Urban Hiking
19 May 2009 ~ Categories: blog • body • eco-living • wellness
Steven Wright once famously quipped, “Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time.”
Wise words, and zen advice. In addition to my daily morning walks, I’ve often found myself trying to get from point A to point B in the city, too impatient to stand on a corner and try to flag a cab or wait for the bus. So I start walking, with the thought in mind that eventually I’ll end up hopping a ride on some sort of transport. More often than not, I get so caught up in the reverie of simply walking, that before I know it I’ve reached my destination, sometimes even great distances.
Walking – or “urban hiking”, as it could be called – is not just good exercise and an awesome way to save cash. It’s also a fantastic method to clear the head and shift your energy. It’s earth, body and mind-friendly. Do be careful of potholes and road-ragers however.
Beyond all of those things, there’s something about seeing the city on foot that transcends our daily view. I liken it to a cross-country road trip. Until you’ve had that eye-level, real-time experience of cities merging into farmland merging into plains merging into mountains, and back into cities, you can’t really fathom the great expanse and true soul of the country.
On a micro level, it’s the same way walking through San Francisco (or any other city). To get where you’re going on foot is one of the most empowering, enlightening experiences you can have. There’s a freedom in it. And a beautiful feeling when you are a tourist in your home city.
Here’s one more simple way to slow down, be mindful and experience more joy in the process. Try it. You might like it.
Urban hikers unite,
Amy
