Chris on 
Greetings Citizens of Wausau!
I think we’re far too stagnant of a community. For such a city full of so many warm and vibrant personalities, it’s a shame that we wait until summer concerts to get outside and feel vital and connected to each other. It’s also a shame that so many of us are overweight and out of shape and seem unwilling to make basic changes in our lives to rid ourselves of the old, harmful patterns.
That’s why I propose a summer activity challenge for the good folks of the Wausau area. Every week, I’ll offer you a new suggestion of a way to get outside and get moving this summer. I’m not asking you to train for a marathon — I’m asking you to consider the freedom you’ll feel when you disconnect from the TV and reconnect with real life, a life where you don’t live in a virtual body, but instead live in a body you’ll need to nurture and take care of for the rest of your life.
My husband and I changed our basic assumptions about life after the New Year, though we really weren’t thinking of it as a resolution. We decided that we didn’t want our children (now 2 years old and 6 months old) to remember having fat parents. We started eating balanced, healthy meals and working out at least three times a week at the YMCA. Within three months, we had each lost 40 pounds. We still have many, many more pounds to go, but by cranking up our activity levels, incorporating movement and wellness into our daily lives is no longer a chore or a strain; it’s a joy, pure and simple.
Instead of parking in front of the TV every night, we spend an hour outside working in our garden or walking to the park to run around the playground with our son. Combined with a new healthy eating lifestyle, the weight keeps dropping off. With each pound lost, we’re gaining more energy and more stamina to lose the next pound.
My challenge to all of you for this week: Take 30 minutes or an hour and and go to Marathon Park. That place is crawling with paved trails through the towering pine trees, offering shade from a hot sun and a piece of wilderness in the middle of town. Try and work your way around all of the paths, stopping, if you must, to swing or take a ride on the carousel at Marathon Junction. Breathe deeply and keep up a brisk pace, and for goodness sakes, smile when you meet someone along the path.
Extra credit if you bring along a small garbage bag and pick up the litter left by thoughtless neighbors.
Who’s going to join me?
That is great Cheryl. I am excited to see what you come up with.
Today I spent the majority of my day outside. So that is some thrilling time. Even if you are just in your yard, it is neet to do it. The fresh air, somehow makes me sleep better.
Cheryl – Despite the wind today, I made the walk from my place downtown to Marathon Park and walked the circuit. Thanks for the inspiration! – jc
I haven’t walked the park yet, but instead of getting a ride to work and back… I’ve been walking. It takes me about 30 minutes but it is nice to be out in fresh air longer than I have been over the last couple of months.
I might not do the Marathon Park walk but thanks for proposing the idea.
Today El Hershbo and I went to this water fowl place, and walked the 2.5 mile lap.
I think this sort of gets at the easy things, the simple things.
We breath in and out, and with awareness, that breath can drive our choices.
I am feeling very ayurvedic tonight