Video games have given us hours of entertainment. It’s also given us the term side quest, meaning a task that’s secondary to the main storyline. It doesn’t take you towards the end of the game, but you can pick up skills and have fun along the way, then go back to the main quest later.
In the physical world, this can look like learning a skill unrelated to your vocation, following your curiosity to find out where it takes you, or simply getting distracted on your way to do something else.
I have ADHD, so my brain is built for side quests, so to speak. I follow the whims of my dopamine system, often neglecting the things I’m supposed to be doing. If I manage to unload the dishwasher in one go without wandering off to do something else, it’s a surprise for everyone.
Usually, this distractibility throws me off track, but sometimes it can take me to a better place, as I discovered with the flower walk side quest trend, shared by mindfulness and meditation app Calm.
What is flower walking?
It’s a walk where you set out with the goal of noticing flowers on your route and, if you’d like to and it’s appropriate, picking a selection to take home with you. It’s a type of walking meditation, because the activity requires you to be present in the moment and aware of your surroundings.
“It's no surprise that flower walking is having a moment,” says Jane Shin, marketing strategist at Calm. “People are looking for simple, accessible ways to feel better.”
“Taking time for mindful walking has far-reaching benefits, including a natural lift in mood, improved focus and a sense of accomplishment.”
“Walking in natural settings adds another layer, as greenery and fresh air can significantly reduce stress and help you feel more present and calm.”
“If flowers are part of the landscape, gathering a small bouquet along the way makes for a satisfying, grounding activity.”
“Flower walking can also double as a kind of moving meditation—something we explore in depth on the Calm blog, and the Calm platform offers a variety of guided meditations for walks of various durations.”
I sent the video to meditation expert and ecotherapist Clara Schroeder to get her opinion on the trend.
“I love the concept of flower walking,” she says.
“Anything that gets us to be more present and pay attention to the natural world around us is beneficial to our wellbeing. In this case, too, it encourages us to cultivate awe and notice beauty, which are both mood boosters.”
With the expert’s seal of approval, I set out for a flower walk.
How I approached my flower walk
Instead of taking a drawing of a vase out with me, I took a little ceramic bud vase so I could display my finds on my return. You could also use a pickle jar or a plastic cup if you’re worried about breakages.
I only picked flowers that were on the street (not in someone’s yard) and only those growing in abundance.
I also left my phone behind. This was partly to be hands-free and avoid dropping my little vase, but also to give my mind a break from notifications and the stresses of the day.
Here’s what I discovered on my flower walk.
I noticed more flowers around me
I was surprised by how quickly I found flowers around me.
Akin to going shopping with a particular focus in mind, I found the task helped me remain present in the moment.
Rather than getting carried off by anxious thoughts of my day or feeling stuck in my mood or mind, I stayed focused on finding flowers instead.
I felt like a kid again
This is the sort of activity young children would love to do—just like the color walking trend that was popular with my friends who are parents, who love to employ a theme to keep their little ones busy while running errands.
It inspired child-like joy in me and I found myself excited by each new flower. I also noticed I was paying extra attention to what was around me in a way I haven’t in years.
Reconnecting with your inner child is a concept I’ve come across in therapy before, but not one I’ve experienced so positively.
It lifted my mood
Sometimes my brain just needs switching off and switching back on again—like a little reset. The flower walk was the perfect way to counteract my rising stress levels and fluctuating mood.
I was able to focus more when I returned to work and didn’t check my phone for notifications as much. Not only did I enjoy the experience but it left me in a better mood for the rest of the day too.
