As I was driving on my way to work earlier this week, I noticed the pedestrians and commuters. And what I noticed is that almost every single one of them had ear buds in their ears.
OK. I get this. Especially when it’s a busy street. You’re on your way to work, pumping yourself up for the day. You certainly don’t want to hear rush hour traffic.
But I’ve also noticed this on walks in my neighborhood. And on beautiful trails.
That I don’t get. I mean, I do. Sort of. But WHY?
(IT DRIVES ME BONKERS!!!!)
What happened to just listening to the environment around you? Taking it all in? Being in *gasp* SILENCE.
I just finished reading a fantastic book by Cal Newport called Digital Minimalism. It really left an impression on me. Inspired by Thoreau, he is a big promoter of long walks, stating that they are “a high-quality source of solitude.”
Now, you don’t have to go into the woods like Thoreau and live in solitude. But I do think there is something to be said about taking a walk and just BEING. Taking a walk just to take a walk. Not to walk a dog (though that’s cool, too) but to just WALK.
On a regular basis, go for long walks, preferably somewhere scenic. Take these walks alone, which means not just by yourself, but also, if possible, without your phone. If you’re wearing headphones, or monitoring a text message chain, or, God forbid narrating the stroll on Instagram — you’re not really walking, and therefore you’re not going to experience this practice’s greatest benefits.”
Cal Newport, “Digital Minimalism“
Now for some this might be hard. I know I still take my phone with me just for safety purposes. And yes, I am guilty of taking it in case there is something beautiful I want to capture on this lovely memory capturing device.
But to really disengage and BE. Be with yourself. Be with nature. Be QUIET.
Ahhhhhhh…
Worth a try.
Do what makes you happy.