According to Hippocrates “Walking is man’s best medicine“. I can only agree with this statement which remains its full relevance nowadays.
Even if we are less and less obliged to walk thanks to the multiple modes of transport at our disposal, we can make the conscious choice to use our feet as means of transport whenever possible or to go for a walk just for pleasure. Every time I go for a walk, whatever the weather and wherever the location, I experience a deep sensation of well-being and regeneration and I tell myself : Oh, I should do that more frequently 😉
I invite you to do the same ! Because walking is not only a means of travel but also a beautiful activity that can significantly improve our quality of life.
It can even be a real art of living. A conscious choice towards a slower pace at the opposite of the ever faster, ever further.
Also a liberating experience, that allows us to move away from material concerns back to the essential.
And a reconnection to the earth and to our body, that makes us feel more alive.
It can also be a beautiful moment of relaxation during which we can let run our thoughts freely, think about our projects or solve problems. Far from our usual environment, in the soothing atmosphere of a forest or a little brook, we are in the optimal conditions to go out of our usual patterns and to free up our intuition.
Another approach, rather than to walk heads down with a lots of thoughts in our mind, is to free our mind, to heighten our senses and to be very receptive to everything that surrounds us. This is a great experience. So many things come towards us … A simple walk close to your living place can become an extraordinary adventure. We just have to do the first step.
Take a deep breath, fill yourself with fragrances and sounds …
And why not, when you encounter a pleasant path, remove your shoes and feel the earth under your feet. I find that so pleasant. What an enjoyment to feel under our feet the freshness of a wet soil or the warmness of some pebbles heated by the sun. What a delight, to put back on our comfortable shoes after such an experience 😉
Walking is an activity that needs only very few resources. No need to have a special equipment : comfortable clothes and shoes are sufficient.
There’s also no need to travel to the other side of the world : there are so many places to discover close to home.
And you don’t need to wait for ideal weather conditions neither : “There is no bad weather, there are only inadequate clothes”. A small rain can be so refreshing and can make us experience new sensations.
Do you know the taste of a rain drop on your lips ?
Let’s let ourselves be amazed by the elements of nature and reconnect with the essential.
And remember : “The most important is not the destination to reach, but rather the path followed to get there“.
I wish for you to make a lot of discoveries on your path !
Credits: Images photographed & designed by Linda & David Mourato.