Walking might not cure everything but it sure does cure a lot.

Yes, it’s the step child of exercise enthusiasts. Most prefer running until that creates a problem and they can’t run anymore.

While some might go halfheartedly into walking, many convert to singing its praises.

The New York Times recently proclaimed: Whatever the problem, walking can solve it.

Walking has benefits far beyond the physical.

A charming piece by Andrew McCarthy put an extra spin on my enthusiasm for walking.

He says if you’re in a bad mood, go for a walk.

If you’re still in a bad mood, go for another walk.

That made me laugh.

Then, as I thought about it, I remembered times when I was so upset I thought I had smoke coming out of my ears.

I went for a long walk and either those feelings eased or I was too tired to care.

Many experts attest to the fact that walking not only nourishes the body but also soothes the mind while it burns off tension and makes our troubles recede into a more manageable perspective, according to the author.

He quotes Charles Dickens who proclaimed, “If I could not walk far and fast I think I should just explode and perish.”

That made me recall decades ago when I was in the ICU after a brain surgery procedure. I remember lying in the hospital bed longing to be able to pick up my shoulder bag and go for a walk. At the time I was fairly active in a lot of sports. Yet, what came to mind was a desire for simple walking.

Anyone who has had their ability to enjoy walking knows it’s far more than a simple physical activity.

Several well known personalities attest to how walking clears the mind and leads to new and fruitful thoughts.

McCarthy admits he often considered walking a waste of his time until he went to Spain with the main mission of walking the Camino.

“Instead of viewing walking as simply the slowest way to get somewhere I grew to see it not only as a means to an end but as and end in itself.”

I love the way he calls walking “spiritual communion.”

It certainly is that for me.

Every morning, regardless of weather, I start my day by walking. The distance isn’t great but anytime I can overcome any and all physical challenges to walk for a half-hour I say, “Thank you.”

I call it my gratitude walk and that’s exactly what it is. From the time I open the front door and take my first breathe of fresh air I say thank you.”

Sometimes when I’m cranky because so many things are going wrong I know I need the attitude adjustment I get with a gratitude walk.

That involves pushing aside thoughts of any problem I’m wrestling with and concentrating instead with saying “Thank you” to the God who has always cared about me. Then I go back in time and name some of the blessings I’ve experienced.

Of course that cures my crankiness.

Much of my walk also revolves in being aware of the beauty around me. Look around. You’ll find so much beauty. Look closely at what is growing. Note any new growth.

Keep your eyes open for treats from nature, I usually see one every day. Today it was a brave little bunny that made me smile. When I stopped to watch it, the bunny stopped near me and just stayed there, completely unafraid.

When I got close to home I stopped to listen to the concert going on in the big tree. I think the birds were having a party. How can I not feel good with a treat like that?

By being faithful to my morning walks I’m gaining physically and spiritually.

Sometimes early in the morning when I tired from not enough sleep or in a hurry to go somewhere I‘m tempted to skip my walk. But then I remember reading that walking reduces our risk of Alzheimer’s and other ailments.

When it comes to the benefits of walking, my friend Mark has the most incredible story to tell. He always had plenty of energy, even after a hot day of cutting lawns for his customers. But then he started feeling fatigued that didn’t go away. Just to be safe he went for a complete checkup.

According to his family doctor he needed to see a heart specialist right away. After plenty of tests the specialist delivered the bad news. He has a rare heart condition that can’t be fixed. Mark was ordered to stop cutting lawns and refrain from anything strenuous.

He made a trip to Singapore to see his brother, a leading heart surgeon.

While his brother agreed there was no surgical procedure that would make him, better, he countered Mark’s no exercise mandate, telling him to walk, walk. walk.

I couldn’t believe how far Mark walked every day.

That was six years ago and Mark is incredibly fit. All from walking, he claims.

After a doctor’s wife had lung surgery, the doctor put her on a schedule to walk, walk, walk. She also is singing the benefits of walking.

When I ask my physical therapist what I can do for back pain, he says walk as much as I can.

The wonders of simple walking should not be underestimated.

Contact Pattie Mihalik at newsgirl@comcast.net