23 Comments

I’ve walked all my life and never underestimate the power of putting one foot in front of the other, especially in the countryside.

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Walking has consistently been the thing to get me through hard times!

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There's just something incomparably healing about walking—makes it feel subtly yet exhilaratingly mystical for me.

This was a lovely afternoon walk. Loved reading the progression of your feelings about your anxiety + the anecdotes about snatched pizza slices and anti-tanning commercials. I'd definitely read more missives from walks in the English countryside.

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Thank you, Esha! I actually had another thought about walking when I was in Bath yesterday but thought it might be a bit much to have two posts on walking in a row...

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It could be a future post, or maybe something for Substack Notes...?

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Being a deep feeler, this hits. Nature is my sanctuary where whatever I'm feeling can be composted and processed in a way that feels safe and nurturing. I loved this post.

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Nature is so important. I realise now that living near nature is better than living near good cafes (which is saying a lot).

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Walking is a necessity anymore for me. I think this started becoming a regularity in my life during the pandemic and now its claws are sunk deep in me for the rest of my life. I really enjoyed reading this and relate so much.

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Yes! It's a necessity, not a luxury!

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It’s funny, I feel like I’m surrounded by so many people who normalize anxiety just because we’re alive, I was taken aback by your questioning it!😂 I wonder if that’s an American thing or just my bubble. This was beautifully written, nature truly heals and brings us back to ourselves!

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Of course I think anxiety is a real thing and that it can be difficult to manage, but I also think there are many things we can do to reduce it!

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James, I read this three times already, it's so lovely and also like someone is whispering my own thoughts back at me. I go on my rambling Slovene country walks daily to say hi to all the birds of prey, and I walked wherever I lived.

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I would love to experience a Slovene walk one day!

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Beautiful. I just started reading The Philosophy of Walking. It’s so so great. Have you read?

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No I haven't but going to put it on the list!

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James this is beautifully written and moving. As someone with anxiety, I can attest that walking really does help, although I live in suburban North Carolina am jealous of your English countryside ramblings. Thank you for sharing.

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From the very quick google image search I did North Carolina looks like it has its share of beauty too! I'd love to go for a walk there one day. Thank you for reading.

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Sometimes, that's all it takes!

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Going for a walk now... Loved this. It calmed my anxiety.

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I love this simple acknowledgment of the power of connecting with the outdoors. It's the first thing I forget to do when I'm stressed! But it always works!

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I like it. I can relate. I felt I was a companion in your walk.

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Thank you. :)

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Please, walking saves my life CONTINUOUSLY! also crying and pretending I'm a seastar..

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