Not generally a lover of slow walking, Sheffield-based activist and former Lord Mayor Magid Magid learned some useful lessons
As part of our pilot Slow Ways National Swarm weekend, we invited Magid Magid, activist, author, former Lord Mayor of Sheffield and founder of Union of Justice, to go on a Slow Way journey in Sheffield. Find out three lessons Magid learnt while walking from Sheffield to Swallownest.
“In my 32 years of existence, I’ve been fortunate enough to partake in many walking-themed physical activities, from mountaineering in the Swiss Alps, running the London Marathon, to bear-crawling the Humber Bridge. None of them were slow in any way. So when I had the opportunity to go on a Slow Ways walk, I didn’t know what to expect apart from that it would be a long walk from Sheffield train station to the village of Swallownest. But one thing I did know was that only good could come from it.
Here are three lessons I learned on my seven-mile walk:
1) Walking can solve problems
We’ve all got problems, whether they be big or small. From family issues, work deadlines, money woes or, in my case, whether I should study this master’s course I’ve been thinking about for a while. But with our minds usually filled with the issues of day-to-day life, it was refreshing to think clearly of the things that really matter and make decisions with a clear mind.
2) Prepare to be pleased!
Part of my walking route was alongside a road I have driven on several occasions. However, while walking on that same road today I was bemused and surprised to discover the most beautiful out-of-place lamppost that I’ve ever seen. It’s pretty sad knowing that I have never noticed it before, but I’m so thankful that I had the opportunity to see it now.
3) It’s free and fun!
I know it’s stating the obvious, but it needs to be said repeatedly. Going on walks is free, fun and accessible! Not only did I get a good dose of endorphins, but I also appreciated my city and environment in a way I had never done before. I was pleasantly surprised, got muddy shoes, saw the best view of Sheffield, met some lovely people and came away having decided that I was in fact going to do that master’s and will be starting in September this year.
