The joy of wandering

This month, I’m devoting myself to the art of doing nothing. Inspired by a book of the same title by Veronique Vienne, I read about Henry David Thoreau, an American naturalist, poet, and philosopher, who often reflected upon the importance of simple living in natural surroundings:

Thoreau enjoyed rambling aimlessly in the wilderness, in search of leafy sanctuaries. Two or three hours of meandering would carry him to “as strange a country as I ever expect to see.” This approach to walking was what Thoreau called sauntering, a technique he believed was used by French errant knights (the French sans terre means “without land or home”). Itinerant warriors, these freelance saunterers were always on the move, journeying from castle to castle, in search of their next crusade or military assignment. (p. 16)

Over the next two weeks if you look for me, you won’t find me. I’m off sauntering around the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland with Joe. Because we won’t have trusty steeds, our bags, thankfully, will be transported for us. All we have to do each day is walk the 20 kilometers between rest stops. No schedules or deadlines…our only responsibility is to show up at a pre-arranged Inn at the end of each day.

Perfect. I’ve bought sensible hiking shoes, art supplies and a water-proof suit. Guided only by our interests, aversions and curiosity, I’m devoting myself to clearing my mind of all the responsibilities of daily life.

I’ll think of you as I walk, and hope that you too might find some sauntering time in your life.

Warm regards,

Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong