The Walking Effect

Last week, it seemed as if the world cohesively decided to step out and walk..

I, being one of those people, decided to do the same. But I can’t help but sit back and think that maybe the universe has been telling us to do just that for a long, long time.

Right now, the COVID 19 pandemic is in full force, urging everyone to stay in their homes, away from the rest of society. It’s in this time right now, the world is being forced to stop, and walking, is the only logical thing we can do for ourselves.

I recently listened to a podcast titled “The Incredible Power of Walking” by The Current. On this episode, a man named Erling Kagge was the guest speaker. When on the discussion of walking, Erling said something that really resonated with me.

“Things are very much about speed. People are always in a hurry.. walking in a slow pace, seeing the buildings, people watching, smelling the air, feeling like you’re moving slowly, is kind of the most radical thing you can do today.”

He proceeded to talk about how we’re constantly living in a world of noise. However, taking a walk can help you “experience the present, experience yourself” and “see the world in slow motion.”

Living in a world of noise there’s always a reminder of everything we’re not doing.. so we put pressure on ourselves to take on more than we are capable of (hoping to be the superhero someday). We’re constantly moving, never quite taking the time to experience our surroundings.. the people, the trees, ourselves.. Think about what made you step out for a walk this past week? Or, if you haven’t, think about how could it benefit you (even if it’s just fifteen minutes?)

There is so much power in the small amount of time we give ourselves to move our bodies. Stanford University conducted a study that proved walking increases the free flow of ideas, and boosts your creativity more than sitting (which is why Steve Jobs took his meetings outside). In my own life, getting out for walks has shifted my parameters- taking in the cool breeze, stepping on a snake (it’s true, yikes!!), clearing my thoughts, and even breathing in the Seattle sun.

Walking is what we are all turning to, maybe for these reasons or others. But what if this forced feeling we’re all experiencing is for our greater good? To resonate with ourselves again, to experience the outdoors, or simply just take a step back and look at the world in slow motion.

*Put the devices down and get outside for a walk today, it’s never too late..