Walking at Night

I LOVE to walk at night. There is something so peaceful and exciting about grabbing my MP3 player, taking a big swig of water and setting out on a journey for an hour or two. The town where I live is ideal for walking because it is all residential except for the downtown area. There are several "neighborhoods" within the town and they all have unique features so depending how I feel I will trek to one of them to appreciate what each one has to offer. The music adds a soundtract while you move through the still night...only your footsteps making sound.

Henry David Thoreau said this of walking, "We should go forth on the shortest walk, perchance, in the spirit of undying adventure, never to return,-prepared to send back our embalmed hearts only as relics to our desolate kingdoms." This is a pretty bold passage but it does capture how walks must be seen as an adventure. As in life it is the unexpected that truly inspires and moves us. Granted in Celebration, Florida where I live I know I will return home at the end of my walk but setting out on a different course every night keeps it fresh and fun. It keeps the mind and the body inspired. Without these two things connecting life is but an empty shell.

So when you go for your next walk go with the spirit of adventure in your heart. Go with pride. Go with passion in your soul. Be bold...and look both ways when crossing the street.

Sean