WALKING IS A FAVORITE ACTIVITY OF MINE, one that I transform into a thrilling micro-adventure. Today I want to share with you how I unleash adventure on foot. More specifically, I’ll give you seven tips for making walking extraordinary. Today we explore how you can step up your game.
By incorporating a sense of exploration, curiosity, and creativity into your walks, you can turn mundane strolls into memorable experiences.
In this essay, we will explore eight ways to make your walking a micro-adventure, allowing you to discover new perspectives, immerse yourself in nature, and find excitement in the everyday.
“A walk?” said Catharine. “One foot in front of the other,” said Newt, “through leaves, over bridges.” ― Kurt Vonnegut.
1. Step Up Your Game: Choose a New Route
Under the early morning sun, I stroll the two tree-lined blocks around my hospital. At noon, I shift to walking down a hill to local shops. I may wander into Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s to mix up the routine.
Do you step out of your comfort zone and take a different path than your usual routine? Exploring unfamiliar streets, trails, or neighborhoods can bring a fresh perspective and an element of surprise to your walks. By embracing the unknown, you open yourself to unexpected discoveries, hidden gems, and unique encounters.
2. Step Up Your Game: Time Travel
If I am walking outside of my usual spots, I transport myself to a different era by researching the history of my surroundings before embarking on my walk.
Even in my hometown of Mercer Island, I enjoy learning about significant events, landmarks, or historical figures associated with my route. Such knowledge connects me to the past.
Sometimes, I visualize the streets as they were years ago and allow myself to be captivated by the stories unfolding in the places I walk today. Of course, that process was quite extraordinary when I walked the streets of Old Jerusalem, Kusadasi/Ephesus in Turkey, or Kyoto.
3. Step Up Your Game: Sensory Engagement
Walking is not just about covering distances but also an opportunity to engage with my surroundings fully. I take time to appreciate the details by focusing on my senses.
Note the flower scents and chirping of the birds. I love to feel a breeze on my skin and to see the gradations of greens in nature. Immersing myself in the present moment, I elevate an ordinary walk into a sensory adventure. My late Maltipoo dog, Quincy, may have been on to something.
One of my great joys is awakening at sunrise in Hawaii. Walking (often with my wife, Kayoko) in the Aloha state offers an array of sensory experiences that transport you to a beautiful paradise.
From the gentle caress of the tropical breeze on my skin to the symphony of crashing waves and chirping birds, every step immerses me in the vibrant colors, scents, and sounds of this enchanting island destination.
4. Nature Escapes
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life by seeking out natural environments.
Find parks, trails, or even small patches of greenery in your urban surroundings. Walking in nature provides a chance to reconnect with the earth, unwind, and rejuvenate your mind.
Observe the wildlife, listen to the rustling leaves, and breathe in the fresh air, allowing nature’s tranquility to be a source of inspiration and relaxation.
5. Walking Meditations
Turning my walking into a meditative practice is one of my great joys. I focus on my breath and the steps’ rhythms. My mind becomes more quiet and more present.
I let go of the distractions of my oncology practice and embrace the peacefulness of this intentional form of movement. Walking meditations can foster mental clarity, reduce stress, and enhance well-being.
6. Photography Exploration
One of my hobbies is photography. With a small camera or smartphone, I capture interesting sights, unique architecture, breathtaking landscapes, or even quirky details on my weekend perambulations.
Photography adds a creative element to my experience, allowing me to preserve memories, share my adventures with others, and see the world through a new lens as I take my walk.
7. Walking Challenges
I challenge myself by setting specific goals during my walks. Sometimes this means reaching a particular landmark. Other times, I aim to cover a certain distance or explore an area within a set time frame.
Adding an element of competition or achievement to my walks injects excitement and motivation into the experience. Pushing myself outside my comfort zone helps me to grow and have a sense of accomplishment.
Final Thoughts — Step Up Your Game
Walking has the potential to be so much more than a mundane activity. By infusing curiosity, creativity, and intention into your walks, you, too, can transform them into micro-adventures that ignite your spirit of exploration.
Whether choosing a new route, engaging your senses, immersing yourself in nature, or embracing challenges, each step can become an opportunity for discovery, connection, and personal growth. So, lace up your shoes, step outside, and embark on a micro-adventure that awaits you beyond your doorstep.
The information I provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. I am not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information in this blog.
Thank you for reading “Step Up Your Game.”
