Chapter 1: The Joy of Walking

Since returning home to Michigan, I have greatly missed our daily strolls along the beach. In response, I've begun taking afternoon walks each day. Initially, I engaged in this routine solely for the enjoyment of the sunshine and fresh air, but today I experienced a realization that I hadn't contemplated in quite some time.

Walking is an incredible phenomenon.

How does this process actually occur? I don’t consciously think about moving my left foot then my right; it feels more like I’m simply along for the journey. Have you ever experienced this sensation?

Do you think our thoughts—whether we’re aware of them or not—guide our movements? To gain insight, I researched the scientific explanation behind walking.

“Researchers illustrate that walking isn't simply a conscious action directed by the brain, nor is it merely a reflex response of the leg muscles, as was believed until the early 20th century. Instead, it is governed by a unique network of autonomic neurons. The brain primarily signals the initiation or cessation of motion, often in response to obstacles or the need for directional changes. Once movement begins, it’s the spinal cord neurons that autonomously facilitate basic walking.”

These insights were extracted from an intriguing article by Francis Lecompte in CNRS News:

It turns out, walking is akin to the heartbeat or the act of breathing.

Yet, doesn’t it feel miraculous when you actively focus on the act of moving? If you can take a moment to slow down and observe your environment, you might hear the melody of birds singing or a dog barking nearby.

Life unfolds like an extraordinary musical symphony, where all elements come together in perfect harmony.

While science offers one avenue to comprehend the mechanisms behind these events, I acknowledge that some regard science as the sole path to truth. I believe that alternative perspectives can be just as meaningful.

Next time you set out for a walk, consider the autonomic neurons managing everything on your behalf.

“Some neurons are quite short, measuring less than a millimeter, while others can be extremely long, reaching a meter or more! For instance, a motor neuron in the spinal cord that connects to a foot muscle can extend up to about one meter (three feet) in length.”

Chapter 2: Grateful for the Gift of Mobility

The human body is truly remarkable, and we often overlook many of its wonders. I am grateful for the ability to walk. In my life, there has only been one instance where I was unable to do so. I experienced deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which caused a painful blood clot in my leg. The pain made it impossible for me to walk. During that time, my husband pushed my wheelchair through the airport, often colliding with obstacles due to his inexperience. However, being in a wheelchair allowed us to skip the boarding line, highlighting that every situation can have its advantages.

Walking is a routine activity for many of us, something we often do without a second thought. With Thanksgiving tomorrow, I find myself particularly thankful for the ability to walk and for all the little miracles in my life that I frequently take for granted.