While I don’t necessarily believe in fates and signs it is still satisfying when all the pieces seem to magically fall into place. I had been wanting to write another post and wasn’t sure which of my drafts to expand upon next, so I thought I’d have a look and see if today’s writing prompt would help inspire me.
Well that’s certainly a question I can answer! However before getting started I was having a little scroll through social media and discovered that today is National #GetOutsideDay and suddenly I knew what I was going to write about. Although I’m a firm believer in practicing what I preach and therefore before grabbing my laptop, I put on my boots and went outside to remind myself how energising getting outside can be.
While this blog is called Soothing Strolls and I have written about walking as an excellent way to relax and unwind, walking can also be energising. Perhaps it’s the exercise, perhaps it’s being away from technology and immersed in nature or perhaps it’s simply the fact it makes me happy and therefore I experience a burst of dopamine but either way a walk makes me feel energised. I think this is why I am always determined to include a decent walk as part of my commute, regardless of the weather, as it is a great way to start the day. Without it I feel sluggish and more likely to feel overwhelmed by the growing to-do list but after a walk, I feel calm but also energised enough to take on the day, prioritise the workload and remember it’s ok to say no.
I like the fact that the aim of Get Outside Day is literally just that, it’s about getting outside and enjoying what’s in your local area. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to live in an area of outstanding natural beauty to feel the benefits of being outdoors. Even though the majority of us live in urban or suburban areas we still have access to nature, wildlife and green spaces. I’m fortunate enough to have trees outside my window and if I can’t get out then it is nice to be able to gaze out at the greenery, however nothing beats actually being out there and engaging with it. Today’s walk reminded me that a stroll round the park is a treat for all the senses: sights, sounds, smells and touch. Seeing the sunlight dappling through the trees, hearing birdsong and the wind rustling through the leaves; at one point I was treated to the amazing smell of eucalyptus and experienced the differing sensations of treading on pavements, grass and bark – it was all part of the experience.
Once again I feel this post is taking a meandering stroll around, and perhaps away from, the original point but then doesn’t that mirror one of the joys of walking? Sometimes we have a set course in mind but often the best walks are the ones where you do meander and wander on a whim. Spotted an interesing looking flower, want to continue following a cute doggo, curious to see where that squirrel is heading or simply following the least populated path. While you may end up going from A to D to F to J to K rather than a straight-forward A to B, it really doesn’t matter as you will still go home feeling relaxed, refreshed and re-energised.
That’s how I stroll.
Soothing Strolls 
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