Redefining Travel

More Walking, Less Footprint

Did you know that walking one mile in 20 minutes is the equivalent of running a mile in 10 minutes in terms of energy expended? Walking just half an hour per day cuts the risk of heart disease by up to half and reduces the risk of some cancers, diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis. And it’s free.

Walking not only makes sense for our physical health, but also for our mental and spiritual wellbeing. We all know how therapeutic the process of walking can be, whether confronted with some personal dilemma, searching for creative inspiration, or just seeking solace. There is clearly something about the physical action of walking that has psychological consequences, freeing the mind from stagnation and helping to shed new light on whatever may be bothering us. As we travel, placing one foot in front of the other, a meditative state may emerge, connecting us with the earth and our surroundings. The senses come alive, drawn by the sound of birdsong, leaves dancing in the wind, the smell of freshly mown grass.

In a sense, walking is a constant reminder or our primal selves, travelling through the landscape in the manner for which the human body evolved, rather than the amplified means provided by our technologies. As such, it can provide the first step towards redefining our relationship to the natural world and, therefore, an excellent place from which to start our journey through the year.

There are numerous and obvious ways in which we can reduce our Footprint by walking more and which hardly need to be listed here. However, in addition to the more obvious options - walking to work, or at least part of the journey - there are other elements that we can combine with walking to create systemic benefits. There are endless permutations to this. It may not happen overnight but over the coming weeks, why not explore the possibility of a regular organized walk with your family, friends, neighbours, or other members of the community? This could be as simple as a visit to local sites of interest, or walking to and from the cinema together, an art gallery, or the farmer’s market. As a result, you may create a new space for your interaction together and gain new insights about your area, walking through places you never normally see by vehicle.

And what’s more, you won’t have to worry about parking.