Rituals: Silent Walking
Take intentional walks sans phone calls, podcasts, or guides for peaceful or creative breaks to your day
In 2023, silent walking had a moment.
There was this New York Times article about a woman who went viral for simply walking – no podcasts, no multitasking, no phone calls.
Of course she invited a “chorus of critics” because she was a Gen Z’er who had apparently just discovered, putting one foot in front of the other, distraction free, for herself.
But I think the larger point missed (or feared) by most people is the intentional part of walking in silence.
We’re tethered to digital devices most of the day, so why not take a walk to ourselves to simply take in and observe our surroundings?
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Finding an opportunity to do this daily is fairly easy for me because I have to walk Mr. Bean every morning, anyway.
But before intentional walking in silence, more often than not I found myself seeking distractions: listening to podcasts (or worse, feeling I had to catch up on the latest episodes), making phone calls, or texting while walking – which isn’t entirely safe and benefits no one, especially not the people nor traffic around you.
As for listening to music or a guided workout while walking, I never do that out of safety precautions, unless I’m on a dedicated trail or route not shared with road traffic.
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Even then, my AirPods are on transparent mode so I can hear people behind me and the world around me. Or my phone is playing on speaker mode in a hip pack.
Years of walking in New York City made me hyper aware and alert of my surroundings to threats, noise, and danger.
So now, on morning walks, it’s just me and the dog in silence. The phone is there only in case of emergencies.
Attempting to juggle a phone call or holding a phone while scooping poop was never fun for me nor the person on the other line, anyway.
Aside from the physical benefits of walking, the mental benefits are apparent. They aren’t measurable per se, but I do find peace and more awareness of my inner dialogue.
Acknowledging that inner voice and all its neurosis is a concept introduced in The Untethered Soul. But I also find ideas, optimistic thoughts, and solutions to problems flow more easily - like when you have “Aha” moments in the shower.
Where are your favorite places to walk in silence or do you have a different approach for walking? Tell me.
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Until next time,
Shindy
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Rituals is a section where on the first Friday of every month, I’ll cover a regular daily, weekly, or monthly personal habit. It may be a lifestyle, wellness, or work practice that has become a valuable and beneficial part of my life. Enjoy!
