ABLE? AMBLE!

by Auknonymous

Mobility is a freedom easily taken for granted by the youthful. While we may at times feel incompetent, and in the blossom of our prime, we should never accept ourselves as inescapably incapable. Infancy and senility are largely characterized by an extreme amount of reliance and trust upon others taking care on their behalf of life’s many necessities. The momentous occasion of our first consecutive steps and the empathy we feel for the physically imprisoned are testament to the importance we place on independence. In response to the question, “how do you stay so young?” time and time again I’ve heard from elders, “keep active and stay moving”. The idiom, “if you don’t use It, you’ll lose It” comes to mind.

Spoiled in modern luxuries we often take pride in affording technologies that do things for us and offer more free time, although where is the line drawn on having too much spare time? Can we find purpose if all that is left for us is entertainment?

There is no doubt that some destinations and appointments in destiny are much too far for walking to be a feasible option, and driving is the obvious, easier choice. However, becoming overly comfortable and reliant on these devices and technologies is an unhealthy relationship between ourselves and Mother Earth. Experience and growth no longer garner the same importance. In its place we spiritually stagnate. As an example, while going 50 kilometers an hour through the city I have never fully heard a bird’s song, or the wind rustled leaves in harmony with my sputtering engine.

Driving can be an enjoyable experience all its own, I’ll concede that, but when the privilege is abused you’re sure to miss out on things more grand. A deterrent to walking such as getting caught out in the rain at first can seem disastrous but thinking back - the most character-building moments of my life have occurred soaked in a downpour.

Finally, as environmentalists, the personal consequence of polluting emissions is at the forefront of reasons to walk, even carpool, when you would typically drive. It helps keep extra cash in your pockets and out of specific industries which this society desperately needs to rid itself of. Instead of sitting back and putting your pedal to the metal, stand up straight, take one step at a time, breathe deep and keep looking towards progress.

Amble is defined as a walk at a slow, relaxed pace, especially for pleasure.