Walking in Nature: Benefits of Nature Walks

Sep 18, 2019

walking-path-leading-into-forest-MN-Valley-National-Wildlife-Refuge

One of my favorite things to do is walk. Walking has a pace and rhythm that allows for observation, contemplation, and breath. It is an important part of my creative process and a favorite family activity in all seasons. In short, there are many benefits to walking in nature.

These pictures are from a recent hike in the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. It's a 14,000-acre corridor of land and water located along the Minnesota River. The refuge runs through urban, rural and industrial areas. It provides habitat for a variety of birds and other wildlife and access to a public, natural environment for nearly 3 million people living nearby.

Walking: History & Benefits

I'm not the only fan of walking. From the ancient Greeks to the present day, writers, artists and philosophers have given props to the benefits of walking and particularly the benefits of walking in nature.

Henry David Thoreau wrote a famous essay called "Walking". Philosopher Fredrich Nietzsche also asserted that, "All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking".

There is a rich history of walking enthusiasts!

walking in nature hiking nature therapy nature cure wild grasses landscape nature photography — Orange-plumed wild grasses.

Turns out there's something to it all. In the article, "Why Walking Helps Us Think," Ferris Jabr details ways that walking stimulates brain health. He explains that walking increases blood and oxygen flow to the brain, improves memory function and connections between brain cells. (Article linked below)

Beyond the physical effects on the brain, there is another phenomenon. Walking creates a rhythm between our steps and our breath. Jabr calls it "an unadulterated feedback loop between the rhythm of our bodies and our mental state" that puts us in a zone. That meditative flow state is optimal for creative thinking. Walking doesn't require much thought so it frees up the brain to wander outside the box.

benefits of walking in nature, nature cure, nature therapy, landscape nature photography, sumac turning red, cattails, forest — Sumac Color Field with Reeds and Forest

Nature Is Good For You

Then, there's the added benefit of walking in nature. An abundance of new research confirms what nature lovers have always known: being in nature is good for you! Exposure to nature can do everything from lower blood pressure and strengthen your immune system to alleviate depression and lower crime rates.

There are many examples of nature's benefits on our well-being. Simple things like greening vacant lots can lower crime. Giving hospital patients a window overlooking a tree instead of a brick wall can decrease pain and speed the healing process. Simply breathing the forest air has measureable health benefits . Studies show that exposure to nature is essential to our well-being.

Doctors and even insurance companies are getting behind the radical idea: nature might be the breakthrough 'prescription' we need to cure so many of our modern ailments.

I'm fascinated and excited by this topic (can you tell?) I've included links to some great articles and podcasts at the bottom of this post.

Finding Beauty Everywhere

I know firsthand the benefits of walking in nature. Early in my photography career, I developed a practice of exploring my everyday surroundings with my camera on foot. The mindful intention and meditative flow of these photo walks became as much a spiritual practice as a creative one.

My work has always been about seeing the beauty in ordinary subjects. Increasingly my focus is on the natural world. Flora & fauna, wind and water, changing seasons, light, color and texture. These are the elements that make up the everyday wonders of the world.

Wherever you are, there is something to see, some bit of nature. A flower growing up through a crack in the sidewalk, a bird or bug in flight, a shaft of light. It's just a matter of paying attention, pausing long enough to recognize what's there in front of you.

benefits of walking in nature, nature cure, nature therapy, landscape nature photography, foliage and trees with goldenrods

Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge: Urban Nature

The wildlife refuge is a place both wild and industrial. Everywhere you look, there are reminders of the city and built environment. We spotted a flock of egrets near Black Dog energy plant and spied a Great Blue Heron perched on a drainage culvert. Beneath the freeway bridge, wildflowers and waterfowl thrive.

This is no pristine wilderness. It's a place that demonstrates a harmonious relationship between humans and the natural world. This relationship is the central theme of a large mural recently completed near one entrance to the refuge.

The mural, "At the Confluence of Science and Nature," by Erik Pearson is part of a Creative Placemaking initiative by Artistry, a regional art center and the City of Bloomington. It is located at the Bass Ponds trail access point on the wall of Cypress Semiconductor. It pictures a harmonious future between science and technology and nature and outdoor recreation.

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
3815 American Blvd. East
Bloomington, MN 55425