Escape on foot

Goodness me, I can’t believe we’re half-way through September but this is my first post this month! I’ve still been going on walks and mentally drafting posts but I just haven’t had the time, or sometimes the energy, to put pen to paper. Well fingers to keyboard but you catch my drift. Still it’s been good to know that it’s been patiently waiting for me, ready to go whenever I was.

It’s been a hectic time at work recently and being able to take time out for a walk became even more important. However it was only when I didn’t have the option of going for a walk that I was reminded of how much I subconciously rely on being able to walk away, to flee on foot. Not that I am planning any criminal endeavours, just escaping the general public rather than fleeing from the law.

The other week I had a few days away on a work trip, it was a lovely break from the usual routine and a great chance to connect with my peers. Most of the events took place in a building next door to the hotel, however for one of the evenings we were taken into the main city centre to give us a chance to see more of the destination rather than just going from one building to another. In theory, this is an idea I absolutely support and coach transfers had been arranged to make it simple.

Partway through the evening though it dawned it me that I was trapped. Theoretically I could have left at any time, however in a strange city after dark and not being a terribly good navigator that didn’t really seem to be a viable option. Whether I liked it or not I would have to wait for the coach transfer back to the hotel. The daft part is that it was a fun evening and so I almost certainly would have stayed until the end anyway, however having the choice taken away from me was a little unsettling.

It made me realise just how much I appreciate knowing that, if needs be, I can escape simply by opening the door and putting one foot in front of the other. Going for a walk is a wonderful way to relax but it seems that even if I don’t actually go for a walk, just knowing I can is also relaxing. The sense of autonomy and independence walking gives me means it’s one less thing to worry about, so whether I need to escape or not simply knowing I can is enough to give me peace of mind.

That’s how I stroll – even when I don’t.