walking for wellbeing

In the past few years I have truly embraced travelling by foot. During lockdown my partner and I, out of necessity, set up regular meets with friends on the hoof. Armed with some food, a flask and a speaker: news of these 'Disco Walks' spread and before long we had friends and strangers joining us for an amble through London.  Parks, canals, markets, the River Thames and brutalist estates were explored - no where was out of bounds. 
Since then I have noticed a natural tendency to choose to walk: whether alone or with a friend, sometimes a small group.  It's all about the prep for me: comfortable SOCKS and shoes, weather appropriate clothes, snacks and a flask (and maybe a flash of hot pink lippy!) 

On walks you pay attention to your surroundings. The pressure of conversation is somewhat alleviated by the natural narration of your environment. Walking side-by-side is great for having tricky conversations: taking an issue outdoors into neutral surroundings can be helpful. 
Lockdown and made us all aware of how self-sufficient we need to be, how important contact with people, animals and nature is.  Walking for me has really helped to meet those needs and I always feel better after a walk. 
So what's next for my walking?
✔ More Disco Walks.
✔ Introduction of my Walking Coaching sessions.
✔ Maybe we will go international and plan some NYC or Amsterdam walks. 
Certainly I will keep on walking and talking: plodding, noticing, being inspired, connecting, improving my physical and mental health and hopefully stroking lots of dogs en route!