By Melissa Burdick, Executive Director
This article was originally published in The Brenton Arboretum’s Autumn 2016 newsletter.
The odds are good that you have a step-tracking device somewhere on you right now. On your wrist or in your pocket or even integrated into your smart phone. These miraculous little gadgets have done wonders to get people up and on their feet. But, sadly, they haven’t done much to restore the lost art of “aimless wandering.” As kids we ranged freely throughout our neighborhoods and into surrounding woods and wild spaces. But modern moms and dads have shifted from “free range” parenting to being distinctly uncomfortable whenever a child slips out of earshot. A very real fear—whether well-founded or not—shrank the radii of our comfort zones from miles to feet.
Even grownups are taught to shun the thought of the aimless ramble. Women are told to be aware of our surroundings at all times; walk with purpose and determination from the door to the car. Professionals are advised to enter a room with determination and authority to exude an aura of confidence. When we do take time to venture out on foot for recreational purposes it’s with a goal in mind; training for the 5k, finishing another loop around the track, making it to the top of the mountain. And then we must outfit ourselves with the proper gear to assure correct form, wick sweat efficiently, and tone the correct muscle groups.
Why must our walks be so purposeful and guarded? Something amazing happens when you allow your feet to wander … so does your mind. We all need a break from reality now and then. The drudgery of the day to day takes a toll on our psyches. A meandering mind combined with the light exertion of sauntering feet liberates us from life’s trials and tribulations.
The key, though, is finding the right place to let yourself wander aimlessly, without worrying about getting lost, abducted, or eaten by a bear. That’s one of the things I like most about The Brenton Arboretum. We have miles of winding trails and no bears. Most of our trails have neither a beginning nor an end; rather, they loop and connect effortlessly throughout our acreage. Our basin-like topography means that if you can make it to the top of a hill, you’ll probably be able to spot where you parked your car. It’s a safe place to let your guard down and simply wander aimlessly.
Of course you can walk to visit a landmark, or to see a specific tree, or to visit the Pavilion, or to enjoy the Nature Play area. But the very best walks often achieve absolutely nothing except a peaceful mind, which is a great accomplishment indeed.