Bandung, IndonesiaSentinel.com — A new social media trend called “Silent Walking” has gone viral, especially among Generation Z on TikTok. This growing trend, which emphasizes mindfulness and simplicity, started gaining traction after TikTok content creator Mady Maio shared her experience.
Mady revealed that a nutritionist had advised her to walk for 30 minutes daily, rather than engaging in intense cardio. Since then, Silent Walking has become a sensation on the platform, with numerous videos showcasing its benefits.
According to Today.com, Silent Walking involves walking without distractions which means no music, no podcasts, and no phone notifications. The idea is to leave behind your Bluetooth earphones and music players and simply walk, immersing yourself in your surroundings. The practice encourages mindfulness and awareness of the environment as you walk, allowing for a more peaceful and introspective experience.
Lalah Delia, author of the mindfulness book Vibrate Higher Daily, notes that Silent Walking is not a new concept. Buddhist Zen monks have practiced a similar form of mindful walking for centuries, often referred to as “walking meditation.”
Psychologist Juanita Guerra from New Rochelle, New York, describes Silent Walking as a way to clear the mind and reconnect with oneself. “It’s a great way to detach from the constant noise and chaos of our busy world,” Guerra explained in an interview with Today. “It allows us to become more aware of both our inner and outer environments.”
Benefits of Silent Walking
Supporter of Silent Walking highlight its mental health benefits. Clinical psychologist Amanda Darnley points out that by eliminating distractions, participants can gain a heightened sense of awareness, both mentally and physically. “Without the constant buzz of notifications or chatter in our ears, we can tune in more closely to our own thoughts and surroundings,” Darnley said.
Crab Mentality, Destructive Mindset Amplified by Social Media
Dr. Suzanne Hackenmiller, an integrative medicine physician, believes that Silent Walking has gained popularity because people are looking for ways to reconnect with themselves, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Recent studies have shown a sharp rise in anxiety and depression since the start of the pandemic, and I think people are searching for natural, integrative ways to improve their mental health,” Hackenmiller explained.
How to Practice Silent Walking
While the idea of walking without distractions may sound appealing, it can be harder to execute than expected. “We live in a world filled with overstimulation, and practicing Silent Walking can be surprisingly challenging,” Guerra warned. To help beginners ease into it, experts offer some simple tips:
- Choose a Quiet Area: Start by walking in a calm environment, such as a park or quiet neighborhood. Opt for times when there are fewer people or activities around.
- Prepare Your Body: Make sure you address basic needs, like hydration and hunger, before you begin to avoid unnecessary distractions.
- Keep It Simple: It’s just you and your thoughts, no phone, no walking buddy, no pets. Guerra emphasizes, “The goal is to be present with yourself.”
- Focus on Your Surroundings: Pay attention to each breath, each step, and the beauty around you. “Listen to the sounds of nature, feel gratitude for the sunlight on your skin, and use the time to reflect,” Delia suggests.
As more people embrace this practice, Silent Walking is not only becoming a viral sensation but also a powerful tool for mindfulness in an increasingly chaotic world. Whether it’s to reduce anxiety or just to disconnect, Silent Walking is a simple yet profound way to find inner peace amidst the noise of everyday life.
(Raidi/Agung)
