Week 3 | Discovery

Walking for awareness

We are more aware of the benefits and the pleasure walking can bring when we practice mindful walking. This involves turning off the distracted ‘auto pilot’ approach and tuning into a greater awareness of our world and how our bodies move through space.
 

The power of discovery

When we lift our thoughts from our worries, we discover things we might have otherwise missed. Discovery can also be as simple as reflecting on the way light filters through the trees or hearing a bird call beneath the rumble of traffic. It all contributes to a greater appreciation of our lives and opens us up to everything around us.

Jarrod Legget, Heart Foundation Walking’s Community Grants Coordinator, champions the potential for discovery created by mindful walking. ‘There is no better activity to discover and connect with your local surroundings and community than walking,’ he said. ‘It’s how I discovered my favourite cafes, parks, gardens, and neighbours.’
 

Change of scenery

Exposure to nature has a profound impact on our well-being. Breathing in fresh air elevates our spirits and invigorates our bodies. The effectiveness of this natural therapy is astounding. According to Professor Thomas Astell-Burt, a recipient of the Heart Foundation research grant, spending time in green spaces not only enhances mental health but also reduces loneliness, improves sleep, and even lowers blood pressure.

Even short strolls in parks, leafy streets, or forest trails have the power to uplift our mood and boost self-esteem significantly. If you're fortunate enough to be near water, the benefits are even greater. Walking along a beach or a river magnifies the positive effects. Engaging with nature fosters a connection to something beyond ourselves, leaving us feeling rejuvenated and more content in our existence.

Stimulate creativity

Taking a walk can stimulate creative thinking. When you’re walking, your mind is free to wander, allowing you to think creatively and come up with new ideas or solutions to problems.

Results from a recent study demonstrated that walking increased creativity, not simply due to the increased stimulation of moving through an environment, but rather the action of walking itself. The results of the study suggest active imaginations begin with active lives.
 

Keep to your plan and try to add some mindful walking. Do you think it helps you become more aware of everything around you?