Solvitur Ambulando: In walking it will be solved. Yes, indeed, walking does solve numerous issues, just listen to Christie and I on a summer morning and you will witness how the world’s problems can be solved in one hour. However adept we are at weighing the issues of the day, airing out dilemmas, or just conversing about the latest video we viewed, we are not the original inventors of Solvitur Ambulando. Some will credit the phrase to St. Augustine, others will claim that Aristotle “thought and taught” while walking the open-air of the Lyceum, but I offer that Jesus of Nazareth taught the Masterclass on walking to think and to solve.
So, with the concept that “in walking it will be solved” as a framework, last year I initiated the option for students to engage in a Walk and Talk session with me. The original intent was two-fold. One, it might encourage students who were hesitant to share their ideas in class to open up in a less anxious environment; and two, it would assist Emerging Generations with developing the skill of conversing with an adult, something that seems to be needed in an era where eye contact and conversational skills appear to be lacking. The students were asked to engage in a 15-minute conversation around one of the following topics: course content, valuing health and well-being, possibilities beyond college such as graduate school or vocation, or sharing their personal faith journey. I shared in the post Asking Over Assuming how impactful these moments with students can be, and I relish the quality time outside of class when I am blessed to hear their deeper stories.
One way to enrich the idea of Solvitur Ambulando is to engage in what I will call Outdoor Nutrition—not only is the mind working through issues, but when completed in a natural setting, there is the added benefit that only can be received outdoors immersed in God’s creation. If you have any doubt as to the benefits to be gained from walking outdoors, please take time to read Forest Bathing, Unwired Places, and the resources shared below. And if you are still not convinced, what if I offered that Outdoor Nutrition helps to lower healthcare costs—now, is that not a practical problem we are all facing?
Returning to this idea of Solvitur Ambulando, it was a random internet search that led me to some fascinating ideas from McKay and McKay who “discuss 11 ‘problems’ that can be ‘solved’ through the completely free remedy of taking a walk.” They also add some great quotes from resources they call a “canon of walking literature.” Here are some of the questions they pose that are answered by Solvitur Ambulando: Need a cheap form of transportation? Want to be prepared, come what may? Spiritually dry? Want to really get to know a place? Need a cheap form of exercise? Stressed, depressed, or anxious? Baby won’t stop crying? And my favorite, as Christie has proven again and again—Need to work through a problem? Engage in a Side-by-Side Conversation with a friend. McKay and McKay add, “When you sit face-to-face with someone, the mood can feel confrontational…When you’re sitting or standing side-by-side, on the other hand, people feel more comfortable and open and less defensive. They can look off into the distance to gather their thoughts, grimace, and bite their lip without self-consciousness.”
Whatever the problem is that needs solving, consider whether walking outdoors will help. You can also consider engaging in prayer as you walk, asking God for His guidance and direction. Neuroscience tells us that moving our feet benefits our health in so many ways, so why not find a favorite path, lace up the shoes, and get moving. A solution may be just one step away!
References:
McKay, B. & McKay, K. (2013, April 22). Solvitur ambulando: It is solved by walking. [Blog post]. The Art of Manliness. Retrieved from https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/advice/solvitur-ambulando-it-is-solved-by-walking/ (September 2024)
Mencagli, M. & Nieri, M. (2019). The secret therapy of trees: Harness the healing energy of forest bathing and natural landscapes. Rodale. (TCL 582.16 MENC) (July 2024)
Flourishing @ Life 