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Peaceful Practices: Walk With Wonder

Peaceful Practices Series: Walk with Wonder

"Nature itself is the best physician." Hippocrates

There are a variety of reasons that one may choose to go for a walk, including exercise, socializing, or for some well needed fresh air. Walking with wonder, however, is a different undertaking altogether, and is rooted in connecting with your natural surroundings, then turning the focus on your deep, inner, free-flowing thoughts that follow. I do my best thinking when walking, and there is science to back it up. The act of walking has been linked to increased creativity, productivity and new pathways forming within the brain. Check out the list of benefits and corresponding article I posted below (David Rönnlid 2020- Psychology Today) for more on how walking is a game changer.

Benefits of walking:

Decreased anxiety

Improved mood

Enhanced creativity

Increased concentration

Improved Cerebral brain flow

Increased energy levels

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/experience-engineering/202001/how-walking-enhances-cognitive-performance?msockid=1a66d616c43c66c825eec3d5c594672b

Pairing the advantages of walking, with a sharpened mindset, and the benefits of being in nature, is a powerful and easy tool to transform your life. Our activity (see the downloaded pdf below),"Walk with Wonder," begins with using the 4-4-4-4 breathing exercise to get in the right mindset. Breath in for 4 seconds, hold for four seconds, breathe out for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, and repeat 3 times or until you feel calm and relaxed. You can modify it to whatever duration you are able to complete the exercise. Now, when you set out on your walk, I want you to actively try and clear your mind of any thoughts. If one pops into your head, simply acknowledge it, then let it pass through without resistance. The purpose of the first half of your walk, is to tune into your surroundings, getting out of your thoughts and into your senses. Listen to what is around you, feel the breeze or sun on your skin, pay attention to the swaying of the trees or the bee gently landing on a nearby flower, feel the ground under your feet, and take in the small, simple, wonders around you. Take a moment and imagine the lives of other organisms, the challenges they face, the beauty of their design, and how all living things share a similar, but uniquely different journey.

"To walk in nature, is to witness a thousand miracles." Mary Davis

Similar to when coloring or being engrossed in a good book, focusing on your senses and your surroundings, allows you to relax, and remove unnecessary thoughts that cloud your mind. Now, depending on the route you have chosen, at the halfway point, I want you to spend the rest of your walk, letting your mind flow to wherever it wants to go, creatively and otherwise. Focus your mind on positive thoughts, and ideas and interests that you would like to pursue and explore if you had the time. (check out my "triple 20 challenge for making the time!). At the conclusion of your walk, finish with the 4-4-4-4 breathing exercise, a smile, and take a moment to appreciate what you have in life, that many do not. Make note of one particular wonder that stood out to you on your walk, and one idea that came to mind, that you want to explore further. I have provided a downloaded pdf for the activity.

Peaceful Practices_ Walk with WonderDownload

I hope you enjoyed this simple, but powerful activity for connecting with nature and your inner self. Check out my next activity coming soon, "Just a stone's throw away," for more peaceful practice ideas.

"And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul." John Muir

Written by: Man with a plan aka Jeffrey Kalinoski

Citations:

Rönnlid, David . “How Walking Enhances Cognitive Performance.” Psychology Today, 2020, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/experience-engineering/202001/how-walking-enhances-cognitive-performance?msockid=1a66d616c43c66c825eec3d5c594672b. Accessed 19 May 2025.

Source: Peaceful Practices: Walk With Wonder