Observations on Walking
In a fast paced world, there are still a few ways to enjoy simplicity. Walking is one of those ways. I find it so enjoyable that I have built it into my day as: transportation (I walk to work), utility (I walk to the store at times), activity (hiking on trails outside of town), and community (walking to friends houses with friends/family).
Here are some simple stories about walking, a reminder to enjoy the simple things in our day:
- When I was a little kid, I grew up in the country. At that age my backyard was an entire world – endlessly explorable. I knew nothing else. I walked all over that back yard, into the woods, into the neighboring farm, up on the hillsides, the stream, the pond, and around the house. I loved it and needed nothing else.
- In the summers we would go to Cape May, NJ for a one-week vacation. The house we rented was in town and in the downtown was a pedestrian mall. On the beautiful summer evenings we would walk from the house down the stone sidewalks, past the Victorian homes to the pedestrian mall where we had access to outdoor music, candy and ice cream shops, and people enjoying their time. This was my introduction to “urban” walking and the benefits of home being close to commercial districts. Those nights were magical.
- This winter dumped several feet of snow on the east coast, especially in Virginia. There were several days when residents of our small city were snowed in. On these days, people were outside walking the streets, owning the streets really (because there were only a few cars on the roads). People were smiling and saying hello to one another, much more than normal. People were happy to be walking in such a beautiful scene.
–
Walking gives us the opportunity to notice the delicate trim work on the house we pass every day. We can look our neighbor in the eye, smile, and say hello when we pass them on the street. The spring blooms smell delightful. Walking feels good and allows you the chance to access enjoyment in simplicity.
–
P.S. Please share your favorite walking stories, memories, or observations. Click the little button below to “comment.” Thanks!
You are so right. I also summered on the Jersey shore and spent many nights on the boardwalk, enjoying family,friends and just watching the world. I’m lucky that I live close to NYC and spend lots of time exploring different areas on my walkabout.
Today, I leave for Paris, for a store buying trip. Paris is my favorite walking city. I will be enjoying many miles on foot, as I do my product research on French fashion.
I often go on cruises and just get off the boat and do my own walking tours.
I think it’s the only way to really see the world!
The word “cloister” is an architectural term describing an enclosed part of a monastery, a covered walkway girding an open square. This area was designed as a place for the monks to walk in meditation. Walking, combined with contemplation, creates a very special form of prayer. I’ve walked in some of the old cloisters still to be found in Ireland. You can still feel it.
When I was a young boy we lived on Copely Hill, on the University of Virginia campus. My parents let me walk down the hill to a small ice cream parlor to get a cone for myself and my brother. Sometimes I would forget to bring any money, but the vendor would give us our ice cream anyway. This happened more than fifty years ago, but still remains a vivid memory to me of the joy of walking.
THANKS to Ben for his post and to Maggie and Peter for their complements.
I walk first thing every morning and see the sunrise and nature to get alive around me and then I leave my body in charge of my mind and I contemplate, pray, sing and meditate.
I love walking while raining and somehow I accept all that sorrounds me as my external cloister because I feel I have found my internal one.
Walking has always been a part of my life. It is good for our mind and our bodies.When I was a child , I would walk to the dairy each day to get a bottle of milk. There are so many memories.
We moved to the country almost three years ago. We walk some, but I drive more than ever because we live about thirty minutes from everything. In the summers, we stay at home and walk. This winter, we stayed at home and walked…the car stayed in the driveway for ten days straight. Sometimes our dog wakes me up in the middle of the night to go outside…I walk at 4 in the morning and the stars overwhelm me.
I love walking. I live very close to the ocean in Southern California so when things get stressful I head to the beach for a nice long walk. The combination of the ocean and the walk really calm me down.
Thanks for another great post, Ben!
Dave Lopez – Mixing and Mastering Specialist / Emerging Music Producer
Cr@zyEye Music Services
Marketing Music Online
Maggie – Thanks! Great line here: “I think it’s the only way to really see the world!”
Peter- I studied some architecture in college and toured the old cathedrals of europe. I’ve felt the magic of those spaces. Breathtaking really. Thanks!
Biff- Nice to meet you! What a great C’ville story! Thanks!
Jose- I love that you referenced the cloister Peter mentioned as an internal feature. Thanks!
Rose!! Great to hear from you. I too used to walk down the street to get milk from the local farmer. Thanks!
Stuart- Great to hear from you again. Country walks are still some of my favorite. The stars… oh the stars. Thanks for your post.
I walk to connect.
My feet touch the earth.
My soles and toes feel the textures and my weight.
Slowly but always too quickly.
Trying to feel each step.
To be alive now.
I built a walking garden of white stones and cacti.
Eleven steps to go around and travel far.
Michael~ Thanks for this poetic post! I love it.