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Afoot and Lighthearted: A Journal for Mindful Walking
A guided journal for walkers who want to expand their physical and creative worlds through acts of mindfulness.
SILVER MEDAL WINNER OF THE NAUTILUS BOOK AWARD • “Beautifully designed . . . I’d like to give a copy of this smart, fetching book to everyone I know.”—Susannah Felts, BookPage
Afoot and Lighthearted will teach readers how to harness the power of walking to cultivate and nourish attention, inspiration, and determination, as well as to combat distraction, anxiety, and the dreaded creative block.
Organized around thematic prompts designed to help makers take a break from digital life and tap into the transformational magic of creative journaling, Afoot and Lighthearted introduces us to innovative walkers throughout literature, art, philosophy, and history, and it offers encouragement in the form of inspirational quotes. Supported by light illustrations and evidence from recent research on the compelling connection between walking and well-being, Afoot and Lighthearted offers a fresh perspective every step of the way, much like a walk itself.
From the Publisher
Let Afoot and Lighthearted help you find a creative sanctuary, whether it’s in your home office, your backyard, or your favorite stretch of city blocks. Pop this portable journal in a tote or backpack and let its range of prompts and guided walks be your creative guide.
With prompts that span from introspective solo walks and sketching exercises to forest bathing or reflecting on a digital detox, Afoot and Lighthearted is the perfect gift for walkers and creatives of all kinds. Whether you live in a big city or the suburbs, whether you are a triathlete or a meandering dog-walker, whether you work as an artist or you’re looking for an inspirational boost, this journal has interactive prompts just for you.
Research has demonstrated that journaling improves mood and well-being, aids emotional regulation, and even strengthens the immune system and can speed up healing. Afoot and Lighthearted is not merely a journal: by promoting regular physical activity and a deep connection to the natural world and sensory experience, it is a complete regimen.
Publisher : Clarkson Potter (March 5, 2019)
Language : English
Diary : 224 pages
ISBN-10 : 0525574816
ISBN-13 : 978-0525574811
Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
Dimensions : 5.23 x 0.82 x 7.3 inches
Stacey KH –
My new favorite gift to give!
I love this beautiful book and it has definitely inspired me to do more walking – or should I say, more THOUGHTFUL walking. What a beautiful way to think about something many of us take for granted.Not only do I love this gem of a book, but it’s my new favorite gift to give friends and family. Such a thoughtful way to remind us to not only pay attention to the sights and sounds of nature as we’re walking, but also to reflect and share about our journeys. And with the most beautiful prompts from other inspired writing… Thank you Bonnie Smith Whitehouse!
AJL –
Perfect Pocket-size Journal
Every morning before I settle down to write for the day, I take a walk. Walking helps me clear my head, work through ideas, and feel connected and grounded within the world. In reading this book, I learned I was not alone in my steadfast commitment to walking as part of my writing routine. Whitehouse captures the importance of walking to the creative process using evidence from professional writers. Yet, there is more! She also gives readers writing exercises to help them become more connected to their neighborhoods and nature. What a clever perspective on writing and walking!
Jessica T. Williams –
Goodness for the whole self- GET THIS BOOK!!
This book is the perfect blend of inspiring quotes, thoughtful prompts, and intentional space for the readerâs own reflection.I love the freedom to roam about the book, allowing my spirit to wander to the places where I feel drawn.Bonnie Smith-Whitehouse has created a beautiful resource through both her gift of writing and own personal experience.I highly recommend getting this for yourself, as well as for all those you hold near and dear…. it is a sweet invitation to slow down, look around, and step into our present self. LOVE LOVE LOVE
Pam Cipkowski –
Delightful little walking journal encourages mindfulness and creativity
The back cover gives a perfectly encompassing description of this book: âA log for daily walks, mindfulness practices, and, with insight from celebrated philosophers, artists, and musicians, is a road map to a present and more creative state of mind.âBonnie Smith Whitehouse is a professor of English who teaches her students the benefits of walking and journaling. The book is essentially a journal, but itâs almost too pretty to write in, and the prompts are very readable without using the book technically as a journal. As a journal/sketchbook, though, this wouldâve been better as a spiral-bound volume; itâs a small, delicate volume, and Iâd be afraid of cracking the spine if I opened the book too widely.The book follows a slightly thematic format, dividing writing and/or sketching prompts into sections on A Sense of Place, Well-Being, Attention, Exploration, Devotion, and Transcendence. The prompts are interspersed with quotes from a diverse number of individuals, including Albert Einstein, Rachel Carson, Emily Dickinson, and John Lewis. All this is accompanied by lovely woodcut-like page borders and embellishments.This would make a perfect gift for an outdoor-oriented individual seeking more mindfulness in life.
Kelly Smith Trimble –
A Modern Method With Deep Roots
I love how this book demonstrates the power of walking throughout history and relates those stories to today. Itâs not necessarily a new idea that mindful movement can free the mind, but the author presents ways in which walking, particularly when paired with writing, can help us work through our modern-day dilemmas. Because of this book, Iâve started taking walking breaks at work and itâs made a huge difference in my happiness, creativity, and productivity.
Lori Gilstrap –
Gives you a new adventure every day
I really enjoy this walking journal, itâs like a new adventure every day. I have walked my neighborhood, parks and beaches many times but this journal has you really looking at your surroundings. Walking has become more enjoyable now
Marina stone –
Wonderful idea but not that easy to write in
A really inspired idea. I loved the size and feel of the paper. The cover was sturdy and made in a fascinating way. I liked the quotes for the most part, and the hiking ideas were innovative. But I couldnât write on the slick paper with pencil, and didnât want to ruin the beautiful page layouts. Itâs a small book, so easier to travel with. The unusual cover could get bent at the corners because they extend out into the air a little from the pages.
Book woman –
The Perfect Gift
I bought this book for myself and after only a few days of reading it I went back and bought 4 more copies for gifts. This gentle little book is a treasure for anyone who can take the earbuds out, look away from their phone and take even one or two breaths to notice something/anything. Anyday, anytime I can picked up Afoot and Lighthearted and open to any page I am instantly reminded of the beauty that surrounds me and is available for each of us who take a moment to notice.
IP –
The perfect guided journal for long walks and quiet time.
Suzanne –
I absolutely love this journal. The quality of the cover and pages, to the content, is perfect.
Hayley Middleton –
A very good quality book that made a lovely present.
Maylene –
Book compromises of left page with one third of a quote from another book, usually something nostalgic or about the outdoors. Then a couple of bullet points, “Reflect on, think about, write down… ‘ The right page is a blank dotted note page for journaling. Presentation of the book is gorgeous. Small B6 size. Don’t judge a book by its cover. I simply did not find it inspirational.
Schmal.K –
I loved this little journal! Absolutely ideal to go for a walk and connect with your present moment. Itâs so lovely.