(H2)
I think as humans we can all say that
we're peripatetic in some way; it's a common coping mechanism for many
situations like stress or depression, but also as an ingrained part of us to
have the need to walk. I don't mean the need to walk from place to place (if
that were the case, then all students would be peripatetic walking to and from
classes), but simply walking because it makes you happy--it nurtures you.
As a child I always went on walks with my
dad. Living in the backwoods of the country, we had a lot of property and a lot
of things to explore. Walking was something we did for fun. Not only for each
others companionship, but to view the Earth in ways we often don't observe in
this day and age--I'll admit, I haven't been the best peripatetic recently.
However, hiking has rekindled my love for walking again. Going alone
specifically has opened my mind to slowing down once and a while. The only
thing for miles is the trail and yourself, or perhaps a deer or two. Walking in
nature is particularly beneficial. It was John Muir who stated "In every
walk in nature one receives far more than he seeks" and I couldn't agree
more. Nature, I think, is the most important component to a good “thinking
session”. I believe Henry Thoreau put it best when he said “I took a walk in
the woods and came out taller than the trees”.
(H1) I do believe that one of the most important aspects that you mentioned was that you are walking without a destination in mind. When one is wandering without a goal location this also allows their mind to wander without a destination. And in doing so, naturally your mind is able to develop ideas and beliefs that you are not directly looking for and exist already. If you goes searching for something without knowing what they are looking for, they may produce the most interesting and important results.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you completely. Humans, by nature, use movement as a way of relieving stress or anxiety, clearing our minds, and thinking about our lives. Walking in nature seems to be the best way of doing this to me. I have always enjoyed a good hike where i can just be at peace and ponder the world
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