You may remember, if you’ve been reading my posts lately that I’m going to take a very long walk on August 19, as a part of a challenge I’ve offered myself. Along with my son, we’ll be walking a local rail trail from end to end and back, a total of 18-19 miles.
In preparation, I thought it would be a good idea to get in some practice walks, so a few days ago I set out with my lunch, snacks, plenty of water and a few other things stuffed in my backpack. I had a route planned but wasn’t exactly sure what length it would cover.
It turns out it was just over 8 miles in length. I felt very happy that I could walk that distance in my first time out.
Surprisingly, my walk revealed several things to me, unrelated to the challenge to come and I thought I would share a few of them with you.
The central focus was about being present while I was walking.
I discovered that there is such a difference between driving and walking. Driving is certainly a great way to get from place to place quickly but you generally sacrifice not seeing what you are passing. Walking offers you a chance to slow down and notice things. You can pause and consider and explore.
The main road I was walking on extends straight for about three miles. At one end I stood trying to see all the way to the opposite end. I couldn’t. As I walked, I would occasionally stop and look behind me at where I’d been and then ahead to where I was going.
I found it a curious thing to consider, because we are always somewhere in the middle of our journey here on earth. We can only see just so far. I wonder, would we want it any other way? I’m not sure I would, because the mystery and magic of not knowing, of being surprised by the next turn or path change might rob me of some powerful source of wonder.
As I continued on, I became aware of the stores, offices and houses I was passing, each with their own personalities. I wondered, were the color choices deliberate? Did their owners make them in order to attract those passing by?
I also wondered about the various signs they posted out front of their properties or in their windows. Ads tempting me to buy sugary drinks, tasty foods, quick deliveries, caring medical services, beneficial financial products. I thought about what I was drawn to and how easily I am influenced by advertisements. I believe I was much more effected because I was walking and could take my time to consider. When I’m driving, I don’t notice things as much, since I’m more interested in getting where I’m going.
This raised several questions in my mind; how do we ‘market’ ourselves, what signage would I put up to ask others to choose me, and what reasons would I offer them?
Another thought came to me.
What if I chose to walk everywhere, or at least to all of the places relatively close to my home? As I considered this, it occurred to me that within easy reach are my chiropractor, attorney, bank, eye care, doctor, grocery store, restaurants. Why do I always choose to drive to them? Is it because I save time or that I’m too lazy to walk instead? What would I gain if I walked? Better exercise, save the planet a little from my car emissions, notice more about the world I live in?
I also realized that slowing my pace by walking allowed me to be much more observant. I noticed so many beautiful flowers, the patterns in the way the grass was cut in yards I passed, the look and feel of the woods along the sides of the roads and how so many vines drape themselves from the branches. I noticed the condition of the houses and wondered what that suggested about the folks who lived there and the lives they lead. I noticed the speed of the drivers and how they occupied themselves while waiting at the intersections for the light to change.
I discovered that slowing my pace provided me the opportunity for some empty space to show up inside of me. Space I didn’t rush to fill. I just left it there, liberated, and free.
Perhaps, if you get the chance, some mystery and magic is waiting for you when you take your next long walk. I certainly hope so.
Messages For Inspiration 