Why Waiting is the new Walking

Take a slow stroll with Jonnie and I to see what she taught me...

Sometimes, she walks...

The lead in my hand feels more like an anchor than a guide some days.

My companion, Jonnie, a creature of boundless curiosity and an olfactory obsession, transforms our daily walks into a masterclass in… waiting. What should be a brisk circuit around the vineyards often devolves into a series of prolonged pauses.

A particularly interesting patch of grass demands minutes of intense sniffing. A storm drain warrants a thorough investigation. A fellow canine in the distance necessitates a statue-like vigil.

Initially, these enforced halts were frustrating. My mind, already racing through to-do lists and future anxieties, chafed at the inertia. I’d tug gently on her lead, a silent plea for forward momentum. But Jonnie, lost in her sensory world, remains unmoved. It is in these moments of enforced stillness that a subtle shift began to occur.

I started to look around. Really look. The dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy above our heads, the intricate patterns on an unknown plant leaf, the distant murmur of children playing – details that had previously blurred into the background of my hurried existence. Jonnie, in her unhurried exploration, was inadvertently pulling me into the present moment.

And that’s when it struck me: perhaps this waiting was the new walking. In our relentlessly paced modern lives, where every moment is optimized for productivity and efficiency, the act of simply being – of pausing, observing, and allowing – has become a radical act. We are so accustomed to striving, achieving, and moving forward that the spaces in between, the moments of apparent inactivity, are often perceived as wasted time.

Yet, these very spaces hold a profound potential for our wellbeing. When we are constantly rushing, our nervous systems remain in a state of low-grade stress. Waiting, in the way Jonnie practices it, forces me to downshift. My breath can deepen, my shoulders can relax, and the relentless chatter of my mind can quieten, even if just for a few precious seconds.

This involuntary mindfulness, cultivated on a dog walk, can seep into other areas of our lives, fostering a greater sense of calm amidst the chaos.

No rest is too long for Jonnie!

Furthermore, this enforced slowing down can sharpen our focus. When we’re not constantly striving for the next task, we have the mental space to truly observe our surroundings, to notice nuances we would otherwise miss. Just as Jonnie’s intense focus on a particular scent reveals a hidden world to her, our moments of stillness can allow us to perceive details in our own lives that might hold valuable insights or simply bring a moment of unexpected beauty. We become more attuned to the subtle cues of our environment, both internal and external.

Paradoxically, this slowing down can ultimately lead to greater impact. By taking the time to be present, to reflect, and to absorb, we make more considered decisions and approach our tasks with greater clarity. Rushing often leads to mistakes, burnout, and a superficial engagement with the world.

By embracing the “waiting” – the pauses for reflection, the moments of observation – we cultivate a deeper understanding and can therefore act with more intention and effectiveness. It’s the principle of “slow down to speed up” in action.

Jonnie, in her oblivious wisdom, is a constant reminder of this truth. She doesn’t strive for efficiency on our walks; she embraces the richness of the present moment. She teaches me that waiting isn’t a void to be filled, but an opportunity to be embraced. It’s a chance to connect with my surroundings, to quiet my inner turmoil, and to appreciate the small wonders that often go unnoticed in our relentless pursuit of the next thing.

I would have missed this thistle sitting in the gap between two clouds.....

So, the next time you find yourself stuck in a queue, waiting for a delayed train, or simply feeling the urge to rush through a moment, perhaps you can channel your inner Jonnie.

Take a breath. Look around. Notice the details. Allow yourself to simply be in that space. You might be surprised at what you discover. You might find that in the stillness, a new kind of walking begins – a journey inward, a journey of presence, and a journey towards a more grounded and meaningful way of being.

Embrace the wait, for it might just be the most important step you take today.

Your "Waiting is the New Walking" Wellbeing Exercise

Inspired by Jonnie's mindful dawdling and the principles of positive psychology, let's cultivate a moment of presence and boost our positive affect.

The "Sensory Pause": A 5-Minute Immersion

Find a comfortable spot, either indoors or outdoors. You don't need to be walking; you can be sitting, standing, or simply pausing wherever you are. Set a timer for 5 minutes.

Now, gently bring your attention to your senses, one by one. There's no need to analyze or judge, just observe what is present in this moment.

1. Sight (1 minute): Slowly scan your surroundings. Notice three things you haven't truly seen before. It could be the way the light falls on a surface, the intricate veins on a leaf, or the subtle colour variations in a wall. Simply observe without labeling or thinking too much about them. What do you see?

2. Sound (1 minute): Close your eyes, if comfortable. Bring your awareness to the sounds around you. Notice three distinct sounds. It might be the hum of the refrigerator, the chirping of birds, the distant sound of traffic. Just listen. What do you hear?

3. Touch (1 minute): Bring your awareness to the sensations of your body. Notice three points of contact – perhaps the feeling of your feet on the ground, your body against a chair, or the air on your skin. What do you feel?

4. Smell (1 minute): Gently bring your attention to any scents that are present. It could be the smell of coffee, the freshness of the air, or even the subtle scent of your own clothes. Notice two distinct smells, however faint. What do you smell?

5. Taste (1 minute): Notice the current sensation in your mouth. Is there a lingering taste? Simply bring your awareness to this internal sense. What do you subtly taste?

   
   

When the timer goes off, take a gentle breath in and out. Notice how you feel. Did this brief "sensory pause" shift your awareness? Did you notice anything new or appreciate something you usually overlook?

Why this works:

• Mindfulness: This exercise gently guides you into the present moment by focusing on sensory input, a core element of mindfulness.

• Sensory Awareness: By intentionally engaging our senses, we connect more deeply with our immediate environment, fostering a sense of being grounded.

• Savouring: Paying attention to the small details around us encourages savouring, a positive psychology intervention linked to increased happiness and wellbeing.

• Shifting Focus: It redirects our attention away from racing thoughts and towards the tangible world, which can reduce anxiety and increase a sense of calm.

  
  

Just like those moments of waiting with Jonnie reveal a richer world, this "Sensory Pause" invites you to find wonder and peace in the present, enhancing your positive affect through simple awareness.

Try this exercise once a day this week. Notice any subtle shifts in your mood or your ability to appreciate the small moments.

What did you notice during your "Sensory Pause"? Share your experience!