Since a friend sent me Walking Towards Peace, I’ve thought about the contentment of walking. Of letting my eyes and mind wander, with no agenda but to move.
Shannon points out that many writers have been walkers. Walking has a long history (pilgrimages). Today people walk and talk, hold walking meetings, and hike.
My university was in the middle of a circle, and I walked it almost every day after classes. Last year, I strove to walk home from work once a week, which took about two hours. Now I walk to and from work for 30 mins often, and it’s different from my university walks. When I walked then, I wasn’t going anyway. I was shaking off the day and thinking about ideas, people, and stories.
Saturday I hiked to this^ gorgeous view. Sunday I walked two hours to the library. I was with people, and found myself wanting to be alone. Alone with my thoughts and self, wandering, taking my time, no headphones, being quiet.
Minimizing has changed my physical space, mental space, and time. Mustachianism has changed how I spend my money and time, and how I think about being social and having fun. Walking is a perfect fit. It doesn’t require anything, doesn’t cost anything, and can be done alone or in good company. I’m ready to bring it back.