Thinking Out Loud ~ Learning to Walk for the First Time

Join the Adventure

Today I began reflecting on “Walking,” by Henry David Thoreau. Walking is available online and gutenberg.org under the Harvard Classics.

Thoreau writes, “It is true, we are but faint-hearted crusaders, even the walkers, nowadays, who undertake no persevering, never-ending enterprises.  Our expeditions are but tours, and come round again at evening to the old hearth-side from which we set out.  Half the walk is but retracing our steps.  We should go forth on the shortest walk, perchance, in the spirit of undying adventure, never to return.  …  If you are ready to leave father and mother, and brother and sister, and wife and child and friends, and never see them again—if you have paid your debts, and made your will, and settled all your affairs, and are a free man, then you are ready for a walk.” Pg. 233

NOTE: We’ve forgotten the adventure of walking. We plug EarPods into our ears. We talk on our smart phones. We scroll through social media accounts and miss the adventure. Think of what you are missing on your walk adventure. You’re missing meeting other walkers. Maybe you’ve missed out on making a good friend. You’ve missed out on a beautiful sunrise or sunset, or the darkening swirl of storm clouds gathering. Is it time to make walking an adventure again?