Autumn walks

Autumn colour at Wakehurst Place

I always find the autumn equinox a gloomy time of year

Summer’s been and gone, the days are shortening rapidly, and several months of miserable weather lie before us. This year feels even worse …

But autumn has much to recommend it. My elder son loves the colourful trees and the days with cool, clear air. It’s the time of harvest and for enjoying the fruits of your labours (or for people like me who haven’t grown anything, to buy and eat juicy plums and plump carrots).

One of the very best things you can do for mental and physical wellbeing is to go for a walk

It’s a great way of catching up with a friend, discussing issues with family members, or thinking without interruption when walking solo.

Be sure, though, to make the most of your surroundings. One of the most obvious features of autumn is the colour to be seen in leaves and berries – even the supermarket car park has some beautiful trees. The greens are darker and more muted than in those early days of spring and, when the sun is low in the sky, colours appear richer.

Use your other senses as well

Experience the texture of tree bark or lichen, or the smoothness of a conker. Be aware of the messages travelling from fingertips to brain. Notice the ground underfoot. With every step – heel working through to toes - you subconsciously process the surface so your foot makes contact in the most appropriate way. When you get home, you’ll feel (rather than watch) how the sanitising gel or soap lather works over and between your fingers.

Remember inhibition

While out and about you may get to taste something, most commonly blackberries. (Obviously don’t put anything in your mouth unless you’re sure it’s safe to eat.) If you’re collecting berries, leave enough for other people and, most importantly, for animals who need them. Remember to flex your leg joints to help you reach awkward places. Sometimes it might be wise to inhibit your desire to reach those big juicy berries right at the back of a prickly hedge …

What can you smell outside? Decomposing leaves smell good to me, fertiliser on the fields less so. Walking in Lewes you might enjoy the aroma of beer brewing.

While walking you’re always listening out for potential threats, such as a car approaching too fast or restless cattle. Sometimes you get a nice surprise, as when I was startled by the honking of geese flying purposefully overhead in three triangular formations. I can’t recognise many birds by their song, but I notice different bird noises in the spring compared to the autumn.

Walking presents opportunities to change your habits

You could try taking a different route at a fork. You could walk a familiar route in the opposite direction; perhaps you’ll notice different features. How about the same route at various times of day?

If you suffer from chronic pain, avoid tightening in response. Think about opening the joint, releasing upwards, treading more lightly …

With every step maintain a sense of connectedness throughout your body. Keep asking for length and expansion so you’re as springy and responsive as possible. Allow your head to balance freely on the top of your spine and check your jaw isn’t tight. Noticing with your whole self, watch and wait; maybe you’ll become aware of something so wonderful it’ll make you smile.