Why I Walk

That's neither me nor my dog. Stock photo + my logo.

Inspired by this video, The surprising benefit of walking.

I wrote this in a LinkedIn newsletter (subscribe here), but it seemed appropriate for its own blog post.

For me, walking is meditation. I often meditate while walking without trying to. My mind disassociates as I move my body. My higher self and guides give me insights, advice and premonitions as I put one foot in front of the other. The downloads come more easily when I walk than when I sit, and boy, are they good.

Walking is also introspection.

Walking often leads to problem-solving - sometimes from that ethereal space, sometimes from my heart, sometimes from my mind.

At times, the thoughts I began earlier in my journal get further developed on walks -such as a recent four-year personal strategic plan. When I get home, I scribble my thoughts onto paper or type them into a Google document or spreadsheet (e.g., the four-year plan).

Inspiration hits. Sometimes, I record voice notes on my phone before the thought disappears forever. Ideas that seem so articulate in my mind come out a bit more messy but get edited.

Walks are how I write poetry, song lyrics and blog posts.

Mood boosting

They also help my mood. If I’m in a foul mood, I walk. It might make me feel better. I might ruminate, and ruminations can lead to something beautiful.

Other people run for all these benefits, and for some years, I've been a fair-weather runner (not too hot, not too cold). I didn't get into it this year.

And those are some of the reasons why I walk.