased metabolism 
• Improved heart health 
• Enhanced self-image 
• Toned muscles 
• Increased energy level 
• Stronger bones & joints 
• Reduced stress 
• Strengthened immune system 
• Lower risk of high blood pressure.
There is no doubt that intentionally scheduling walking time into our days can be beneficial to us.

Walking has other benefits, as well. One, in particular, is that walking offers us the opportunity to consciously focus on the people, experiences, and opportunities in our life for which we are grateful. For this reason, I like to think of the walks I take as gratitude walks.

I often pop-in my air pods and listen to music on Pandora while I walk. Occasionally, rather than reminiscing about the memories associated with the songs I hear, I choose to avoid that distraction and allow myself to be totally focused on the present moment. These can be moments of absolute grace. Engaging in this practice allows me to focus more attentively on all the things in my life for which I am grateful.

One of my favorite places to walk is Saratoga Creek Park in West San José. Located along the east side of the sound wall of Lawrence Expressway, between Doyle Road and Graves Avenue, the paved path provides a safe and serene environment for both pedestrians and cyclists. Along the path, there are stretches of open grass, a variety of trees, a dozen or so picnic tables, and a few benches. Clean rest rooms are available for park users. I usually spend about 45 minutes to an hour walking at this park. My step-count is normally about 5,000 for each visit.

In the event of rain, I like to walk in the Westfield Valley Fair Mall on Stevens Creek Boulevard. The large, two-level mall provides a safe, comfortable environment for indoor walking. There, I usually walk about 5,000 to 7,000 steps per visit. The greatest challenge of walking at the mall is the plethora of eating establishments — Shake Shack, California Pizza Kitchen, Coldstone Creamery, Onigilly Japanese Kitchen, Panda Express, and Pizza My Heart, just to name a few. The most tempting, however, is Cinnabon. The pleasant aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls is a constant temptation.

About once each month, I take the train from Santa Clara to San Francisco to enjoy a day of walking in The City. The step-count for these excursions can range from 18,000 to as many as 32,000. On these days, I convince myself that I’ve earned a treat or two along the way. It might be a pastry at Caffe Trieste in North Beach, a soft serve ice cream cone from Gott’s in the Ferry Building, or a burger and beer at Frankie’s Restaurant at South Beach Harbor. 

All of these walking options provide opportunities for me to meet people, especially my walks in The City. Whether I’m at Ghirardelli Square, walking along Fisherman’s Wharf, passing by Pier 39, or enjoying my soft serve ice cream overlooking San Francisco Bay behind the Ferry Building, I most often find myself engaged in conversations with visitors to The City from around the world. The experience energizes me. 

Hippocrates was right about walking having the potential to improve one’s mood. I always feel better about myself, my life, and the world after a good brisk walk.