The light filters gently through the trees, casting golden shapes on the trail. Birds call to one another from hidden branches, and a slight breeze carries the scent of pine and earth. The world feels new, as if it’s just waking up. I lace up my  sneakers and head out for a walk, not focused on fitness goals or a step count, but for the simple act of being present, and in motion.

Walking is deceptively simple. It doesn’t require equipment, training, or a gym membership, just you, your body, and the ground beneath your feet. Walking daily for just 20 to 40 minutes has the power to transform your physical, mental, and emotional health.

When we walk, our bodies come alive. Muscles engage, blood flows, and the heart gets a gentle workout. The cross-lateral motion of walking (opposite arm and leg moving in sync) stimulates both sides of the brain, helping to regulate the nervous system and enhance cognitive function. This bilateral movement helps integrate left- and right-brain activity, which improves focus and reduces stress. It’s as if the mind and body begin to speak the same language again.

The Practice of Walking: A Simple Act, A Profound Impact

Upon returning home from a walk refreshed, and clear-headed, we realize how easily that same time could have vanished into a scroll on our phones. But instead of disconnection, we’ve chosen intention. We’ve gifted ourselves energy, clarity, and a sense of accomplishment.

In our fast-paced world, our minds are constantly overstimulated while our bodies are increasingly sedentary. We’re bombarded by information, juggling decisions, and rarely get a break from screens. But our bodies are designed for motion. Our long limbs are meant for wide strides and reaching. Yet so often, they’re folded behind desks or curled around devices, engaging only in micro-movements.

At 43, I’ve begun to think seriously about longevity as not just living longer, but living well. I want a life that includes walking with friends, gardening in the sunshine, dancing, and hiking with my family. I want mobility, vitality, and joy to be part of my everyday experience.

Five years ago, I started walking every day. At first, it was a way to cope with the stillness of COVID lockdowns, giving a reason to leave the house, and a rhythm to my day. I began walking the Litton Trail each morning and quickly became attuned to the seasonal shifts. I witnessed the vibrant green of spring turn into dusty gold in summer, watched blackberry bushes bloom and fade, and felt the trail soften under a blanket of autumn leaves before winter’s bare gray trees arrived.

The Practice of Walking: A Simple Act, A Profound Impact

I learned to really see the place where I live. I developed a relationship with the land through repetition and attention. It wasn’t long before I branched out to other trails like Cascade Canal, Hirschman’s Pond, Deer Creek Tribute Trail and Wildflower Ridge and discovered that these beautiful public places are all made accessible by the Bear Yuba Land Trust (BYLT).

This realization sparked something in me. The trails that had become part of my everyday life, that supported my health and joy, didn’t just exist by accident. They were created, maintained, and protected by a local nonprofit doing remarkable work. I felt called to give back.

Today, I serve on the board of BYLT. I’m proud to support an organization that makes outdoor recreation possible for all of us right here where we live. I believe that when healthy choices are easy to make, we all benefit. In Nevada County, walking is one of those easy and accessible choices. With trails both in town and in our beautiful rural spaces, a 20-40 minute walk is truly within reach.

If you’re looking to start your own walking practice but feel unsure of where to begin, know that you’re not alone. BYLT and Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital both offer free guided walks on local trails. These are welcoming, social, and informative outings that are great for those who prefer walking with a group or want to explore new paths with guidance. You can find upcoming walk schedules on both organizations’ websites (linked below).

The Practice of Walking: A Simple Act, A Profound Impact

I often tell my kids: use it or lose it. Our bodies want to move—until they don’t. Starting a walking practice is one of the most sustainable forms of physical activity. It’s gentle, joyful, and adaptable. Pair it with something you love like a podcast, a catch-up with a friend, or a quiet moment of solitude and it becomes a deeply rewarding part of your day.

Walking has changed my life. It’s where I go to move, to think, to process, and to clear my mind. It’s become my favorite way to spend time with others and myself.

This fall, I invite you to join me and other BYLT board members for a guided walk. Come discover a trail, breathe some fresh air, and experience what happens when you take a small, simple step toward a more active life.

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