Ironic, isn’t it, that considering how long people have been walking, we’re at a time when walking can seem unusual.
I’m 60 and we’ve never owned a car. I live in a reasonably-sized city, have a bicycle and access to public transportation. It’s not that we don’t drive; we rent cars when public transportation doesn’t get us where we need to go when travelling out of the city. But, mostly, I walk.
Sometimes seems that cities (and towns) view walking as an afterthought, with sidewalks that are too narrow for two people to walk side-by-side, or streets that have sidewalks on only one side of the street or, worse, no sidewalk at all (I was once yelled for walking on someone’s lawn, because there wasn’t a sidewalk and I didn’t want to walk in traffic). And don’t get me started on homeowners and businesses that don’t shovel sidewalks and public works that don't clear bus stops in the winter. But I digress, and it's far too nice a day for that.
Walking is wonderful, for all the reasons you mention. It slows you down, introduces you to neighbourhoods and sights you may not normally notice. It brings us closer to the world around us, and the natural elements.
Despite the challenges of living in a world where pedestrians are almost an afterthought, it’s worth it.
And fascinating that walking, our oldest mode of transport, can be considered radical.
Ahhhh! Kim your prompts and resources always breathe fresh air into my day and become springboards for my creative soul to source when in need of a spark.
I appreciate you beyond what my words struggle to express.
Hi Kim, I stumbled across your "Walking as a radical act" essay as I looked for contemplative blogs. Many years ago, I was influenced by Patricia Turner's Photographic Sage blog and still miss it. My walking typically involves carrying a camera which serves as an aid to seeing. A sentence in your essay that resonated with me was "We spend so much of our time thinking". Fortunately, contemplative photography need not require much thinking at all. John
My earlier comment sounded grumpier than intended. I love walking and all the pleasures it affords. Your note that walking can feel like a radical activity is supported by things we (cities) do to inhibit walking potential, whether it's narrow sidewalks or uncleared paths. Maybe that makes it all the more of an adventure! :). Also, I'm reminded of Ray Bradbury's short story, The Pedestrian, where a man is arrested for the radical act of .... walking :o. Best wishes and yes, we press on.
So wonderful to read your essay today. I don't live in area where I can walk safely; narrow roads and no sidewalks, but I do walk slowly on our property each day. I'm still in awe of what can be seen on our three acres. It's different every day! Looking forward to more of your essays!
Kim, you’re back! We’ve missed you.
Ironic, isn’t it, that considering how long people have been walking, we’re at a time when walking can seem unusual.
I’m 60 and we’ve never owned a car. I live in a reasonably-sized city, have a bicycle and access to public transportation. It’s not that we don’t drive; we rent cars when public transportation doesn’t get us where we need to go when travelling out of the city. But, mostly, I walk.
Sometimes seems that cities (and towns) view walking as an afterthought, with sidewalks that are too narrow for two people to walk side-by-side, or streets that have sidewalks on only one side of the street or, worse, no sidewalk at all (I was once yelled for walking on someone’s lawn, because there wasn’t a sidewalk and I didn’t want to walk in traffic). And don’t get me started on homeowners and businesses that don’t shovel sidewalks and public works that don't clear bus stops in the winter. But I digress, and it's far too nice a day for that.
Walking is wonderful, for all the reasons you mention. It slows you down, introduces you to neighbourhoods and sights you may not normally notice. It brings us closer to the world around us, and the natural elements.
Despite the challenges of living in a world where pedestrians are almost an afterthought, it’s worth it.
And fascinating that walking, our oldest mode of transport, can be considered radical.
What a refeshing surprise to receive your email today. Thank you.
Ahhhh! Kim your prompts and resources always breathe fresh air into my day and become springboards for my creative soul to source when in need of a spark.
I appreciate you beyond what my words struggle to express.
I look forward to your future essays.
Hi Kim, I stumbled across your "Walking as a radical act" essay as I looked for contemplative blogs. Many years ago, I was influenced by Patricia Turner's Photographic Sage blog and still miss it. My walking typically involves carrying a camera which serves as an aid to seeing. A sentence in your essay that resonated with me was "We spend so much of our time thinking". Fortunately, contemplative photography need not require much thinking at all. John
My earlier comment sounded grumpier than intended. I love walking and all the pleasures it affords. Your note that walking can feel like a radical activity is supported by things we (cities) do to inhibit walking potential, whether it's narrow sidewalks or uncleared paths. Maybe that makes it all the more of an adventure! :). Also, I'm reminded of Ray Bradbury's short story, The Pedestrian, where a man is arrested for the radical act of .... walking :o. Best wishes and yes, we press on.
So wonderful to read your essay today. I don't live in area where I can walk safely; narrow roads and no sidewalks, but I do walk slowly on our property each day. I'm still in awe of what can be seen on our three acres. It's different every day! Looking forward to more of your essays!