I have enjoyed going for walks since I was a child. As an adult writer, I have discovered that the relationship between writing and walking is a close one but, until today, I have never given much thought as to what, exactly, that relationship is. It was, perhaps, no accident that I chose to live in a place where a wide variety of walks were available from the doorstep of my house. There are walks on the flat and walks in the hills. Today, I spent a couple of hours walking uphill to a 12th century ruin of a castle from which great views are to be had.
Needless to say, it is not always the castle or the views that bring rewards but the walk itself.
I used to think that it was the process of walking that gave me space to think but, to be honest, the walk uphill to the castle does not really allow me to focus my thoughts on anything except where to put my feet and how to control my breathing! Nonetheless, there seems to be a link for me between walking, thinking and writing and it reveals itself to me when I arrive back home behind my writing desk.
I have concluded that walking must somehow enhance the creative process. Walking must stimulate different ways of thinking and help me approach problems from a different perspective. Certainly, some of my best writing has occurred after a walk in the hills.
A quick search on the internet reveals that walking can enhance divergent thinking, and that is exactly the type of thinking that feeds creativity and generates innovative ideas. So, when you next feel in need of inspiration, lace up your shoes and head for the hills. Research suggests that your creative output might increase by an average of 60 percent.
By the way, the photo shows the castle to which I referred above. It was taken from my son’s drone.
Thoughts and Words 