Getting lost and feeling found... "I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in." John Muir, John of the Mountains Walking is medicine for the mind. It helps us slow down and think things through. It also helps us perk up and generate new ideas. There are few activities as readily available and revitalising as a brisk walk, or as soothing and stimulating as a long walk. Discover the wonderful things that can happen when you set out on two feet. Studies show a strong link between the mental state while walking and innovative ideas or strokes of insight. From Aristotle's strolls with his students to Steve Jobs's famous walking meetings, walking not only inspires creativity but also attention, presence and perspective. Taking your mind for a walk nourishes connection with yourself, it allows exploration of the self and the world around us and invigorates all of our senses. Walk to welcome the day "An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day." - Henry David Thoreau Walk to get some perspective "I'd walk and think about my entire life. I'd find my strength again, far from everything that had made my life ridiculous." - Cheryl Strayed Walk to become more present "Suddenly I came out of my thoughts to notice everything around me again-the catkins on the willows, the lapping of the water, the leafy patterns of the shadows across the path." - Rebecca Solnit

Author Biography

Department Store for the Mind is the exciting new creative venture by Sophie Howarth, co-founder of the School of Life. It is a place to explore the world inside your head: a vast and unique terrain of thoughts, ideas, emotions and memories. Each book offers stories and ideas about creating daily habits that are kind to the mind, whether through our connection with nature, our creativity or everyday tasks, or simply knowing and feeling more accepting of ourselves. The books stretch the mind and soul, so that we may colour outside of the lines, experience the moments of wonder that are right there in front of us and occasionally venture out of our safe harbours. Discover more at www.deptstoreforthemind.com