I deliberately chose a parking space closer to the road rather than the entrance as I pulled into the Wal-Mart Parking area. I sucked in my stomach while walking briskly around vehicles in line waiting for a close spot to open. Like the seagulls waiting for a crumb to drop, the drivers surveyed the lot watching for reverse lights to light up or shopping carts to be emptied into car trunks. Other cars circled like buzzards looking for the closes parking spot. They were oblivious to the fact that I had found it.
I have observed people in many parking lots, as their face becomes crimson with frustration and their gas tanks slowly drained as they kept driving in circles to get close to the front entry of a store. It was easy to see their tension was building as they became exasperated by others practicing the identical rituals. One would imagine they were in search of the Holy Grail instead of the closes parking spot. How could this possibly be healthy?
I personally consider my shopping trips as opportunities to exercise. I make the most of these excursions as I walk with my back straight, my head held high, and my self-esteem positively beaming from my very spirit energy. I know that my shopping trips are happier because I am spared the unpleasant mood that parking spot shopping has put me. Instead, my experience is one of accomplishing something positive which is conducive to healthy grocery shopping as well.
The mood and genre of the person who tried to achieve the ultimate parking spot reflects outwardly later, as they exit the store to unload their groceries. An enormous number of people still feel resentful for the difficulties they had in obtaining their coveted spot. I have observed their behaviors as they saw the fresh horde of parking spot seekers circling around them. Sadly, several will give resentful looks and take their time unloading groceries, starting their car or even backing out.
Another astonishing fact is how many people are overweight and yet still choose an unhealthy lifestyle. Many of these individuals are the people in the cars circling the parking lot looking for the closes parking spot. The fact is it is healthier for you to take an extended brisk walk to the entrance than to drive around for a half hour aggravated. Not only will you burn a few calories, tighten a few muscles, and improve your cardiovascular health in addition, you will improve your mood. You are now the one walking around the cars of irritated motorists searching for the nearest spot.
To my opinion, the only explanation to search for a close parking spot is if you are injured, handicapped, or it is dangerous weather conducive to injury. You are not only cheating the ones requiring such a space but you are cheating yourself as well. The chance to stretch your legs and breathe in fresh air should be appreciated instead of shunned as if it was a punishment. While you are there, check into purchasing a fresh meal of salmon and asparagus tips to replace one of your normal meals.
While it is healthy to exercise the body, it is also healthy to exercise your spirit. Walking is much better than building up a negative mind-set and energy by attempting to find a parking spot! It is advantageous to keep our spirit healthy as well as our bodies by exercising its abilities to generate good energy. We are to be concerned enough to make ourselves examples to other spirits. What better way then to leave the nearest spots to those needing them while we walk, smile, and project happy energy to all we meet. Also, think about this if you are going to buy diet pills, adding those extra steps will burn additional calories.
Today I invite you to exercise your mind, body, and spirit. Set examples, make it a routine, and beyond all become healthy spiritually as well as physically.
There's no easy way out. If there were, I would have bought it. And believe me, it would be one of my favorite things!
Oprah Winfrey (1954 - ), O Magazine, February 2005 (Exercise)
Exercise alone provides psychological and physical benefits. However, if you also adopt a strategy that engages your mind while you exercise, you can get a whole host of psychological benefits fairly quickly.
James Rippe, M.D.
