Walking And Writing

Several writers I know are walkers.  
They walk to break writer’s block.
They walk to create inspiration

There is a host of data to suggest that walking helps writers break through any creative obstacles they may face

How does walking (away from something you’re working on) affect your writing?  When you’re away from your computer or your writing implement, you tend to let your mind wander and you’re not as focused on the task at hand:

Writing.

For myself, I’ve found that hiking in the woods contributes more to opening my muse than walking downtown.  I hear nothing in the woods or everything. What does that mean?

I don’t hear the hum of vehicles and people.
I don’t hear footsteps on concrete.
I don’t hear bikes whizzing by.

When I’m in the woods, there’s a different noise.
Birds chirping.
Tree frogs if you’re out at dusk.
Cicadas and crickets.

Walking/hiking clears your head.  It can be a source of meditation. And meditation can help when you’re working through a block.   Walking alone can sometimes be a benefit because you’re within your own thoughts, (thus providing the opportunity to meditate,) and you can walk at your own pace.  Solo walking also helps in the process of imagination, for it presents the opportunity of looking within for the challenge you’re facing, whether the challenge has to do with writing or something else.  Inspiration sometimes strikes when you’re alone and it’s better especially if you need to clear a logjam in your thought process. You certainly don’t want someone interfering by talking when all you want is silent introspection.  If you’re in this place, I would recommend avoiding the city/town and find a wooded trail to hike.

Walking with others, especially another writer can be helpful as well.  You can bounce ideas off each other and since you’re both of the same ilk, you can feed each other and hopefully, since you’re walking partners you understand when you need silence to consider a block and when you need to talk something through.  It even might be interesting to have a writer/walker group where you can set aside a specifically scheduled time to walk and discuss your writing needs. If this is something you’re considering, then you should set ground rules:
Treat the walk as you would any writer’s group
Anything discussed MUST be writing related.

So my advice:
If you’re struggling with working out a writing challenge, shut off your computer, shut off your brain and find a wooded trail.

Be Happy!  Be Well! Be Positive!
Blessings to you.
—
Chris

Once you realize that life is eternal,
That our souls our eternal,
That we return to light and physical over and over;
We then lose all our distress
We then lose all our fear of dying.  For there truly is no end.

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