A Walk From The Wild Edge (II)...
Posted by Jeremy Windsor on Feb 18, 2022
Following on from Tony Page's review of A Walk From The Edge, I recently struck up a correspondance with Emma Holland. As an outdoor instructor, Emma is well placed to talk about the very positive effects the outdoors has upon the mental health of her clients. In a recent blog post she wrote movingly about the impact returning to work has had upon her. The full post can be read here. I asked Emma to give us her perspective on A Walk From The Edge, a book that's proving to be a very influential read...
As an outdoor instructor I want to actively support and encourage those who are struggling in some way with their mental health to get outdoors. Mind Over Mountains, the charity I work for, has many aims but our core purpose and message is to 'restore mental health' - naturally. Nature can do this. It is well documented that spending time in nature improves our mental and physical well-being. We all need to promote the value of walking as a natural and free tool towards all round good health and healing.
I feel strongly that the softer skills we have are the key to encouraging and supporting people to get outdoors into nature. We need to listen, walk, and talk without making assumptions or judgements. It's not about how fast we walk or how high we climb or how far we go. It's the journey that matters and that we learn along the way, either about ourselves or the world around us.
Emma writes in her blog, "I've had my head in the sand of late and I've not been talking about my fears and anxieties of returning back to work, as we gradually head out of lockdown. I enjoy and thrive most when I am surrounded by like-minded people who understand the special buzz that comes with sharing our skill, knowledge, and passion for the outdoors with our customers, clients, and friends. I've missed my Mountain Leader work, I've missed my colleagues, I've missed being out in the Peak District".
When I was approached and asked to review this book I was delighted because I do enjoy a good adventure story. I love books which inspire me when I hear of personal achievements or those that tell a story with a genuine sense of human connection. Jake's story and style of writing drew me in completely from the first page. The title alone tells you something about 'where Jake was' before he set off. The book is written with such integrity and honesty and throughout his journey he learns to develop compassion and empathy, not only for himself but for all the strangers he meets along the way. By the end of Jake's walk he clearly knows and recognises his own strengths and weaknesses, he develops confidence in his decision making.
From the start it was clear (to the reader) that one of Jakes's goals was to take control back over his life. He starts the journey as an unfit non-walker and ends it with a newfound passion for marathon running. It's a superhuman transformation. Jake and his connection with the world around him is infectious. The strangers he meets become friends and he soon recognises what has been holding him back (mainly drink and drugs). Jake is insightful and I warmed instantly to him and at times I felt like I was out there walking with him. The story is funny, touching and thought provoking.
Emma goes on, "Yesterday was the biggest moment for me and a huge step back into reality. I was delivering Day 2 of a Gold NNAS Award on a 1-2-1 basis. Today was a huge relief and my low mood and fears have somewhat lifted. I spent many moments and even a sleepless night leading up to the course, battling with anxiety, telling myself it would just be like riding a bike, and I was actually even questioning whether I could even go through with it. My fears were allayed however as soon as I go out of my car, put on my boots and welcomed my client to the foot of Kinder Scout. The day began well, I relaxed instantly. I got straight into my flow, it all came back surprisingly naturally and I instantly knew I was going to be OK so yes it was, for me, just like riding that bike — phew. I do know and accept that I may be a bit rusty for a while. I won't push myself too far or out of my own comfort zone, as I always want to ensure that I can deliver and produce the best quality experience that I can". The full blog post can be found here
The book encouraged me to reflect on my own life, what I have achieved, the dreams and aspirations I still have. Every evening, after I'd put the book down on the bedside cabinet, I would go to sleep dreaming of planning my own adventures...
Thanks Emma!
We're planning to run a one day face-to-face event in the Peak District on the 13th June 2022. Through talks, workshops and a walk in the hills we'll explore the role walking can play in treating a range of mental health issues. Details will be available soon.
Read about the positive impact climbing more than 500 mountains had upon Simon Young!
Tony's review of A Walk From The Edge can be found here. For something very different, read his review of Sleeping Beauties!
Have you heard of the Ethels? If not you really should read this!
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