There is this 2.7km loop from my in-law’s house that we do quite regularly. I normally walk this with the family, and if I do it on my own, I’m listening to a podcast or audiobook.
On this particular day, I decided it was just going to be me. While not feeling 100% I still wanted to spend some quality time outdoors as I find it beneficial for my mental health.
This track is so familiar to me, yet I noticed so much. The sounds of young Corella’s calling for food. The chirps of the rosellas eat the nectar from the trees. The lone kangaroo stopped mid-track when they saw me, and the way the sunlight was glistening in the trees.
It was a nice change to be lost in my own thoughts.
What is Silent Walking?
It’s what we used to do back in the day of no technology. When we would go for a walk, with no phone, no music, podcast or audiobook.
“I couldn’t possibly do that!” I hear you say. That’s exactly the reason why you need to try it.
When was the last time you spent some time on your own with your thoughts?
In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s easy to get caught up in the constant noise and distractions around us. We are constantly bombarded with information from our smartphones, computers, and TVs, and we often find ourselves multitasking, trying to do multiple things at once. It’s easy to see how this can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and overwhelm.
When you go for a walk without any distractions it can have a profound impact on your mental and physical health.
Ditching the technology and walking in silence helps to calm the body and mind. You will become more aware of your thoughts, feelings and surroundings.
Being with your thoughts allows your mind to wander, to get creative and make new connections.
Somedays we have to disconnect to reconnect. Silent walking can help with that.