Walking

A psychological benefit of walking is lost when it is given up for driving or pedaling everywhere. Walking to a desired destination requires planning and persistence. It takes longer, therefore time must be managed as part of the process of walking to destinations. This changes the pace of life for those who are used to jumping into or onto a vehicle to get to places in a hurry. Walking forces me to look at my real human capabilities in time and space. It enhances my human perspective.

Walking from my own neighborhood through other neighborhoods to get to my destination acquaints me with my world. I find out who lives around me. I make eye-to-eye contact with a truly diverse group of people every time I walk to my destination. Opportunities to interact with my neighbors present themselves. Someone asks for directions. Another tells me that my hat has slipped out of my back pocket. Someone else asks me if I've seen a lost cat or dog.

Walking is immersion in my environment. Its health effects are obvious. Its benefit to air quality in the city is a given. It is a basic element of my practice.