We organise ‘development walks’ for individuals and teams to transform lives. Read the full story below and / or contact us to learn more.
In 2021 we decided to walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain, one of the most famous pilgrim routes that goes back to the 11th century.
We were initially very focused on finding our way and making it to the destination in time. However, after a few days, we became more at ease with the navigation and pace, and started to talk about what we wanted to achieve with the trip, and that dialogue slowly expanded towards bigger topics such as life purpose and meaning.
We noted how walking help in becoming more authentic, reflective and flexible in our conversations – and how the insights from these walks continued to have impact as a strong sense of commitment once returning to everyday life. We started to conceptualize what we have since come to refer to as “development walks” or “committed walking”.
Development walks is a more conscious use of hiking as a means to review your purpose and what you hold really important, AND defining concrete, realistic and practical action plans to start transform your life. It is about moving your moving your body but also moving your mind. In it’s simplicity it is based on three key elements:
- Walking in beautiful nature without disruption from phones, social media etc
- Individual reflection and commitment building around a specific area in your life you want to improve
- The opportunity to share insights and commitments with other like-minded hikers after completion of each stage of the walk
Multiple studies have shown the benefits of outdoor walking both in terms of physical fitness and health, as well as positive therapeutical outcomes on mental capacity and psychological well-being.
Apart from the general benefits of exercising, committed walking helps with balancing cortisol, dopamine and serotonin, supporting recovery from a wide range of neuropsychological issues such as burnout and stress, anxiety and depression, substance abuse and trauma. Key benefits of hiking include:
- Improve ability of being fully present
- Increase ability to focus on what is really important
- Improve ability to handle difficult thoughts, memories and emotions
- Strengthen self esteem and empowerment to get things done
- Improve ability to engage in meaningful relationships
Based on our experience, we believe that committed hiking as great potential to help overcoming a range of different work and life related challenges and development aspirations for individuals and teams.
About us
We have have quite diverse backgrounds across organisational development, behavioural science and therapy, music, yoga and meditation.
We share many interests including health and well-being, spirituality and development of individuals and teams.
Please feel welcome to contact us to learn more!
Warm regards, Johannes and Karina
