We walk, we amble, we wander, and we think. One wonderful way to capture this concept is through the phrase “Solvitur Ambulando,” Latin for “it is solved by walking”.
John Muir and Henry David Thoreau have long been known as the writers who advocated for walking. Muir wrote: “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” Thoreau wrote, “I think that I cannot preserve my health and spirits, unless I spend four hours a day at least—and it is commonly more than that—sauntering through the woods and over the hills and fields, absolutely free from all worldly engagements.”
Now Stanford University and others have conducted studies on the values of walking. Stanford researchers explored creativity and walking. They write “we’re not saying walking can turn you into Michelangelo, but it could help you at the beginning stages of creativity.”
Studies also show that walking can help with:
- Depression– Some therapists write prescriptions for walking regimes at work and home to help deal with mental illness.
- Complexity at Work– A walking meeting can generate creative solutions. Movement activates different parts of our brain. Steve Jobs made the walking meeting part of his routine.
- Refocus– A technology break and walk can result in increased performance and energy.
- Build Community– Walk with someone and enjoy of world of conversation and connection.
Solvitur Ambulando invites us to think while walking. Yet, you might also want to try walking and not thinking at all. Try to just walk and be present in the moment. Instead of thinking, focus on the sounds of the birds, leaves, water, and rocks. To be honest, I sometimes need a break from the noise in my head, the world and my ear buds. It’s harder than it looks to just walk and not think, to clear your mind. Try mindful walking.
I’m not a Latin linguist, but perhaps some days try Solvitur Ambulando and some days try Solvitur ambulando non cogitando (It is solved by walking and not thinking).
How do you integrate walking into your personal and professional life? What do you notice is different?Perhaps you’d like to try a walking together in Marin or San Francisco and together we’ll Solvutar Ambulando together.