 Mood boosting power of a good walk. Mid life brings all sorts challenges and I was experiencing some of these. The result low mood and intolerance. In short bad tempered! One of the bonuses of this particular week is that I had two walks lined up - one in Aberedw, the third in a series of walks organised by Bryn Walking around this area. Having asked for this particular walk, it includes Llewelyn’s cave and Twm Tobacco’s grave, there was no way I was going sit at home and ruminate on things I can’t control anyway. The walk is full of legend, folklore and mystery. The passage of time theme here reminded me that everything will pass. Walking out over the hills and mountains got all my body working - my lungs to full capacity, muscles doing their job, limbs coordinating, blood pumping around my body and the eyes absorbing sunlight - yes the sun did shine despite a gloomy forecast. Walking helps to put me into perspective - not my problems but me, it reminds that I am short-lived, the trees, rocks and cairns I encounter have stood the test of time and will be here long after I’m gone. The mountains and landscape are static and immoveable - having been enjoyed by others and will be by countless future walkers. Where do I feature? I don’t and that’s good for me to be reminded of this. Then there’s the power of the people I walk with - sometimes I have a lot to say - sometimes I don’t (yes really!). I even know where to position myself so that I can join in if I want or stay silent and just listen to what’s going on around me. I specifically put my phone away and turn off notifications so the only sensory experience I get is from nature and fellow walkers. At times during this walk I’ve shared some of my issues and heard from others how they dealt with the same experiences, often with humour when we begin discussing the different dimensions of being middle aged. I don’t feel so alone now. My bad temper is diminished. Physically my body is reinvigorated, full of good endorphins that have boosted my mood, my mind is clearer and I feel better connected with others. I’ve had a full reset. I’m now ready and enthusiastic for the second walk later in the week - maybe I can improve someone else’s mood.  
7 Comments
Andrea
30/9/2023 19:13:18
Fantastic read Wendy - what you say resonates we me and many others I'm sure. It is indeed a privilege to be able to walk in the hills and, as you say, be as sociable or as solitary as you need. Nature accepts us as we are, warts and all. I love the mature women and men in the Netherlands who glow with vitality and confidence. It saddens me that our equivalent in the UK are bogged down with hang ups around age, a set of numbers. Fresh air and salty hair (either from the coast or sweat, or both!) is where it's at 🤗 xx
Wendy
1/10/2023 06:05:45
Thanks Andrea. I’m going to look up the Netherlands women and men.
Andrea
1/10/2023 06:20:37
I visit there at least once a year. Wouldn't want to live there - too flat, the Dutch love the Welsh mountains, that's why you see so many Dutch number plates in the summer - but I love their outlook on life.
Debbie Johnston
1/10/2023 11:00:49
Hi Wendy, that was a lovely write up. I also found solace in the Outdoors during the Covid times, when the world was going slightly crazy! Realising that the river, the birds and the trees were still going to be there in years to come helped me to rationalise that the lockdowns would be short-lived and that life would indeed go on.
Wendy
1/10/2023 16:17:40
Thank you Debbie that’s nice to hear. I look forward to seeing you soon. We’ve missed each a few times lately.
Debbie Johnston
13/10/2023 10:29:59
Yes, we have, but hopefully we'll catch up soon. Leave a Reply. |
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