by Deborah English

Created on: October 14, 2007

Walk and talk together to improve your relationship? Maybe it sounds like a bit of a simplistic solution but, it could be the salve your relationship needs.

Life is incredibly busy. For most of us, the second our feet make contact with the bedroom floor, we are on "full charge ahead." Outside, the birds are chirping, but we are so distracted with the day's schedule, we hardly notice. It's a shower, a slurp of coffee and a bit of toast as we are running out the door. Do we manage to slip any quality conversation with loved ones into that time slot? Not on your life! Conversation revolves around the physical and practical: the children, money, work, and the day's tasks.

Finally dinner time rolls around and you can sit down together, discuss life and relax - right? Sure: in a perfect world! There are meetings, and sports activities, and domestic chores. Later, you succumb to mental and physical exhaustion: you slump on the couch in front of the television, and revert to "zombie" mode.

It truly isn't surprising that the prevalence of dysfunctional families is becoming the norm, and that one in every two marriages ends in divorce. Could walking with our loved ones improve the stats? Just what are the benefits of walking? And, how does walking revive the art of conversation?

Walking reduces anxiety. It "slows us down" and clears our heads of life's clutter. When we walk, we begin to notice the environment around us: the green of the trees, the turquoise hue of the sky, and the smells of nature: spring blossom, rich, fertile, wet soil. The wind dishevels our hair and untangles the knots of half-finished thoughts in our minds: freeing us up to think creatively. Walking detaches us from the daily distractions and helps us focus on the important things: like our relationships.

Taking a walk is like giving ourselves the time and space to simply: breathe.

Walking together equals breathing together, hearing together, and seeing together. It connects you with the natural world, and with one-another. It attracts positivism into your life.

Walking together is sharing a little holiday away from the daily grind. And, here, in this relaxed space, your worries melt away and the art of real conversation between you is restored.

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