“Walking brings a calming pace to life - it somehow brings a sense of order.”

So, says one of Telecare’s volunteer Diane (not her real name), who has been going on walks for years. She started out walking simply as a means of reaching her place of employment, but lately, she has been walking for pure enjoyment and the benefits achieved.

Walking with a friend

Depending on the weather, Diane routinely walks four to five times a week although it was even more often during the recent COVID lockdown. Walking with a friend allowed her to have a visit while still maintaining COVID bylaws and walking alone often becomes a time to reflect on her life, problems, plans, loved ones and to contemplate and pray.

Beauty in Creation

Diane and her walking companion have about four favourite routes and enjoy noting the weekly changes in the nature they encounter. From seeing the first leaves unfurling early in the year to watching them fall during the autumn months Diane has found beauty in God’s creation. “I find I can see God’s hand at work even in the way grasses, weeds, and wildflowers appear in their season.”

Walking is grounding

Diane finds that with the abundance of chaos heard on the News that “a walk grounds me and reminds me that God is in control”. Diane encourages others who would also like to benefit from the mental and physical health aspects of walking to get some “comfy shoes” find a favourite route and “get going”!

FOOTNOTES

Photo by Joseph Pearson on Unsplash