It’s a favorite holiday of ours: Martin Luther King day. We celebrate the strength he brought to the civil rights movement, and the charge toward diversity. Isn’t’ that what health is all about? Diversity – variety, accepting many different forms, keeping it interesting (after all, familiarity breeds contempt ass they say), being opening minded, being full of wonder and hope.
We also celebrate the most iconic speech and words in history: “I Have a Dream.”
Today, great pundits, poets, and politicians will expound on the wonders and depth of King’s legacy. For a marvelous spotlight on one such poet and a PATH participant, however, take a look at what sculptor Chris Sharp, a teacher at Burlington High School, has done in honor of Dr. King. He is featured in today’s Washington Post (photos taken by our resident photographer Karen Pike). He had a dream to spread King’s image to schools across America and took on a project that literally involved an amazing gesture of courage.
Since we’re in the health business, we’ll narrow our look at King’s message down to one quick thought… We have a dream that all people will find it second nature to be healthy and strong in their everyday lives.
Taking one step toward that dream today, we’re hoping you’ll contemplate King’s words while enjoying the great outdoors, or (since it’s 8 below where we live) at the very least, think about the concept of civility while you exercise.
To dive right in consider these ideas:
Take a walk to see a sculpture, speaker, or movie about civil rights. Walk to the library and then read something new and different about civility and non-violent activism. Then, as you walk home, think about what you’ll do next to help keep your village healthy and strong in its message of compassion.
If you can’t get to an event, library, or destination to immerse yourself, reading about Chris Sharp or other stories in today’s news about MLK, and then maybe take a walk or get on a machine and think about what you would do to bring peace to the valley, dreaming big. Imagine you have unlimited resources! What a world it would be, no?
Other ways to be active with what’s left of a gorgeous day today:
- Cross Country Ski (it’s not so cold when you’re working so hard!)
- Snowshoe
- Ice skate – check with a local indoor rink for open skate times. Some schools have free outdoor rinks too.
- Hike
- Bike (if you’re not in the Northeast! Although maybe there are some winter mountain biking events? Could be fun.)
- Walk
- Run
- Mall walk
To subvert any bad weather, you could buy a day pass at a health club and try tennis, swimming, racquetball, track walking, or even a pick-up game of any sport they have open. Most clubs are no more than $10 for the day. Here are some options some clubs may have available:
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Pickleball
- Volleyball
- Walleyball
- Water polo
- Water Volleyball
And the list goes on. Call around to see what nets or open tournaments they might have going.
Oh, and how about some rock climbing for our friends who are about to start the Trek the Himalayas Adventure? Indoor rock walls are a big hit. Google gyms in your area to check to see if they offer beginner help.
Whatever you choose, try choosing a buddy to tag along. Whether your thoughtful, active afternoon is easy or hard (when it comes to the exercise part), having a buddy to share it with can make the whole experience richer.
Alone or paired up, savor the moments that you enjoy so you’ll be able to look back with glee, and look forward to next year’s exciting and active MLK day!
Let us know what you think about and what you end up doing!
Happy, healthy, active dreaming to you all.