Little notes on walking
Recently we went for a little holiday to Wallonia, a beautiful region in the French part of Belgium. The ideal place for wonderful walks and time spent in nature. It was so quiet and peaceful there and I've hugely enjoyed the vivid green that surrounded me.
I really love walking in the woods on a spring morning when bundles of sunlight are falling on the mossy soil, enlightening amazing details. An earthly fragrance is lingering in the air and the rustling canopy of leaves above my head. Beside the harmonious birdsong there's a sacred silence and a tender light dancing between the trees.
Maybe you are familiar with how different and refreshed one can feel after walking in a forest and being surrounded by trees and so much fresh green. One's mind is wandering and one is completely absorbed by the moment. Don't you agree it's a unique experience; this feeling of peace, happiness, harmony and balance?
“Beyond fostering health, walking allows the feet to lead the mind and heart, it gives us back our body and senses. With a fixed rhythm and established breathing, it releases the walker from his or her normally interrupted, if not conflict-filled, consciousness and provides an altered state of mind for prayer, reflection, or simply talking to oneself.”
Joseph Amato
Various studies show that walking in nature is beneficial for us. But probably you've already experienced it yourself! It reduces our stress and fosters a sense of rest, healing and recovering. Nature holds a special power over our emotions. Being out in natural settings can lift our mood and make us feel happier and more at peace. The sights and sounds of nature trigger the release of feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine in our brains, which can help chase away feelings of anxiety and sadness. It also reduces depressed or restless feelings, vitamin D-level rises by the sunlight and contact with the earth. It improves our concentration, our mood and our general feeling of wellbeing and happiness. Witnessing the cycle of renewal in nature can instill a sense of hope and perseverance. Spending time in nature can improve our concentration, creativity and problem-solving skills.From the whisper of leaves to the melody of birdsong, the natural world captures our focus and hones our mental acuity.
There are a lot of physical benefits as well. Walking lowers the blood pressure and decreases the risk on heart- and vascular diseases or a high blood pressure. It improves our immune system by producing natural killer cells. These are only a few of the advantages as there are many more. You see, reason enough to go for a walk in nature!
Walking is the most natural, oldest and easiest and also most refreshing way of moving forwards. On foot is the best way to bodily and sensory immerse in nature and landscape. To enjoy the richness of the natural world to the fullest, one definitely need rest, silence, attention and in a certain way slowness.
So how can we insert more green moments and walks in our daily lives?
taking a little green break: if you work in the city, why not having your lunch in a park. Concentrate on the view, take a closer look to the flowers, plants and birds. Even 10 minutes in a green environment immediately lowers our stress level.
when you go for a walk, take the time to look around attentively and you'll surely discover fascinating treasures. Little twigs, moss, flowers or stones with particular shapes. Collect some of these treasures that fills you with wonder and make a little display at home.
photographing nature: this is a perfect way to connect with nature. The aim is to really take the time to look to the details that speak to you and focus on nature. It's not about taking the perfect picture but about being in the moment.
looking differently: sit or stand still and close your eyes. What do you hear and smell? Feel the texture of nature, for example the bark of a tree or the softness of moss. Or walk on bare feet and describe what you feel. Take a leaf and look at the shape and lines. How many shades of green can you discover?
walking is most beneficial when we are completely present in the environment and with ourselves (using all our senses). It requires no distraction, so leave your watch, phone and headphone at home. A walk is an invitation en possibility to temporarily break with the mundane, to simplify life to its elementary dimensions. It's really liberating and refreshing to walk this way!
