The 12-Hour Walk: How I Unplugged to Reconnect with Peace and Creativity – September 12, 2022

In my last blog post, I wrote about two important neural networks in the brain: the TPN (Task-Positive Network) and the DMN (the Default Mode Network). Both are crucial for our functioning, but in our modern world, we tend to overuse the TPN. My blog post talked about what that can mean for your work life, and how you can use this knowledge to rekindle your creativity. If you missed it, I invite you to read that blog post and then come back here for part two.

My 12-Hour Walk

On August 27th, I completed my 12-hour walk. It was an illuminating experience for me in many ways, and one that I’ll certainly do again! I’ll share here some of what I learned during my walk, and offer some helpful tips for you to conduct your own 12-hour walk.

But first, what is the 12-hour walk?

Colin O’Brady is the author of a book called 12 Hour Walk, which is about his personal journey out of a pandemic lockdown slump (“slump” is an understatement; he was suffering from depression and anxiety during the pandemic lockdowns, as many of us were). He discovered that spending 12 hours away from it all had an incredibly positive effect, and encourages others to take on the challenge.

Colin suggests walking out your front door for your walk. For him, that made a lot of sense: he lives on the beautiful Oregon Coast, so it worked! However, I suspected that walking out my front door wouldn’t give me enough of the experience I was craving (too many cars, too much concrete, not enough quiet).

So I drove about 45 minutes away to a small mountain town on the edge of a lake with access to beautiful hiking trails. I included the 45-minute drive time each way as part of my 12 hours, letting go of my usual connections to electronic maps, music, podcasts, and even air conditioning.

Instead, I drove in silence with the windows open.

Here’s What I Learned…

I have a busy brain. I might even go so far as to call it “monkey mind.” I noticed that it took me three and a half hours for my thoughts to slow down. No wonder sitting down and meditating for five minutes is so hard for me!

I relished letting go of timekeeping. About two hours into my day, I found myself overwhelmed with gratitude for having ten more hours of open space before me. I even found that I was slightly worried it wouldn’t be enough time to truly unwind (it was!) Before my walk, I had been yearning for days with no obligations, no to-do lists, and no expectations from others. This is a really hard desire to fulfill for people who have kids and other responsibilities like jobs, homes, etc. I have plenty of those. But during my walk, I considered that when we continue to give away our energy to everyone and everything else, we have nothing left for ourselves. I focused on letting my 12-hour walk be one of the many ways of giving energy back to myself so that I could keep giving to those who need me. I realized that with a little planning, I can create this experience anytime I want! And I plan to do it again soon.

I discovered a deeper connection to self. Going into the walk, I thought I needed to create more connection with others. That is still true to some extent, but what I discovered during my alone time was a deeper connection to myself. It was a powerful reminder that I trust myself and that I have everything I need. I walked nearly 14 miles — something I had no idea I could do, because I’ve never tried! (Note: you might walk half a mile, or 50 miles. It’s not a contest in distance, it’s about your mindset and what you learn about yourself during your 12 hours.)

Letting go of technology was lifesaving. I walk almost every day. Occasionally, I walk in silence, but usually I listen to music, podcasts, Audible, or talk with a friend. Walking alone in silence for 12 hours was amazing for my brain. In my last blog, I wrote about activating your DMN more, which is what was happening in all that alone time. Throughout my day, I found myself in deep gratitude for the open space of my mind, allowing it to freely go wherever it wanted to go rather than trying to force myself to focus on one task after another. It felt like a deep rest and brought tremendous peace. In the time since my 12-hour walk, I find it much easier to avoid social media, TV, and even music. Instead, I appreciate the mindfulness that comes with quiet.

It is now easier to be present in life and work. In the couple of weeks since my walk, I feel more connected with myself, my son, my friends, and my clients. I’m finding that work is easier and more enjoyable, and I’ve created space for new ideas and have newfound energy.

Tips for Your 12-Hour Walk

Are you ready to give yourself the gift of your own 12-hour walk? Here are some tips you may find useful.

• Make it your own. Colin O’Brady offers his own rules for the walk that I followed and found important to the process. Remember that you also have permission to make this experience exactly what you want and need.

  • If walking a mile is physically challenging for you, just try walking around the block and then sit on your porch for an hour. Then walk around the block again, and return to your porch. Repeat. If you want to test both your physical and mental abilities, go ahead — while giving yourself permission to do more or less than you had planned.

    
    

  • There is no need to walk 12 hours nonstop. Take breaks. Rest. Reflect.

    
    

  • Consider where to walk. If you live in a busy metro area, I invite you to take your 12-hour walk in nature. Find a walking path or a quiet town where distractions are limited and where you feel safe.

    
    

  • Bring a journal. Even if you never journal, grab a notebook and a pen and toss it in your backpack. Capture your thoughts throughout the day. Notice what is changing within you through the day, what is hard, what is surprising, and whatever else you’re feeling and thinking. I’m not a regular journal-writer, but during my 12-hour walk, I wrote more pages than I had in nearly a year.

    
    

  • I love thought-provoking card decks. I randomly selected a few cards from two decks the night before my walk as part of my reflection and journal process. One of my favorites is Nature Meditations.

    
    

  • Bring water and food. Lots of water, snacks, and lunch will be important. I walked into a deli for lunch and though it wasn’t very crowded, it was an abrupt distraction from the quiet I was appreciating, not to mention the band I passed walking to the deli.

    
    

  • Bring several pairs of shoes. I kept my car in a central place and shifted from hiking shoes, to walking shoes, to Tevas for the last couple miles. I found new energy with each shoe change.

    
    

  • Bring your phone/watch. I kept my phone on for safety reasons and in case my son needed me, but I didn’t check it until the very end of the day. Only then did I look because I was curious how far I had walked (and I was pleasantly surprised!) Remember to turn off notifications; I forgot to do that and found it very distracting. Also, turn off the connection between your phone and fitness watch, if you have one.

    
    

  • Clear the agenda. Let go of any “to-dos” for the day like trying to figure out a problem (this contributed to my busy brain until I let it go for the day) and simply walk. Rest. Journal. Be alone with yourself. As my day went on, I found that I walked less and rested more. Let go of any judgement and be curious about the thoughts in your head. If they’re not helpful, think another thought! You get to control your thoughts, and your thoughts are not you. When I encounter a negative thought, I like to ask myself, “What would be helpful here?” Or “What do I need right now?”

Learn What is Helpful to Your Wellbeing

During my 12-hour walk, I was reminded of what is helpful to creating a peaceful and creative state of mind: quiet, nature, movement, journaling. I also remembered what is not helpful (frequent social media, concrete, noise). Overall, I found the experience deeply restful, and a kind of a “reset” that left me feeling invigorated.

If you feel inspired, give it a try! I’d love to hear about what you learn and the impact it has on your life and your work. Connect with me at carol@expansiveleadershipcoaching.com.

Photo Sourece: Plan Jeffco