The Long Walk...

Taking a cue from my Sister, who has taken to blogging about getting some regular exercise, I've decided to take up an old habit of mine: walking.

I used to walk everyday. But over the last few months I've been receding into my cave more and more. Waking up later and letting the Sun burn out. So that by the time I'm up and ready to greet the world I've lost all the light and going out on my own becomes a risky proposition. So I just stopped. But I'm slowly turning my world on its head and I've begun to greet the Sun earlier in the day. Only recently have I ventured out into the world to walk my well-worn, beaten path.

I actually went out for a walk today, and it was great. I've always loved taking walks, especially long walks. I love them for a variety of reasons. Mostly for the solitude I suspect. By nature, I'm a solitary creature. Don't get me wrong, I love company... I really love it in fact. I just prefer my socializing in small doses. For the most part, I'd much rather prefer being alone. I know why that is, but that's not the focus of this post. ;) So having some time alone is a huge motivator for taking walks. But what's great about it, is that I'm not really alone. I'm out and about in the city, but only orbiting (like any good satellite should ;) ). I kinda get off on the idea of being alone within a crowd. ;)

There's the whole fitness aspect as well. Which was probably the main motivator for this recent round of walking. I certainly wouldn't say I'm out of shape. But I do need to be more active, on so many levels! :P So I thought I'd work my way up that ladder in the most basic sense. It's good to get out there and move every once and a while. And that's what I'm hoping to do again, on a more consistent basis. It couldn't hurt any. Well, save for all the car exhaust and overall urban pollutants. :P

What I love the most about walks though, is the one-on-one time with The Thin Man and JoeyBot (my iPods ;) ). I looove music, and I love singing to music... even if it means only mouthing the words. I love forming the words... performing the art... interacting with the poetry. And the city street provides the perfect private setting for just that. When I do decide to exercise my voice, it's too quiet for anyone to hear over the sounds of the city. It's a perfect cover. ;) If I wasn't a graphic artist... and had a true talent for music (and a voice), I'd absolutely pursue a life as a singer-songwriter. *dreamy sigh*

But there comes a time every now and then when walking isn't necessarily about walking. There comes a time when it becomes all about mind over matter. Testing my endurance and perseverance. It's during these times that I crave the long walk. I love it. I want it. I need it. That I don't know why. In some way it's almost masochistic, but not quite. And if it was, it wouldn't be an unhealthy strain. I suppose I just need to feel like I can overcome... or overpower the world. I need to feel in control. And I never feel more intact then when I can use my mind to push my body to a point where it's not supposed to go. I love moving out of my comfort zone now and again. I'm sure that's true of just about anyone. It's that drive that I think gets us into trouble. But by the same token, it also rewards us with an enrichment gained from new experiences. It's a tough line to walk. It's risky and dangerous. Though it can be walked. And so now I guess we're not talking strictly about walking... though I guess we never were to begin with. ;) It's all reference for something else. And walking calls that to mind, to those concepts and ideas... so I suppose you could say it's almost ritualistic for me. Like so many things are. It's all about reference.

DS333, meandering.