When Walking Becomes More Than Exercise

By News Desk
7 Min Read

by Engineer Bakht Said Yousafzai – Pen of Truth

Returning Home: The Streets That Speak to the Soul

Every person experiences moments in life that may seem ordinary on the surface, yet stir profound thoughts within the mind and heart. Often, these moments are subtle, hidden in quiet conversations or fleeting glances, that awaken a world of questions inside us. I recently encountered such a moment—sparked by a simple exchange during one of my early morning walking routines—while visiting Pakistan, my homeland, during my annual vacation.

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Whenever life’s hectic pace allows a brief pause, I make it a point to return to Pakistan. The earthy fragrance of the soil, the fresh morning air, the bustling streets, and the warmth of the people bring a sense of peace that no medicine, book, or scenic view can provide. The cool mornings in the village, the freshness blended with the call to prayer, and the fog-draped streets, these experiences calm the inner chaos of the mind. Perhaps that is why, whenever I am there, I feel compelled to fully immerse myself in every morning.

Walking for the Body, Nourishment for the Soul

It has been my long-standing habit to go for a walk immediately after the Fajr prayer. Over the years, this habit has evolved into an essential part of my life, rather than a mere routine. For me, walking is not just about physical fitness, it is a source of spiritual peace. When the early morning silence touches the skin, and the sound of footsteps echoes through deserted streets, one feels a profound closeness to the Creator. These are the moments when the mind is clear, and the heart feels pure.

On that particular morning, I stepped out for my usual walk. The air was crisp, the trees along the roadside exuded a fresh aroma, and birds welcomed the day with their first flight and song. The street was quiet, yet an extraordinary calm pervaded my heart. I walked further, my pace gradually increasing, and my thoughts flowing freely, carrying me to a different realm of reflection. Perhaps this is when one truly converses with oneself. That’s the quiet magic of walking—it opens a space where thoughts breathe freely.

A Stranger’s Question That Changed My Morning

On my way back, an unexpected but memorable incident occurred. A man I did not know, stopped his motorcycle near me. He appeared to be an ordinary villager, yet his face expressed genuine curiosity, as if a question long held within had finally found its opportunity.

He greeted me politely and said, “May I ask you something?”
Smiling, I replied, “Of course, please go ahead.”
He asked, “You walk here every morning, are you sick, or did a doctor advise you to do this?”

For a moment, I remained silent. His question was simple, yet it reflected the mindset of many. I smiled inwardly, realizing that perhaps he was astonished that someone healthy would take early morning walks without any medical need.

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Stories and Laughter That Reflect Life

At that moment, I recalled a conversation with my friend Adeel, who lives in the UK and hails from Mirpur, Azad Kashmir. Adeel is a cheerful and witty individual. One day, while we were sitting outside, chatting, he shared a humorous yet insightful story.

He said, “In our village, a man returned from the UK. He was around sixty years old, yet remarkably fit. Every morning, he would walk, sometimes run, and always exercise. One day, he went for his usual early morning run after Fajr. The villagers were shocked, some thought he had a heart attack, someone called an ambulance, and others brought water, all wondering why he was running!”

I laughed and asked, “What happened then?”
Adeel chuckled and said, “When they realized he was just exercising and, they remarked, ‘Look at him, he’s brought Western habits to the village!’”

We both laughed heartily that day. Yet, today, when the stranger asked me, “Are you sick?” I couldn’t help but recall Adeel’s story, and along with laughter, a thought struck me deeply.

Rethinking Habits and Judgments

I asked myself, why are we so interested in other people’s habits? Why do we feel the need to justify every action someone takes? Why is it difficult to accept that someone may simply be walking for health, joy, or spiritual closeness to their Creator?

Globally, walking, exercising, and maintaining physical fitness are now widely recognized as essential parts of life. People of all ages view movement as a symbol of vitality. Yet, in our society, many still regard early morning walking as a sign of illness or a pastime for idle individuals. The truth is, moving our bodies, strengthening our hearts, and calming our minds, is the responsibility of every human being.

Health, Spirituality, and the Quiet Power of Action

Taking care of one’s health is not just a worldly necessity; it is also a spiritual responsibility. A strong, healthy body ensures continuity in worship and good deeds. The body, in fact, is a trust, and safeguarding it is essential.

Since that day, every time I step out for my morning walk, the memory of that encounter refreshes in my mind. I realize that even a small question can spark profound reflection, guiding thoughts toward deeper understanding. In those moments, walking becomes more than movement—it becomes meaning.

The true beauty of life lies in people asking questions and offering opinions, while we continue silently on our chosen path. In the end, it is not those who watch who make a difference; it is those who act. Perhaps this is the essence of life: while people talk, we respond through our actions.