Walking Wisdom

I live to walk and walk to live! Some of my favourite times of the day are when I am walking; free to explore, free to breathe, free to dream, free to think, and free to ponder and plan. Which is why the following passage deeply resonated with me, and prompted me to share it with you, on my blog.

"Above all, do not lose your desire to walk: every day I walk myself into a state of well-being and walk away from every illness; I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it. Even if one were to walk for one's health and it were constantly one station ahead - I would still say: Walk!

Besides, it is also apparent that in walking one constantly gets as close to well-being as possible, even if one does not quite reach it - but by sitting still, and the more one sits still, the closer one comes to feeling ill. Health and salvation can be found only in motion... if one just keeps on walking, everything will be all right."

This passage is written by Theologian and philosopher Søren Kierkegaard. It appears in his journal entries, where he often reflected on his personal experiences and philosophical musings. This quote beautifully captures Kierkegaard's belief in the therapeutic power of walking and its ability to improve both physical and mental health.

Kierkegaard saw walking as a metaphor for the individual's journey through life. He believed that walking, like life itself, is a solitary endeavour, requiring one to confront their own thoughts, fears, and desires. In this sense, walking can be seen as a form of meditation or introspection.

Kierkegaard also emphasised the importance of walking as a way to connect with nature and the world around us. He believed that by immersing oneself in the natural world, one can gain a deeper understanding of their place in the universe and develop a sense of awe and wonder.

Maybe walking plays a significant role in your life, as it does mine. I hope so.