In the latest installment of his weekly newsletter, Ridgeline, Craig Mod prompts us to ponder conceptual walks, which he defines as “[w]alks that are cut less from explicit historical paths and more about walking as a concept, an idea.” He brings forth examples such as the Out of Eden Walk; walking backwards; holy site walks; “walks that go nowhere;” and even “walks in the head.” Basically, walks that may have moved us.
Neighborhood walks have been my saving grace this past year and have (begrudgingly yet necessarily) replaced my meandering walking tours I used to take in new cities while in pre-pandemic travel-mode. If I don’t walk and instead keep myself glued to the workseat, I get restless leg syndrome. On the other hand, walks allow me to explore the springtime splendor of flowers; to see new architecture displayed at its most eclectic (here in Los Angeles, one street differs vastly from another, and along with the difference evokes an onset of different moods). They also might have an interesting link to aging, to keeping our bodies useful; and even to our brains.
Walks as inspiration: I’ve often been moved by the pilgrimage-esque walks that the likes of David Whyte explore (I’ve been eyeing his walking tour — Poetry, Myth, and Music for the Soul — set for Summer 2022 ;))
May we continue to walk and to explore the world around us.
