The Power of the First Move and Beyond
Little steps well taken can be giant steps, but very often this is only discovered in hindsight. For example, a baby’s tentative first steps could mark the beginning of a lifelong journey, a literal and figurative walk of life, which could transform into a giant leap one day for the baby, or even for the whole of a community that he or she is part of, or even for the whole of mankind, as will be illustrated in one of the true stories elaborated on below.
Come to think of it, how amazing the power and symbolism behind the first steps taken by an individual or group of individuals are. The first step and the timing and execution of it are also important. Being hasty or unprepared will court hurt, trouble and disaster. Being conscientious, ready and timely will reap the best outcomes and maximum benefits.
When Neil Armstrong took a small step to alight from the lunar module at 10:56 p.m. on that day in July of 1969, it was a momentous event. As he stepped off the ladder and planted his foot on the moon’s powdery surface, he spoke his famous quote, “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.”
That step by Armstrong on to the lunar surface was the first time since mankind walked upon the earth that a human being has left it with the ambition to physically set foot on the moon—a celestial body other than his planet ship, the earth. Hence, that momentous and historical step was symbolic of “one small step for a man, but a giant leap for mankind.”
This was on July 20, 1969, when the American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin became the first humans ever to land on the moon via the lunar module.
Neil Armstrong’s step on the moon was the most watched first step ever, as an estimated audience of over 450 million people witnessed it and helped proclaim his step a “giant leap for mankind.” Not bad for an Eagle Scout who built his own model planes as a little boy and then grew up to be a test pilot for experimental aircraft before becoming an astronaut. His feats and example touched a major portion of mankind. Especially those who witnessed it. But more importantly, there is the figurative energy of that “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
Even though Armstrong was the first man to step upon and walk on the moon, he was not the only one. Soon after, and behind him, came Buzz Aldrin, who closely followed Armstrong onto the lunar surface. The third astronaut, Michael Collins, remained behind in lunar orbit.
Before we miss the point, and in the context of this article, it’s worth repeating the phrase “one small step for a man” as the operative words. I am minded to recall the wise advice of one of my bosses, a well-known and successful global leader of industry. He always reminded us to take one step at a time and not rush headlong into something. In his oft-repeated reprieve, he would counsel us to go “step by step!” or to do it at an appropriate pace and not in undue haste.
We are also reminded of the first and tentative steps of a child, an early lesson in life to be mindful of the first steps or of being mindful to take things one step at a time in order to avoid a fall or a misstep that could not only cause a bruised knee or, even more dangerously, a bruised ego or spirit, the effect of which could last a lifetime. Not just for the person who took the missed step, but possibly millions of others as a consequence of that person’s missteps, rash decisions, and actions.
The first step is therefore critical, and putting proper and considered thought into it is very important. Sprinters on the starting block put a lot of focus on the first step out or the jump off the starting block. A bad start not only costs the runner the race, but it also negates all of the training, exercise, and lifelong sacrifices made up until that single moment of the race. All become wasted efforts and of no useful consequence just because of an untimely move, a wrong step, or a bad start.
The chance for an ordinary person to repeat Armstrong and Aldrin’s feats is next to impossible. There can be only one first. They had the opportunity and did not blow that opportunity. As a result, their feat became such a powerful symbol for mankind, but it cannot be repeated as the first, for the first can only be done once.
Many songs have been inspired by the moon landing to commemorate that single step by a man that qualified as a giant leap for all of humanity. Some are a bit cynical and imply the questioning of the merit and propriety of that first step by mankind onto the moon or the need to do it in the first place.
