Walking as a Path to Creativity: Leadership, Inspiration, and Connection
There’s something about walking that ignites a creative spark, a truth I’ve come to know through years of leading performances and guiding young artists. Each step, whether it’s through a quiet neighborhood street or amidst the towering trees near Mobile Bay, allows the mind to wander while staying present. It’s a gentle reminder that nature, movement, and rhythm can work together as silent collaborators in the creative process.
One of my favorite times to walk is in the early morning, just as the world wakes up. It’s in this stillness that I find clarity—not just for the day ahead but for the bigger picture. There’s something magical about how a walk can shift perspective, helping solve problems I wasn’t even aware I was holding onto. As the air moves around me, I often think about how creativity, like leadership, requires forward motion, adaptability, and openness.
Creativity Isn’t Static, and Neither Are You
A walk along Mobile Bay and a beautiful sunset
It’s no secret that walking can help generate new ideas. But why is that? Walking opens space for us to escape the usual confines of our minds. Instead of staring at a screen, we’re immersed in the world around us, and our thoughts are free to wander. As they wander, so do our creative solutions.
For leaders, walking symbolizes something more significant. It’s not just about creating space for ideas; it’s about allowing time to connect the dots. I’ve often found that the best creative breakthroughs happen when I’m in motion. Leadership is much the same. You can’t lead from a standstill. You have to move forward, often without a clear roadmap. In those moments, when the path ahead isn’t obvious, walking can serve as a reminder to trust the journey.
A Story from the Stage to Nature
A moment from Godspell in Central Park, NYC
I remember when I directed Godspell in Central Park—an experience that tested me as both a director and a leader. The unpredictability of an outdoor setting introduced so many elements that were beyond my control. Yet, it was nature that became a co-creator. The breeze, the sunlight filtering through the trees, and even the sounds of the city around us all played a role in shaping that performance. Nature wasn’t just a backdrop; it was an active participant, teaching me that creativity is a collaboration, not just with people, but with the world around us.
The idea of co-creating with nature extends beyond the stage and into everyday life. Walking through nature, letting its unpredictability guide your thoughts, opens your mind to a whole new level of creativity. Instead of focusing on controlling every outcome, walking teaches us to let go, embrace the flow, and see where it leads us.
Walking as a Form of Leadership
Fairhope, AL
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about guiding people through the journey of finding solutions together. Walking is an excellent metaphor for leadership. Just like a good walk, leadership requires balance—between guiding and allowing, between moving forward and pausing to refle
One of my favorite parts of walking is the time it gives me to reflect on the people I work with. I think about their strengths, their struggles, and how I can better support them. Walking isn’t just about problem-solving for myself; it’s about finding ways to inspire others. By creating space in my mind, I’m able to return to my work more focused, energized, and ready to lead with clarity.
Creativity as a Leadership Tool
Eastern Shore Repertory cast members finding creativity in Central Park
photo courtesy of Beth Glisson Photography
Creativity and leadership go hand in hand. When you’re leading a team, especially in creative fields like theater or education, you need to be flexible, adaptable, and open to new ideas. Creativity isn’t just for artists; it’s for anyone who wants to inspire, lead, and make a difference. Walking enhances this because it clears mental clutter and gives room for those “aha” moments that can spark innovation.
In one of my most recent productions, I found myself stuck on how to stage a particular scene. It wasn’t until I took a walk along the water that the solution hit me. I realized that I was overcomplicating the scene, trying to make it grander than it needed to be. Walking brought clarity, helping me see the simplicity in the solution. This realization translated not only into the creative process but into how I approach leadership. Sometimes, less is more, and clarity is the ultimate goal.
How Walking Grows Your Creative Business
Sunset during Theatre on the Bluff performance of Beauty and the Beast
So how does this tie back into growing your creative business? For those of us leading teams, producing work, or nurturing artistic projects, walking becomes more than just a break. It becomes a strategy—a way to keep ourselves open to new ideas, more present with our teams, and better equipped to make decisions. When I walk, I’m not just resetting my mind—I’m preparing myself to lead with a refreshed perspective. This has a direct impact on my business.
By incorporating walking into your creative practice, you’ll find you become more innovative, more connected to your ideas, and more open to the unexpected. And that openness is exactly what helps businesses grow. People are drawn to leaders who are not only clear in their vision but also adaptable, open to change, and willing to co-create with their environment.
Are you ready to walk into your next creative breakthrough? Take a moment today to step outside, go for a walk, and see how the rhythm of movement can transform your ideas. Want to dive deeper into this process? I’ve crafted a free guide to help you harness walking as a creative and leadership tool.
And to feel inspired during your walk, click below to watch to a performance of Beautiful City by Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre—a song that reminds us all of the beauty we can build when we take that first step.
Let’s walk into creativity together.
