While you were driving

Having walked my daughter to school for the past year, I can honestly say that we experienced something new and majestic every time we stepped out of the house.

We saw natural wonders, like the rainbow that climbed out of the tree covered pathway, the bushy tailed fox running back to the meadow, or the baby dunnock, no bigger than your thumb, sitting open-mouthed on the edge of its tiny nest.

Of course, you might glimpse some of those from your windscreen, but you can’t see the reaction of those nearby, or hear the wonder in their voices. You can’t smell the subtle scents that unlock childhood memories, feel the blossom as it falls on your cheek, or hear the wood pigeons peacefully cooing from above.

It didn’t take long for me to see the positive impact walking has on our lives.

My mind is less cluttered after a walk. I feel uplifted, enlightened, and connected with nature and the world surrounding us. My daughter is less likely to complain about her day or worry when we wave goodbye at school.

I recognised the importance of listening and not simply dismissing my daughter’s thoughts. Things that seem obvious to me are often important to her, and talking helps process any worries or concerns.

It really hit me whenever I had to drive to school. My mind was on the road, the parked cars, and the clock on the dashboard - not on the story my daughter was trying to tell me, or even the heron watching us from the rooftop.

I could see the stress etched on the faces of those sitting in their cars at traffic lights, or queuing for roadworks. That subtle tension caused by the challenges of getting from A to B while contending with the design of modern roads.

It may sound all hippy and new worldy, but you develop a bond with nature and the people you pass every day when walking. Animals are less likely to run or fly away when you approach them, and those smiles and laughs from other parents and children help to lift you up when nothing seems to go your way.

The following poem gathers some of what we encountered on our walks to and from school this year. I wrote it in the hope that you too might consider putting on some comfy shoes, stepping outside, and experiencing something new and majestic while walking, instead of driving.

While you sat in your car in the sweltering heat, we strolled down the path kicking blossom under feet.

While you were choking on fumes in the traffic stood still, we were breathing fresh air as we walked up the hill.

While you groaned as the GPS said ‘delays up ahead’, we laughed at a cat as it snaked through our legs.

While you were anxiously watching the clock on the dash, we were peacefully waiting for the green man to flash.

While you restlessly waited for lights to turn green, we gracefully crossed like a king and a queen.

While you were distracted by tapping as feet kicked your back, we were mindful and present as we spoke about Jack.

While you shouted ‘please stop’ as you pumped on the brake, we whispered ‘quick look’ at the fox still awake.

While you were swearing at drivers who refused to give way, we were singing ‘good morning’ and ‘have a nice day’.

While you struggled to park on the road by the school, we hugged and then waved because kissing’s not cool.

While you were driving, we were walking.