Everyone walks. Not many of us do it with intention.
Taking walks is not just a leisure activity, but also a great way to improve both physical and mental well-being. Whether it’s a short stroll around the neighborhood or a longer hike in nature, there are numerous benefits to be gained from regular walks.
Walking helps to reduce stress levels, improve mood, and increase mental clarity. Taking a walk in nature has been found to be particularly effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. The fresh air, sunlight, and natural surroundings can have a calming and rejuvenating effect on the mind.
Dickens used to take walks, stealing names as he listened in on conversations. Rousseau agreed: “I can only meditate when I am walking”. “When I stop I cease to think; my mind only works with my legs.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson called walking “gymnastics for the mind,” and Kierkegaard stated: “[I] have walked myself into my best thoughts and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it.”
Walking is a great way to explore and appreciate the world around us. It allows us to observe the beauty of nature, discover new places, and immerse ourselves in our surroundings. Whether it’s a scenic park, a bustling city street, or a quiet trail, each walk presents a unique experience.
Writers, thinkers, philosophers… all agreed in the benefits of a stroll. And as children, we are often just walking around, once we’re able, to find the new experience.
It’s something we should keep up as we get older.
Michael's Musings 