FAQs
What is the World Wide Wander?
The World Wide Wander was founded almost ten years ago by David Pearl and Street Wisdom as a global day of wandering and wonder. It’s taken different forms across that time. Last year we wandered from Sunset to Sunrise, creating a 12-hour Wanderthon from 8am UK time to 8pm UK time. This year, we’re going to host as many in-person Walkshops as possible, while still keeping the online element so we can all connect and share our stories. What’s not to love?
What is a Walkshop?
A Walkshop is a guided walking workshop, led by a Street Wisdom facilitator who coaches you through the wonder-sparking practice. You can use your phone out on the street (camera facing outwards if you can) or inside your home if outside isn’t feasible.
A Walkshop has three parts:
TUNE-UP. A series of short exercises that are designed to “tune-up” your senses so you can tune in to the world around you.
QUEST. Here you choose a question you would like some fresh thinking on and then set off in search of insights, ideas and answers, looking for signs and signals from the streets or space you explore.
SHARE. Everyone gathers back together again and shares insights or listens to others.
Once you’ve learnt the technique, you can use the practice again and again on your own!*
So it’s a virtual event?
Yes! All the sessions for the online live-streamed programme run via Zoom (you will be sent a link nearer the day). You can join as many online Walkshops as you like across the day. But it’s also an in-person event and in 2024 we’re aiming to host as many in-person Walkshops as possible!
And when do I join?
Check out the programme and find the session that’s best for you. We’re currently building out the 2024 programme, so bear with us!
OK, I want to take part in the Online Programme out on the streets… so I’II use my phone?
Yes, great! Make sure you’ve got the Zoom app on your phone. And remember to fully charge your phone! At the relevant time, click on the link we’ll send you just before, and you’re off. It’s lovely if you can share your camera - so we can see you! During your wander, switch your camera outwards and then we can all see a bit of your world. It’s also no problem to join with your camera off. It’s worth giving it all a go beforehand if you’re new to Zoom on your phone.
I want to take part in the Online Programme, but from indoors - is that OK?
More than OK! You are so welcome to join the World Wide Wander from indoors. The Street Wisdom practice applies to indoors as much as it does outdoors (and as much to natural settings as it does urban ones). There’s so much wisdom all around us, if we stop and notice. Join from your phone or laptop, again make sure you’re OK with Zoom. It’s lovely to share your camera so we can see you, but also no problem if not.
Can I start indoors and then go outdoors?
Absolutely yes you can! That’s a great way to save on mobile phone battery too. You can start indoors on your laptop, say, and then - during the Quest part of the Walkshop (about half way in) - move over to your phone to do that bit outdoors. It’s all super flexible!
I want to take part in the In-Person Programme!
Great! Keen World Wide Wander volunteers are hosting in-person Walkshops on the 27th September 2024. We’re currently building out the programme so watch this space. If you’d like to host a Walkshop, contact Philip!
Why are you doing this? How is this free?
Ha, good question! The World Wide Wander’s mission is to help people all over the world find better ways to live, work, love, learn…and we believe that by using the power of our collective imaginations, we can all make better choices in life. Helping our planet become a happier and healthier place for everyone. This mission powers the World Wide Wander team to dedicate their time for free.
Are you hopeful about the state of the world?
Even though at times we all feel despair at the state of the world, the World Wide Wander believes that we must hold onto hope. And by coming together to celebrate the power of creativity and firing up our imaginations, we have an opportunity to create impactful change. We really believe in the power of walking for imagination, which is to say, walking that not only does us good, makes us feel good, and connects us with people and the environment around us, but walking - or as we like to say wandering - that helps us find fresh answers, source inspiration, solve longstanding problems, find new insights. Going for a walk today might be one of the most meaningful things we can do!
What is Street Wisdom about?
Street Wisdom is an everyday creative practice you use as you walk. A smart fusion of mindfulness, neuroscience and wellness, it unlocks our minds and unblocks our creativity with every step. The brainchild of David Pearl, an innovator in business, the arts and social change, David spent years exploring how our urban environment can deliver fresh insight, and in 2013 he set up the first Street Wisdom WalkShop in London.
Since then, the movement has grown to 73 countries and counting, led by volunteers sharing the power of Street Wisdom free of charge through communities across the globe.
*And finally…keeping everyone safe…all World Wide Wander events are run by volunteers and participants take part at their own risk. Whilst any personal injury or loss is unlikely, we encourage participants to remain vigilant when out on the streets, the World Wide Wander is not liable for any injury or loss caused when taking part in a World Wide Wander activity.