There are many ways to move through space in general and in nature in particular. But none of them is as important as the simple and humble act of walking. And especially when it comes to nature, I truly believe that walking through it has some healing power. Walking itself is generally good for you, no matter where you walk. Modern life can be way too sedentary, and so using our muscles to move our asses around can do no harm.
But for me, walking in nature is more than just a physical exercise. Hiking the woods is therapeutic. It’s both a meditation and a therapy session. It’s also a moment of forced concentration, and that is especially true when I force myself to do “challenging” hikes.
But walking in nature is also a way to reconnect with the most basic ingredients of life itself. We evolved while walking around this planet. For the majority of our existence as a species, we moved through space by running—and we’re quite good at that—and walking. We walked through plains, up hills and down mountains. We walked through rivers and swamps. Humans managed to walk their way pretty much everywhere.
And sometimes you don’t even have to walk to go somewhere. Often, walking is seen as a way to go from point A to point B. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can just walk and see where life takes you.
I do that sometimes: I go out for a walk with no plan and I see where I end up. Sometimes I walk on trails I walked before, other times I follow animal tracks. And it’s so fun! I always end up discovering new and interesting places that way.
And the good thing about walking is that it’s incredibly accessible. As long as you are able to walk, something I definitely don’t take for granted, you can venture out and explore. You don’t need to splurge on fancy equipment: just this afternoon I was out walking in flip flops and a shirt, and it was totally fine.
PSA: Please don’t go hiking up the mountains in flip-flops. Way too many people these days need to be rescued because they hike up the mountains without proper gear and end up stuck.
Walking in nature is not just about the walking, though. It’s about engaging all the senses. It’s about listening to birds, to the wind, and the water streams. It’s about fighting the cold or the heat. It’s about seeing wild animals and stunning views. It’s about sitting on a rock or on the ground to rest.
The next time you feel down or stuck or in a rut, if you can, go for a walk in nature. I know not everyone has nature in their backyard, but if you do, don’t pass on the opportunity. Because I truly believe it’s transformative. So many times walking in nature has saved me, especially from myself, and I’m sure it can do wonders for you as well.
— M