Walking My Way Toward Healing

by Chris Joseph, Certified Radical Remission Coach

When I got diagnosed with stage three pancreatic cancer, I was terrified. The whole thing felt overwhelming---in addition to starting on chemotherapy almost immediately, suddenly I knew intuitively that I had to think about changing my diet, maybe start taking supplements, and learn how to better manage my stress and emotions.

It honestly seemed impossible. And I knew the odds for surviving pancreatic cancer weren’t good. But early on, my cancer coach Brad told me something that seemed almost too simple: "Start walking every day. Call it a ‘nature walk’. And even though you are in the city, notice the trees. Hear the birds.”

I'll admit, I kind of rolled my eyes at first. Walking? Really? That was supposed to help me deal with cancer?

I started learning about Dr. Kelly Turner's research on what she calls the ten Radical Remission factors—the things that show up consistently in people who've beaten serious illnesses against all odds. Exercise was right there as one of the core factors. And when I really thought about it, it made sense. Our bodies are designed to move, and movement helps healing happen in ways that medicine alone sometimes can't.

I still remember that first morning when I actually and consciously walked for healing. I put on my shoes and walked around my Santa Monica neighborhood for about 20 minutes. Nothing fancy, just me and the sidewalk. But something happened on that walk. I could breathe deeper.

My mind felt clearer. My body, which had felt so heavy and stuck, started feeling alive again.

That first walk changed something for me. From then on, I made it a daily thing. No gym

membership required, no special equipment—just me stepping out my front door. The fresh air felt amazing, and on sunny days, I was getting natural vitamin D, which I'd learned was crucial for immune health and mood.

Over time, walking became my go-to exercise. It's still the one thing I recommend to anyone dealing with health challenges.

Dr. Turner's research backs up what I discovered for myself—that exercise really does support healing in multiple ways. Here's what walking has done for me:

It keeps my immune system strong. When I move regularly, everything seems to work better—my immune cells can do their job more effectively.

It helps with inflammation. Walking actually reduces the chronic inflammation that can fuel cancer growth.

It's been incredible for my mood and anxiety. There's something about those endorphins and brain chemicals that get released when you walk—they just make everything feel more manageable.

I sleep better now. That gentle daily movement helps reset my body's natural rhythms.

My bones and joints are stronger. Walking is weight-bearing exercise, so it keeps everything sturdy and mobile.

It helps with digestion and getting toxins out of my system. There's something about the rhythm of walking that just gets everything flowing better.

Those outdoor walks fill my lungs with fresh air and give me natural vitamin D from the sun—both things my body desperately needs.

I have more energy now than I did before I started walking. It sounds backwards, but moving more actually gave me more stamina for everything else.

And maybe most importantly, walking has become like meditation for me. It calms my nervous system and gives me space to think clearly and trust my intuition.

In the Radical Remission community, we talk a lot about how small, consistent changes can create big shifts. Walking is the perfect example. It's simple, it doesn't cost anything, and almost anyone can do it. It might not sound dramatic, but the effects have been huge for me.

If you're looking for one thing to try today, maybe put on your shoes and walk. Even ten minutes counts. Those steps might lead you to more energy, clearer thinking, better sleep, and most importantly, a body that's better equipped to heal itself.

For me, walking isn't just exercise anymore—it's become both medicine and meditation. It's helping me not just survive but actually thrive. One step at a time.

Chris Joseph is a certified Radical Remission Coach, Certified Terrain Advocate with the Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health, and Thriving with 3rd Stage Pancreatic Cancer since 2016.

Connect with Chris at: chris@terrainnavigators.com

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of the Radical Remission Project. Any content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice.