Last Friday I introduced solvitur ambulando (Latin: solve it by walking) and this time I shall develop it a little. Whilst walking is not a technique that will help you solve your community development problems on or offline, it can be really helpful. Walking solves problems to do with your:
- physical health. It is easy to get behind a computer screen and forget your sedentary lifestyle is bad for your health. I have type 2 diabetes (because of my previous sedentary lifestyle) and I’m sure walking (I do at least 35 miles a week) helps me control it. The daily discipline is very important. I find a good walk also helps deal with other minor aches and pains. The way I look at it is that if I’m so ill I can’t walk then I probably need help!
- emotional health. If you have anything to do with other people, there are times when you want to run away screaming. There is something comforting in the rhythm of walking and I find a calmed mind can often cope with emotional stress if not come up with a response to it. One problem we have in our busy lives is not allowing ourselves the space to resolve our problems.
- mental health. I think much the same applies to mental as physical health. I find a good walk raises the spirits.
- community health. Use public spaces. Take time to drop things off for people and to talk to the people you meet. I allow myself plenty of time to get to where I’m going in case I am distracted en route. You also notice what is going on so that you can share news or report something that needs attention.
- The rhythm really does help you solve problems. Part of it is taking a break. Often even a few minutes away from the screen is enough to surface the solution to a problem. I take a notebook and pen and jot down ideas that pop into my head before I forget them.
- Oh yes! All this is for free (unless you forget to head back in time and so need to catch a bus!).
So, over to you. Do you walk and if so what problems has walking solved? If you don’t walk, what do you do?
