and music
October 26, 2010 (Tuesday)
I wrote blogs about walking in the park and on the beach. On Monday I walked where members of my family and I have walked many times–on Redwood Street, the street behind our house. A few weeks ago, I wrote about the beach walk: first, a mile with the wind in my face, then a mile back with the wind to my back. Yesterday it was the reverse of that, and there was a strong wind blowing. Believe me, it’s easier with the wind in your face the first mile and at your back the second mile. Much, much easier. But, all in all, bucking the wind the second mile is probably better for the circulatory system and the heart, because it takes a lot more effort.
I have a fourth alternative for my exercises, and that’s the use of exercise equipment here in the house. Wanda bought at least four devices to encourage me in exercise. None of them worked, because I didn’t use them. I guess I didn’t think it was necessary. Or I was just plain lazy. I didn’t have the incentive I have now. After my heart attack, and the rehab period that followed, I got in the swing of things and decided it would be nice to keep on living. These exercise machines take the place of those at Spohn hospital where I was introduced to similar equipment. Here at the house there’s a stationary bicycle, a rowing machine, a stepper and a glider. Ten minutes on each of them provides the prescribed 40 minutes.
I can’t say any of this is a lot of fun, so to brighten up the situation I listen to music. I have a little MP3 player that fits in my shirt pocket, with earphones for my listening pleasure, as I do these things. Now that part I do enjoy very much. There is something almost magical about music, isn’t there? Remember David’s harp and songs he played for Saul? Saul’s rage and depression got him down, but David’s music lifted his spirits. Music comes in many packages today. There seems to be no end to the types of music available for listening or playing; indeed, when it comes to music, there’s something for everyone. I know it surely does make walking and exercising easier for me.
One of the songs on my player that I love is by the Carpenters: “Sing, sing a song. Sing out loud. Sing out strong. Sing of good things, not bad. Sing of happy, not sad. Sing. Sing a song.” What beautiful music the Carpenters brought to us.