The Power in Taking a Walk: How Nature Helps Us Discover and Rediscover Ourselves

Ashleigh Livingston
Feb 14, 2019
3 min read

When was the last time you stopped to smell the roses? Our society is very much on the go, technology impacts us every day, and our minds are continuously working. In today's blog I discuss the power of taking a walk and the power that nature has on our minds and health for the better. Let's begin by talking about what inspired me to write this blog.

Last weekend I took a short trip to the mountains to attend an astronomy event. Since becoming diagnosed with Lupus and dealing with Raynaud's disease the cold weather really takes a toll on my body, and I actually was not going to go to this stargazing event, but sometimes you just have to say screw it and go do something fun and learn something new! I was truly glad to have gone because I saw how beautiful and vast the night sky was. It was pitch black around 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the mountains and the stars were gleaming brightly the moon was a slight crescent shape and I was surrounded by people who were smarter than me lol. In that moment of looking through some extremely expensive telescopes I realized how grateful and how amazing life is and can be. I also realized there's so much more to be discovered in life and how much I believe in enjoying the little things and the moments. That short 30 minute trip up to the mountains to look at the wondrous stars and see the faint city lights of Las Vegas was a breath of fresh air that I needed.

Now let's talk about how going on walks helps improve our mental state of mind. When I was stuck in the hospital for two weeks last year at the beginning of March I was fortunate enough to have a big window to stare out and look at the sunset, mountains, moon, and the sky. From that moment forward I told myself I would never take simple things like nature for granted ever again. Fast forward to months later after I was out of the hospital I began going on nightly walks outside to help me gain strength back. I began to soak everything in and simultaneously let everything out. These walks gave me freedom and clarity from all my pent up emotions, feelings, stresses, worries, and thoughts. There were walks where I would cry and yell, and some walks where I would smile and be at peace. With every walk I went on I grew stronger, my mental toughness became stronger and my legs started to become stronger. Going on these walks helped me get through some of the hardest times of my life because it began the process of me healing after all the things I had been through, and taught me to feel my emotions and learn to let them go.

These nightly walks led to me rediscovering and discovering who I am. It led me to discovering the potential and how grateful of an opportunity I have that life gives us to do and see amazing things. I hope with me sharing this small part of my experience with taking a simple step like going for a short walk outside can lead to a peaceful state of mind, and gain some clarity away from some distractions in your life. I encourage YOU to every once in a while take a step away from technology and distractions, to take some time for yourself, and free your mind by taking a walk outside, observe nature, and enjoy a breath of fresh air.

P.S. I hope you enjoyed this blog! Thank you for reading. Now go chase some sunsets and look up at the stars! Much love to everyone and I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's day!