The power of connecting with others can be invaluable. Social connection is one of the human basic needs, it is as important as sleeping and eating. Whilst being alone with your thoughts can sometimes help with peace and order, sharing your thoughts with others can let you see things with an open-mind and from a different perspective.
Running Circles has been a testament to this social connection. The power of running as part of a group, helping maintain motivation as well as forming friendships along the way. But what about those who can't run, who may be injured, or who prefer walking to running?
This is where a new circle is formed, a Wandering Circle. A group where the ethos is the same as Running Circles, where it's not about competing against others but more about sharing and helping each other.
Long-standing member, Rachel Matthews of Whatever the Weather Counselling, suggested forming Wandering Circles as she is currently unable to run due to injury but is missing the social aspect of Running Circles.
The aim is for Wandering Circles to take place at the same time as the Beginner's Running Circles sessions, and to be available for anyone who doesn't want to run. It's not aimed to be a group counselling session, but an open and safe space for people to talk and walk. It may suit past members, or newcomers, or those who are tired and struggling to get back to running. It may be for those who want to connect with others.
There are so many benefits of walking linked with therapy. It has been shown to help people with improved mood, reduced stress and anxiety, increased creativity and focus, improved physical health, and a greater sense of well-being and self-esteem.
If you think this may be something that could help you, please get in touch for more details.
Andrea & Rach