The Healing Power of Silent Walking

It's a fact that all our friends know.  If you're going to hang with us, wear sneakers and be ready to walk!  While it's true we both love to walk, Marc is the one who really enjoys wandering around and getting lost in his thoughts. As a matter of fact, that's probably when he gets most of his creative ideas for our team building adventures. (I'm pretty sure he came up with the entire route for our Gaslamp Scavenger Hunt during a walk in La Jolla!)  For him, a walk along the beach is pure heaven and it always unlocks his mind and creative spirit.  So, it only seemed natural that when our good friend Lee Ann Kim told us how she likes to take silent walks with her staff, Marc was totally onboard. 

                                        (Marc enjoying the day on a recent walk in La Jolla)

Apparently, there's a whole new movement of people who enjoy doing these "silent walks." The concept is pretty simple -  you go on a walk with a group of people but you don't talk...at all. You just walk in silence - allowing your mind and body to relax and unwind.  In Lee Ann's case, they even take off their shoes so they can connect to Mother Nature.   Studies show that walking barefoot, also known as "earthing" has a number of health benefits such as reducing inflammation and improving sleep.  Who knew?

Of course, if you're like some people, you may be wondering -  "why not just walk alone if you want silence?"   Well, you could do that but walking by yourself is a totally different experience than walking with a group.

                                      (Taking in the sights & sounds on a walk in Point Loma)
                                      
From a safety point of view, some people may not want to walk alone OR maybe they don't want to be by themselves for an extended period of time. Walking in silence in a group provides solitude but there's a connection between the group members even though they're not talking.  Although I've never really thought about it, I do take in more when I'm on a walk and not talking.  I'm more likely  to notice how wonderful the sun feels or how peaceful the waves sound as they crash along the rocks. 

The next time you're feeling tired or a little stressed, maybe you should get a bunch of friends or co-workers together and go on a "silent walk."   See you at the beach!

Happy Travels!
Darlynne & Marc Menkin
Where You Want To Be Tours, Inc.
619.917.6037
www.wheretours.com


Marc & Darlynne Menkin are the co-owners of Where You Want To Be Tours, a San Diego based company that specializes in fun team building Urban Challenge Scavenger Hunts and unique tours of hidden spots. Earlier this year, they merged with Out of the Ordinary Group & Team Adventures, an Award Winning Company that's known for offering customized team building programs like Survivor Team Challenge, Sailing Regattas and much more!