The Lost Art of Taking Long Walks

/

Life is crazy right now. 

There’s so much to do and even more to worry about. How can you disconnect, slow things down, and freeze time? 

Here’s something I’ve started doing again. 

Taking long walks. 

If you have a dog, this is something you do regularly—whether you feel like it or not. Even if you don’t think of yourself as someone who takes morning or afternoon strolls, I encourage you to consider starting. 

With all the worry and fear in the world right now, walking is a magnificent respite. Giving your mind the time away from screens and space to think creatively.

In our fast-paced world, I think we have forgotten how magnificent a simple walk can be. Plenty of successful creative thinkers in the past have used walking as a way to relax and process their ideas.

Did you know that author Charles Dickens would take a twenty to thirty-mile walk at the end of his day? It was a necessary break for him, a relief from the difficulties of writing. He even stated once that “If I could not walk far and fast, I think I should just explode and perish.”

Walking has always been enjoyable for me, but taking the time to get outside regularly to just be with my thoughts has become life-changing.  

Like everything worthwhile, there is an art to a pleasant walk. Let’s go on one with words, and I’ll show you what I mean in five steps.

1. Simplify 

Open your front door and just start. You don’t need much of a plan. Walk around your neighborhood and explore what’s nearby. Perhaps, you have a place in mind, like a lake or hiking trail you’ve enjoyed in the past, go ahead and go there. Leave your phone in your pocket, and don’t listen to music, no checking social media, just walk. 

If you’re with your dog, be with them. Revel in the freedom of minimalism. You need very little. Put one foot in front of the other, breathe deeply, and take in your surroundings. 

2. Focus on the world around you

I’m not talking about only looking. Really see the small details, the stories unfolding, the vivid colors in nature, the flow of people, the sounds of birds, the swaying of trees in the breeze. Notice yourself and how you respond to this world surrounding you. 

3. Feel your connection to all

Recognize you are connected to everything. How the physical motion of walking creates a rhythm, helping you join in the song of nature. This world was made for you to be a part of. Keep walking and feel the concerns knocking around in your head as they slow to a halt. If they stay, pay attention to them, and they will disappear shortly. Don’t worry. You’re doing it right. 

 

4. Smile at the little things

A squirrel running up a tree. The chill in the air. You’ve been walking for a while, should you turn around and go back or continue on? Keep going. Are your legs tired? Are you sweating? Good. You’re alive.

This is being fully present. Smile. This moment is all that matters. Isn’t it nice you made time for this?  

5. Be grateful

As our walk ends, we can feel thankful for all that we have. Life doesn’t need as much as we think. Even the act of walking is a blessing. Give thanks. Smile again. 

You created a transformative experience and a healing ritual. Make it again tomorrow. Create a work of peace, calm, and connection each day through motion. 

With the art of walking.