"Walking"

When I learned that we were going to be reading some writing by Thoreau I didn't really know what to think. I have heard of Thoreau, of course, but I didn't really know much about him or his style of writing. Starting the reading I didn't know what to expect, I went in thinking it was going to be boring, especially once I saw how long the reading was. However, I was pleasantly surprised once I started reading. I really enjoyed "Walking" and I feel that it brings up many good topics to talk about that relate to this class.

View from the top of Arch Rock in Tennessee

Thoreau talks a lot about walking, but not just walking as in taking a stroll. He speaks of walking as a mind and body experience. One of the lines that really spoke to me was when he said he was alarmed because he had "walked into the woods bodily, without getting there in spirit." I do understand what he is talking about in this manner. Sometimes when I go for a walk, it is not for the health benefits, it is to help me clear my mind. I like to walk and just observe nature. Instead of using the walking time to think about all of the things going on in my life, I like to use it to look around me and just observe things.

I truly enjoyed reading "Walking" and I feel that it made me more aware of the way I think about walking and how much thought I put into it. I think that learning how to walk the way Thoreau talks about is important for everyone to learn.