I thought of you a lot while writing this lesson, Chris. I'm glad you have those fond memories and I'm so very sorry you no longer get to experience the joys of walking. It means a lot that you chimed in.
Fully agree. Walking is where I unlock a lot of things: good ideas, stiff joins, existential dread, all of it. Especially the ideas, as you note. It seems to be the effect of ramping up the body into a mildly energetic state but giving the brain (which is also the body) nothing to do - it gives your mind some restless energy so it subconsciously starts working on problems you've been struggling with. (I think the same is true with doing household chores.)
I interviewed a woman that walks the same loop every day. It was a wonderful chat. She started a group called This Morning Walk and wrote a book on walking called Do/Walk, if you want to check them out.
I 100% agree! Walking helps me when I'm struggling with a tough decision, when I've had a bad day and need to change perspective, and when I want to have a good day. Walking, moving, breathing fresh air, and, with a bit of luck, seeing greenery... There are not many more beautiful moments as such.
I read this after going on a little walk and remembering how much I used to walk and explore and don’t anymore. This post really unlocked that even more for me. Your writing is such a gift that I feel always hits me in the right place at the right time ❤️
Oh yes - walking is everything! I was actually feeling a bit stuck this morning and wondering what I could do to move forward and then landed on your post - it was all the reminder I needed! Heading out shortly now x
This is so true. Walking isn’t a cure all, but I never come back from a walk feeling worse than when I set out! It really does lighten things, even if only a little.
"Walking might help us let go?" Yes! Walking has become a life line for me. When I walk I talk out loud to myself & my loved ones I've lost. I look for signs of them along the way on most of my walks. Many times I start a walk heavy, sad, upset and return lighter, a bit lifted up. It's a simple gift to ourselves and one I cherish. Thanks for sharing this , Katie
My fondest memories were walking up and down the streets of Boston in the middle of the summer, sweating profusely, trying to figure out life.
I thought of you a lot while writing this lesson, Chris. I'm glad you have those fond memories and I'm so very sorry you no longer get to experience the joys of walking. It means a lot that you chimed in.
Aw, I appreciate that. It's ok! I don't mind people talking about it.
I still believe I will again, even if it's one of those fancy Iron Man exoskeletons. Speaking of: https://www.massdevice.com/wandercraft-exoskeleton-olympic-torch-relay/
😀
Yesss, I love this!!
Fully agree. Walking is where I unlock a lot of things: good ideas, stiff joins, existential dread, all of it. Especially the ideas, as you note. It seems to be the effect of ramping up the body into a mildly energetic state but giving the brain (which is also the body) nothing to do - it gives your mind some restless energy so it subconsciously starts working on problems you've been struggling with. (I think the same is true with doing household chores.)
A book I will thoroughly recommend on the subject, which also goes into walking as an act of political activism - https://www.amazon.com/Walking-Life-Reclaiming-Health-Freedom/dp/0738220167 - by Antonia Malchik, who is on Substack at https://antonia.substack.com/
Thank you for the recommendation! And I love how you put that — walking unlocks so much!
I interviewed a woman that walks the same loop every day. It was a wonderful chat. She started a group called This Morning Walk and wrote a book on walking called Do/Walk, if you want to check them out.
Ah, I love that! Thank you for the tip!
I 100% agree! Walking helps me when I'm struggling with a tough decision, when I've had a bad day and need to change perspective, and when I want to have a good day. Walking, moving, breathing fresh air, and, with a bit of luck, seeing greenery... There are not many more beautiful moments as such.
I couldn't put it better!
I love a good walk too. I walk everyday, I should say wander because that's sort of what I do. But it's all good, let's me breathe and is soul food.
Love a good wander!
I read this after going on a little walk and remembering how much I used to walk and explore and don’t anymore. This post really unlocked that even more for me. Your writing is such a gift that I feel always hits me in the right place at the right time ❤️
That’s so kind! Thank you, Heather!
I love your post.
I just returned home from a 13 mile, 26,000 step Thames riverbank walk from Thames Ditton to Walton bridge and back.
Wonderful on a sunny but not too hot day. The breeze helped.
I come home with the beginnings of five new posts, a couple of notes, two sore hips and a smile on my face and in my heart.
Hurrah for long walks!
Wow! That sounds like a dream! I'm so glad to hear you returned home with so many gifts.
Except the painful hips. As an old kayak coach of mine once said, “It’s only pain, it’s Gods way of reminding youvyou’re still alive!”
Oh yes - walking is everything! I was actually feeling a bit stuck this morning and wondering what I could do to move forward and then landed on your post - it was all the reminder I needed! Heading out shortly now x
Oh, my dream while writing this was that it would inspire someone to take a walk for that very reason. Your comment made my day!
100%. The most I ever walked in a year was 2020…and it helped. Always helps.
I thought about you while writing this one!
Walking is the future. You can engage all the senses. Brilliantly written piece.
Thank you, Jon!
This is so true. Walking isn’t a cure all, but I never come back from a walk feeling worse than when I set out! It really does lighten things, even if only a little.
Thanks, Megan. I love that you have an entire Substack devoted to walking!
"Walking might help us let go?" Yes! Walking has become a life line for me. When I walk I talk out loud to myself & my loved ones I've lost. I look for signs of them along the way on most of my walks. Many times I start a walk heavy, sad, upset and return lighter, a bit lifted up. It's a simple gift to ourselves and one I cherish. Thanks for sharing this , Katie
I love that, Janet. Thank you for sharing!