On Walking
When I have the time, I love walking places. Today I was walking through Kampala, from a restaurant back to my hotel, a walk of about one hour. And despite the close traffic, rugged footpaths, and insistent boda-boda drivers, it felt extremely peaceful.
I asked myself why.
While walking I have long periods during which I know exactly where I am, exactly where I'm going, and exactly how I'll get there. This, I realized, is rare in my life. And perhaps in modern lives generally.
Our physical and mental lives are dominated by quickness - cars, emails, cell phones, airplanes. We move so fast that we lose sense of presentness, and we reach destinations so quickly that we struggle for direction, and the whole game is evolving so rapidly that we don't always know how to get where we want to go.
But walking, I have it all.
Today as I chose my footfalls and shifted my laptop bag from one shoulder to another, I thought about how wonderful it would be to make my whole life like a walk - to feel present in my place, to be sure of my direction, and to be confident in my methods.
I think I'll walk that way.
I asked myself why.
While walking I have long periods during which I know exactly where I am, exactly where I'm going, and exactly how I'll get there. This, I realized, is rare in my life. And perhaps in modern lives generally.
Our physical and mental lives are dominated by quickness - cars, emails, cell phones, airplanes. We move so fast that we lose sense of presentness, and we reach destinations so quickly that we struggle for direction, and the whole game is evolving so rapidly that we don't always know how to get where we want to go.
But walking, I have it all.
Today as I chose my footfalls and shifted my laptop bag from one shoulder to another, I thought about how wonderful it would be to make my whole life like a walk - to feel present in my place, to be sure of my direction, and to be confident in my methods.
I think I'll walk that way.
Labels: Thoughts
posted by James at 07:40
.jpg)
6 Comments:
Well put.I find that if you set the time aside in life to walk or bike somewhere, life seems more meaningful. It's like you are putting the effort and focus on where you are going and why you are doing it.
Finding such a purpose that can be as if set in stone is quite a purpose all on its own! But with God, even this is possible. Sometimes our commitment and dedication is so great that we focus on the wrong target and end up walking an hour in the opposite direction, or even worst; running. All in all, the world is a better place when people are walking somewhere. Without movement there are no encounters and without that we will never find direction.
I feel I have come to a cross roads and this is a nice idea that your post brought up, just Keep Walking...
This is strikingly well-said. Something I've been getting lots of practice in lately, too!
I find that my experiences in the world are so much richer at a walking pace. There is a lot to miss at 65mph.
Thanks friends.
Jesse, I agree. It's fulfilling to put in the effort to get somewhere, rather than just step on a pedal.
Jazz, glad that you found some inspiration in this post. I wouldn't be too concerned about choosing the wrong direction, though.
Em, you're right, 65mph with the windows up and the music on precludes a whole lot.
James - just sent an email to your gmail account. Get in touch with me when you have a chance, please. Thanks!
Christin
You shared beauty with me today James.
Post a Comment
<< Home