The words of one of the songs are lyrical, poignant and reflective:
Black boy in ChicagoPlayin’ in the streetNot enough to wearNot near enough to eatBut don’t you know he saw-aw itOn a July afternoonSaw a man named Ar-armstrongWalk upon the moon
Young girl in CalcuttaBarely eight years oldFlys ’round the market placeSee she don’t get oldDon’t you know she hear-eard itOn a July afternoonHeard a man named Ar-armstrongWalk upon the moonHeard a man named Ar-armstrongWalk upon the moon
Rivers gettin’ dirtyWind is gettin’ badWar and hate is killin’ upThe only earth we hadBut the world all stopped to watchOn a July afternoonWatched a man named Ar-armstrongWalk upon the moonWatched a man named Ar-armstrongWalk upon the moon
And I wonder if a long time agoSomewhere in the universeThey watched a man named A-adamWalk upon the earthOoh-ooh-ooh…
Coming back down to Earth and reality, it is energising to note a different form of walking that is worth doing. Such walks do not require leaving the earthly realm, but the results can be uplifting and heavenly nonetheless. I am referring to walking in nature as being good for the mind, body and soul.
Walking is a way of connecting with places, a means of transportation, and a way of getting from one point to another. We don’t often think of it as exercise but as something natural. But consciously taken in a natural setting and surroundings walking and communing with nature can do wonders.
We seldom consider its impact and health benefits, especially what it can do to our mental health and sense of well-being. But taking those walks and leaving footprints in the right environment and in natural settings can be beneficial to us.
I recall several years ago that there was a ‘walking craze’ where it was recommended that people take 10,000 steps a day in order to get the full benefits of walking. Apparently, studies on the benefits of walking have gone on for a long time, dating back to the 1950s, with the following decade of research being preoccupied with the rise of the “10,000 steps a day” challenge and the use of pedometers and activity trackers to ensure compliance.
Depending on one’s age and state of health, having a specific and lofty count of steps is not critical. There is no magic number to achieve. What is important is the consistency of the exercise. The general public believes that 10,000 steps per day are necessary for good health, but this figure has limited scientific support. Additionally, it is unknown whether greater stepping intensity is associated with health benefits independent of the number of steps taken per day.
Apparently, the figure of 10,000 was dreamed up as part of a 1960s pedometer marketing campaign in Japan. Recent studies indicate that half that amount can be beneficial, with a plateau in benefits after about 7,500 steps. According to the NHS, even 10 minutes of brisk walking per day can make a difference. For an activity many of us do daily without thinking, this seems remarkable and is a good form of exercise. It is estimated that when walking, over half our body’s muscle mass is engaged.
The walking doesn’t have to be vigorous. The benefits of even a moderate pace — around three miles an hour — range from improved cardiovascular health, like lower blood pressure, to better glucose metabolism, musculoskeletal health, and mental wellbeing.
The Japanese have taken it to another level. They coined the term “Shinrin-yoku” which means “forest bathing.” The idea is that spending time in the forest and natural areas is good preventative medicine because it reduces stress, which causes or worsens some of our most difficult health problems.
Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is a Japanese form of nature therapy that originated in the early 1980s, although similar practises have been popular in many cultures and traditions for far longer. It has gained popularity in the West and is considered by some to be a powerful addition to a yoga practice.
The word, “bathing,” refers to the idea of absorbing the experience using all of the senses rather than anything to do with water. Forest bathing aims to bring healing through connection to nature and trees. The practise is said to enhance well-being, reduce stress, and restore calm.
Forest bathing is not the same as going for a hike in nature; it is more of a mindfulness practice. It can be practised by those with any level of physical fitness in any location where there are trees. The key word in “mindfulness” is “something done with deliberate attention to what was being done and being fully aware of the moment.”
It is considered a powerful antidote to daily stress and may be especially beneficial for those who live in cities with limited opportunity to connect with nature. Forest bathing provides a bridge back to the natural world.
Apparently, the “magic” behind forest bathing boils down to the naturally produced allelochemical substances known as phytoncides, which are kind of like pheromones for plants. Their job is to help ward off pesky insects and slow the growth of fungi and bacteria. When humans are exposed to phytoncides, these chemicals are scientifically proven to lower blood pressure, relieve stress and boost the growth of cancer-fighting white blood cells.
Taking a cue from nature, it is clear that where we choose to tread or step has a significant implication for our sense of well-being. Doing that with full consciousness is the ultimate achievement. It will unlock the power and mystery that lie behind the right steps taken. Especially the first and most crucial steps.
