I'm going outside, I may be some time - by @NJHolley

By Nathan Holley

I'm going outside, I may be some time

Like most commuters I rely on the rail and underground networks to get around london.As great and (usually) efficient as they are, I can never help thinking about how much I’m missing above ground.So last friday I decided to find out.The walk from Brixton to St Pancras is long, 5.3 miles long to be exact.After school I went to WHSmiths by Brixton station and bought myself a notepad and a pen.I stuck them in my back pocket, and off I went.According to google, it should have taken me 1hr 50mins, instead it ended up being closer to 3.Partly because I didn’t have a phone and was relying solely on my intuition and very average knowledge of central london, and also because I found myself in a very relaxed, almost meditative state of mind.With no immediate deadlines to worry about and take up space in my head I was able to just simply be, and I found ideas came to me a lot quicker.I remember reading an article a while ago about Rosie Arnold.In it she spoke of how walking her dog would keep her sane and helped to clear her mind.Attempting to in someway channel BBH’s Deputy ECD I try to walk my dog every weekend.Over time i’ve found that I usually have my best ideas that way, removing myself from my environment for a while and shutting off from the monotony of life.My dog is turning 10 in 2 weeks time, which is a reasonable age for a hound.I’m just hoping that she sticks around until I get myself a job.