Life’s frenetic nowadays. Our brains are wired for human connections and communication, just as they’re wired for sugar. But now that’s all too easily available. Our brains need downtime to think, just as our bodies need nutritional balance.

Two examples. Three years ago, after my wife died I’d vowed to do something to honour her memory. But couldn’t think what. Eighteen months later, walking the dogs. Peaceful spring evening, all quiet in the neighbourhood. Suddenly the idea of walking the coast of England appeared from nowhere. Life changing. Thank you, brain.

A year later, on the coastal path, with a friend. Stopped for lunch. Sitting on a rock, comfortable silence. Brisk breeze. Faint, eerie, wailing sounds carried by the wind. Looked at each other, peered down at the sea. Spotted a rock, covered in seals. Magical moment, courtesy of our silence.

Call it what you want: quiet time, meditation, mindfulness, prayer, switching off… make time for it. Good things happen.

#3500toendit #Laurenceswalk