Yesterday’s walk with a group of 10 Dutch Peakers brought me to a small town in the province Zuid Holland, where the Peaker living there took us for a walk to show us her ‘backyard’. Again we discovered a beautiful part of our small country, another part of the Netherlands we would probably never have known of, if it weren’t for these walks.

Besides many familiar faces we also welcomed new members on this walk and, as happens every time, these new Peakers easily blended in in a group of Peakers who already know eachother for a longer time. We all come from different backgrounds and are of different age, but with (at least) one thing in common, we are all members of My Peak Challenge. Somehow this simple fact creates a bond even before meeting in real life.

One of the best things of these walks together, besides nature’s beauty, is that they offer an opportunity for conversation. Whether in the company of one other walker or a whole group, there is always something to talk about, chitchat or serious conversation. Especially serious topics are easier to talk about walking alongside someone than sitting opposite. It’s less confronting, there is more space around and there is room for emotions and for silence.

Talking while walking often helps to put things in perspective. Recognising your own difficulties in the story of a companion makes it less heavy. Sharing worries or issues doesn’t solve them, but somehow it makes them easier to bear. And the joy to be in nature and the laughter about the funny things in life are simply uplifting. 

Walks like this spread so much positive energy, it has to be felt outside the group too. I always go home filled with energy, a happy heart, peaceful mind and feeling grateful for the friends and friendship I found through them.