Solvitur Ambulando: Is it really solved through walking?

What does it mean? I (Greg) love catchy little Latin phrases that describe so much with so little.  For years as a doctoral student, I posted another little Latin phrase everywhere. “Fortitudine Vincimus” (Latin for, by endurance we conquer). I came across the phrase while reading about Sir Ernest Shackleton, who is best known for his 1914-1916 Trans-Antarctic expedition aboard the ship, rightly named, the Endurance. When I was working on my PhD and entering into the dissertation phase I needed motivation. As I learned about Shackleton (admittedly, there is a HUGE difference between what Shackleton was attempting to do and that of writing a dissertation) and his frequent use of his family’s motto, I thought perhaps it could help me as well. And it did! Among many things, including the prayers of friends and the support of my family, I completed the dissertation, certainly not in record time, but it was conquered!

Solvitur Ambulando (it is solved by walking) is another catchy, yet profound Latin phrase. It came up in a class I was teaching this past year. I am grateful to a Seminary student (thank you Joshua Stager) for bringing it up as it finally gives me some words that I feel deeply in my soul. The origins of the phrase likely go back to Diogenes of Sinope, the ancient Greek philosopher, but many attribute the concept to Theologian St. Augustine of Hippo, who used it in a metaphorical sense. He suggested that some problems in life and faith can only be understood through action or experience rather than abstract reasoning. I find walking, hiking, and pilgrimaging all provide opportunities to solve life’s complexities (or at least contribute to solving). Walking the Camino is a journey unlike any other. Personally, I weave in and out of deep pondering and blank white space. Creative thoughts come at lightning pace. Smiles break out on my face, and tears sometimes flow. I am surprised by the range of emotions as my mind finds release from contemplating life’s challenges.

The science of walking is fascinating. The Danish Philosopher and Theologian, Søren Kirkegaard is known for saying, “Every day, I walk myself into a state of well-being, and walk away from every illness. I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it.” For Kirkegaard and so many others, walking is the means, the tool for finding resolution to life’s greatest perplexities. While certainly knowing the benefits of walking was at the forefront of their minds, what was likely less known was the science behind the motion. According to Dave Whitson, drawing on the research of Shane O’Mara, “whereas, prolonged sitting, impairs blood flow through the brain, a simple two-minute, low-intensity walk, every half hour has the capacity to largely offset those negative effects” (21). Walking itself impacts the function of our brain and nervous system, reduces stress and boosts mental alertness and creativity. Science demonstrates that walking lowers cortisol levels (stress hormones) and encourages the production of endorphins (natural mood enhancers). Walking in nature further promotes relaxation and helps us to reduce mental fatigue (Very Well Health).

Origen and Augustine were right, walking really does contribute to solving life’s greatest mysteries. It is also very good for our bodies and minds. I can’t wait to get back on the Camino this summer, once again, solving the complexities that this year has thrown my way.

Solvitur Ambulando

References

O’Mara, Shane. In Praise of Walking: A New Scientific Explanation. Norton. 2020.

Very Well Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/mental-health-benefits-of-walking-8764863

Whitson, Dave. Pilgrimage: A Medieval Cure for Modern Ills. Impatience Press. 2022.