I used to walk briskly. I used to be obsessed with step count. I set myself a 10,000 steps goal and for a couple of years, I used to meet my daily target.  Walking was my addiction, when I quit smoking. It seemed healthier than ciggies. I rushed my feet for at least an hour per day and a couple of hours (20-30k steps) at weekends. I was escaping or trying to get away of difficult situations and feelings - stress, anxiety, sadness, anger, grief, all unwanted moods.

Then my husband landed in hospital for a week and I failed my steps religion for 7 days in row. I felt badly about it. I bounced back to my healthy habit. I gave myself permission to have a rest day once a week.

I read about mindful walking, which inspired me to change my ways. Instead of brisk restless escapes, I consciously slowed down. I shuffle either on pavements of my town or close to nature. I observe passers by and sometimes give someone a smile, or if they not occupied with their phones, I take a chance and strike a little talk either about weather or dogs.

Last week I initiated conversation with a neighbour who own a Jack Russell similar to ours. He opened up and shared his life story (some facts) and it was interesting to listen to. I think we both were isolated and making a positive local connection.

I'm lucky to work near woodland. Every working day I have a stroll close to nature. It's sacred 20 minutes. I like observing clouds, blue sky is rare, one of my fave, but I don't mind a bit of drizzle, and only a downpour would stop me. I like observing leaves falling and springing back to life, nature is wise and it re-borns every year without fail. Hawthorns are giving ruby fruits, squirrels are skipping, hares rushing across path. Jays, teats and robins perching, some mysterious birds concerting on backstage of nature theatre, birds of pray soaring high above tree tops. 

It sounds idyllic, feels like a temple, a sacred place to pray and worship mother nature. A place where I quietly admire her.

I wouldn't notice all those wonders, if my mind was focused on negative thoughts and feelings. If I didn't open to healing power of nature. Observation distracts a preoccupied mind and depleted ego and redirects it from inside to outside world. Does it make any sense?

It's like in Louis Armstrong song: What a wonderful world.

How do you benefit from walking? How does it improve your mental health?

Did I notice nature is in crisis? I DID see flooding, trash and plastic on the streets, I heard noise and inhaled fumes of diesel. I did but I kinda accept it with stoicism. I choose to enjoy what is left of nature, rather then dwelling on her decline.

Renata

A Moodscope member