Walking the Talk

Walking the Talk

On Saturday I spent the day walking around like a zombie, bumping into things and drinking way too much coffee. I was disoriented and confused from getting up at 2.30am for a bit of a walk and then trying to catch up on sleep later in the morning. I wonder how people on shift work or with babies do it all the time!!!!!
I, like thousands others across Ireland, joined the Pieta House ‘Darkness Into Light’ walk, raising awareness for mental health.

It’s just a wonderful idea that has literally grown legs and quickly spread in popularity over the last 9 years. 150 locations around the island of Ireland hosted thousands of walkers and runners come together to move from the dark into the light as the dawn made its way through the clouds.

Metaphorically it is so beautifully simple. Physically it is an act of showing up, in kindness, something to do to share support and acknowledgement that you know there is a thing called mental health.

There is no requirement to raise sponsorship or set targets. Supporting the event with your presence and your contribution is the simple all-inclusive way you show that you wish to help your own and others mental  health, and one way to do that is to move.

Walking is the most simple form of exercise. Just by leaving the house and going for a walk can help change perspective. A change of environment, changes how you feel, how you think and how you move. You leave the safe familiar walls and expose yourself to weather, traffic, sounds, people animals. To hard roads or soft grass. To cold wind or soft rain or bright sunshine. By simply leaving the house and moving even within a ten minute comfort zone, something new and variable has started.

Moving your body, moves your mind, processes your thoughts. Being active in your body effects your mind and emotions and vice versa. You are a whole and indivisible human being. As am I. As is everybody. But we have learned to separate, suppress, shorten and stagnate.

I am not saying walking will solve mental health problems, but it is a tool in self care. And it’s universal. Walking or running for Darkness Into Light is walking together. Sharing the time. Enjoying company.  Talking about stuff. Welcoming the light. It’s not a race. It is not about personal bests or records. It’s about showing up. Being together. And moving. Taking one foot and placing it in front of another, walking in a direction you have chosen.

Well done Pieta House for raising awareness of mental health in an inclusive and kind way. Walking the talk.
Thank you.
 
Love Fiona

Picture thanks to The Journal.ie