New research into the benefits of long-distance walking shines a light on the deep workings of walking on our psychology – and describes phenomena which 1000-milers may recognise.
The paper, Becoming a person: How long-distance walking can lead to personal growth, published by academics from the University of Southern Denmark, identifies four key drivers of long-distance walking’s positive effect on personal growth. Their familiarity to 1000-milers suggests we might be on a long-distance journey as profound as any great pilgrimage:
Attention restoration
Walking clears the mind and allows concerns, worries and residual mental preoccupations to fade, not least by taking us literally away from the environment that is draining our energy; meanwhile exposure to nature improves our focus and ability to concentrate.
A state of openness
Walking provides an environment where what to think about, and what feelings to feel are more unplanned and unguided – a restorative, therapeutic state that provides an opportunity to enter a flow state, and a vantage point for achieving enhanced perspective.
Self-actualisation
To become fully human we have to achieve identity (become aware of ourselves) and independence (become aware of the range of choices open to us). Both things at which walking excels, thanks to its intensifying of bodily awareness and removal of barriers to thought and action – establishing a conversation between body and mind empowering to both.
Courage
Overcoming the physical discomfort, fatigue, disinclination, and uncertainties on a long journey on foot leads to the conviction our bodies are a source of strength, joy and meaningfulness, and our bodily accomplishments support for an enhanced sense of self and scope of personal agency.
