Summary

The author finds solace and a sense of humanity in taking walks, even during social distancing, which provides therapeutic strength and perspective amidst the pandemic.

Abstract

The author, who typically prefers the comfort of home and even experiences a mild form of agoraphobia, has discovered that walking, especially with their late beagle Max, has become a crucial activity for maintaining mental well-being during the pandemic. While adhering strictly to social distancing guidelines, the author emphasizes the importance of these walks in providing a sense of normalcy and a reminder that the current situation is temporary. The walks offer a chance to appreciate nature, gain perspective, and plan for a future beyond the pandemic where outdoor activities can be enjoyed freely again.

Opinions

The author, despite a preference for indoor spaces, has found outdoor walks essential for coping with the pandemic's constraints.
Walking is praised as a free and accessible activity that can be adapted to various fitness levels and environments, offering a natural form of therapy.
The author expresses empathy for those under complete lockdown and hopes for an end to the pandemic soon.
There is a deep appreciation for the therapeutic benefits of nature, which the author has rediscovered through their essential walks.
The author is optimistic about the future, looking forward to making plans for long walks and outdoor activities without the fear of exposure to the virus.
The article conveys a sense of gratitude towards the author's late dog, Max, for making walks enjoyable and for teaching the value of outdoor experiences.

The One Activity that Makes Me Feel Human at this Time

While still maintaining social distancing

Like all of us, literally across the entire pandemic world, I’m going stir-crazy.

This is coming from someone who spends their life wanting to be in the comfort of their own four walls as often as possible. I am on the very low spectrum of agoraphobia, and it’s real. For me to harbour a need to be outdoors rather than to force myself outdoors, speaks volumes.

Like all of us, I venture out for necessary items such as food. Where I live in the west coast of Canada we are still permitted to walk, jog and cycle within a safe and expected distance from others.

Occasional and necessary trips out walking has been my saving grace. I’ve been strict on social distancing. I have not been gathering with friends or family. I avoid public transit and will only walk. I’ve been good.

For the multiple readers on complete lock-down, I apologize… and hope for an end to this nightmare soon.

Today I took advantage of my essential walk.

I took advantage of breathing our furtunate west coast air. I deeply inhaled the seafaring scent while trekking over one of our cities beloved bridges.

This brought me vital perspective that I lost over the past few days.

I found, in the not so distant past… my necessary walks with my beautiful beagle named Max, bless his little soul now, my problems would dissipate, and essentially feel small, relative to the nature around me.

The trees, even in our little Canadian city, felt vast compared to whatever issue I was struggling with.

It was that moment when I realized the power and therapeutic strength nature and the outdoor environment can hold. It provided me with a great and natural gift.

I thank my little Max for that. Walks were no longer obligatory and ultimately more enjoyable for myself and little ol’ Max.

Walking is something that is free, something that can be done in great distances (while social distancing), or short distances and within close proximity to home.

Walking can be enjoyed at any pace, and at any fitness level.

Whether walking, cycling, running or with the use of a mobility aid, experiencing the nature and environment around one’s specific neighbourhood can have a profound impact on wellbeing.

Especially at this time.

Todays’ walk did just that, it reminded me that even though we’re indoors 95% of our time — during this time, it’s not forever.

Enjoy that necessary walk to the grocery store. Truly enjoy it.

While safely back inside my four walls I plan to coordinate future walks that can be done post-pandemic. Serious long walks.

Imagine the power we can harness by making such simple plans for when life gets back to normal.

I look forward to spending more time outdoors without the peril of exposure. I look forward to the time we can once again participate in fresh air exercise post coronavirus.

I await the opportunity when we can walk wherever we choose, walk with whomever we choose and take in everything that is waiting for us on the other side of this crisis.

Here’s hoping for a quick end to a very unwanted global pandemic.