Healing After Loss

JANUARY 5

When we need these healing times, there is nothing better

than a good long walk. It is amazing how the rhythmic

movements of the feet and legs are so intimately attached to

cobweb cleaners in the brain.

—ANNE WILSON SCHAEF

Sometimes it’s the last thing in the world we feel like do-
ing—getting out and being physically active. Aside from
the effort it takes to get up and move, who cares whether
we keep our body in good working order anyway?
This is one of the times when thinking has to overcome
feeling. We know exercise is “good for us.” It’s hard to
continue to feel depressed when muscles are working vigor-
ously, when we are paying attention to covering ground or
swimming through water. As we release physical energy in
these rhythmic motions, part of the energy of grief rides
away, too. Part of the psychic value of such activity, I sus-
pect, is that we are witnessing our own competence, our
ability to move rhythmically, to be “in charge” of our bodies.
Our sense of self-confidence will spread. Maybe we won’t
be forever captive to grief after all. The physical invigoration
of exercise invigorates our spirits as well.

Sometimes when I am feeling down, I am my own worst enemy.
Let me be my friend.