Summary

The article discusses the therapeutic benefits of walking in various settings, emphasizing its ability to heal and provide peace in a busy world.

Abstract

The narrative explores the transformative power of walking through the author's personal experiences in different locales, from the bustling streets of London to the serene Plum Village in France. It highlights walking as a form of meditation, particularly the practice of walking meditation, which encourages slow, mindful steps in sync with one's breath. The author reflects on the impact of surroundings on one's walking pace and the challenge of maintaining a meditative walk amidst the fast rhythm of city life. The article concludes with the author finding a profound sense of safety and peace while walking barefoot on the grasslands near Brighton, suggesting that walking can be a direct soothing remedy for an overactive mind and a means to manage anxiety.

Opinions

Walking in London, especially across the Thames at sunset, is seen as a privilege and a reminder of the city's vibrancy.
The author regards Plum Village as their favorite walking experience, valuing the silent, slow-paced walking meditation that allows for a deep connection with nature.
The collective rhythm of a place, such as the fast pace of Londoners, influences individual walking speed, which the author acknowledges and accepts.
The White Cliffs of Dover offer

The Power of Walking

Let the Earth Heal Your Broken Heart and Anxiety

A relaxing read for your tea break to ground your overactive mind.

London

As a Londoner, I’m very familiar with walking. It’s a great city to explore on foot, before you know it, your scenery changes from skyscrapers to canals, then you might come across a market before you end up in a tiny forest.

My favourite place to be during sunset hours is the numerous bridges crossing the Thames. The orange sun is huge and is spectacular among the grey and white stone buildings on the two sides of the river. A reflection of the sun ripples on the dark green water.

Sunset is often the peak hours for commuters to return home, so the bridges are very busy. I stay close to the fence of the bridge, to take a pause and enjoy the sunset. It reminds me of how lucky I am to be alive in this vibrant city.

France

But my favourite walking experience is Plum Village, a retreat centre in Southwestern France established by Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh.

We walked with the monks and nuns every morning in silent. It’s called walking meditation. Our steps follow our breathing. One step for in-breath, one step for out-breath. Indeed, it’s a very slow walk.

We are not walking in order to reach somewhere or to get enlightened. We’re simply walking. That’s all there is.

As we walk up the hill, we saw lines of plum trees standing peacefully and ended up on a field of willow overlooking the village. It’s a beautiful view.

I lied down in the willow field and let the sun shined on me. Then slowly, the nuns returned to their feet and we walked down the hill again.

That was a year and a half ago now, and I still remember the warmth of the sun, the breeze and the tickle of the willow.

I tried to walk slower at least in London, but it is hard. Because Londoners are diligent fast walkers, so our bodies automatically follow the rhythm. But that’s okay too, walking itself is still really good for us.

With the ducks

The first lockdown in England happened in March. We were allowed for a walk every day, so I took the opportunity to visit a big park near my home. It has lakes, Canada geese, swans and many more animals.

I tried to walk like when I was in Plum Village again. I start with one step for both in-breath and out-breath, before stepping the next step. The pace was still too slow for this oasis in the city. The hustling and bustling just outside the park have sped up the rhythm.

I acknowledge the connectivity between people in a particular place and the impact of collective rhythm on an individual. I accept different places have different paces.

White Cliffs of Dover

Recently, I’ve moved to a town just outside Brighton, a coastal city in England. The south coast has the famous White Cliffs of Dover along the sea. Straight cliffs hang over the sea, exposing the white chalk and mineral of the cliff range.

The urban landscape is peculiar here. Many houses are built along the chalk cliff to get the brilliant sea view. Then the main road is built behind these houses, creating a division line between the cliff and the rest of the land. There are more houses were developed until there are no more dwelling and instead, vast plains of grassland appear to become the South Down National Park.

There are cows, sheep and pigs grazing on the grassland peacefully.

One morning I arrived at a patch of grassland. I took off our shoes and started walking. My legs were unable to get any faster, they slowed down automatically to follow my breath. The wet grass and the sound of the sea told me that I was in Brighton, but my movement reminded me of Plum Village in France.

I breathed in deeply for one step, then breathed out in full for the next step.

A surge of energy rose from my feet to my heart, and I felt safe. I stand still and place my hands on my chest and whisper:

May we be happy… May we be safe… May we be healthy… May we be peaceful and at ease….

I sent my compassion and kindness to everyone I know and do not know.

Walking has become my rescue whenever I need to clear my head, renew my energy and manage my anxiety. It’s not easy to have peace in a busy world, especially during this difficult time.

There are many resources on Medium about mental health, but I want to create something that soothes our buzzing minds directly, so readers can take a pause whenever they need to, without going into proper meditative poses.

I hope this is a relaxing break. If you want more of this type of articles, please give me claps and leave me a comment! You can also receive direct soothing words in your inbox from me by subscribing to my newsletter here.