Connection and Blackberries

On Monday I went for a long walk. This is something that I love to do. Since the weather was great it made it all the better.

Recently, I have run a couple of walkshops that have had a very natural theme to them. I asked "What do you love about nature to my fellow Walk Innovators. The results were eye-opening, to say the least.

Our group started to notice all of the wonderfully kept gardens in St Albans, we paddled in the stream, listened to Crickets, connected with nature and ate blackberries. Most surprisingly of all we noticed a tree that towers over the buildings near St Albans Town Centre. I had never noticed it before.

Despite the size of the tree and obvious longevity of it and my numerous hours spent in St Albans, over numerous years, I had not seen this magnificent tower of nature that stood above the buildings. What else have I not seen that has been standing right in front of me was the consideration that I had afterwards. The answer is - many things.

This simple metaphor has exploded a range of interventions that I had not noticed before, despite them being right in front of my face.

Nature can be a powerful metaphor for life when you walk your talk. It has certainly given me much food for thought - and much food to eat on Sunday - I do love freshly picked blackberries!

It's Not the Destination - It's the Journey That Counts

  What great weather we are getting at the moment. At this time of year it is a pleasure to be out and about. Over the past two days I have walked over 20 miles and witnessed numerous things of beauty.

  

  Not having a car has some distinct advantages when the weather is this good. Today, as I walked to meet a client, I was able to witness the numerous flowers in bloom and the occasional butterfly brightening up the path.

  It is in such moments of gratitude for the things that are sometimes taken for granted that life becomes enriched. I can honestly say that, apart from the obvious physical benefits that go with walking, I'm feeling fantastic at the moment and look forward to utilising any further good weather that I should be gifted with.

  Ultimately, for me, it is the small things in life that make the biggest difference and I am feeling very grateful at the moment.

Walking Wellbeing in Shenley

  Last week I ran my first event this year, in sunny Shenley. Five people turned up in -4 degrees to go walking. It proved to be a great success. Even in sub-zero temperatures it is possible to have fun, get great results and witness the beauty that Shenley has to offer. 

  It makes me realise the true wonder in the simplicity of walking and even my nephews are appreciating how a walk can yield many wonderful benefits. It is my firm belief that the simplest things will get the best results.