I usually don’t get to walk much, unless I specifically set out for the very purpose. Having been gifted with a two wheeler, which is always at my disposal, I don’t have the need to walk unless I feel so. Today, I was placed in a different situation where I wasn’t in a position to use my vehicle. But I had an impending meet up which I did not want to miss. So I decided to walk a bit and travel by public transport. I walked up to the nearest bus stand, took a bus, and got down at a point where my friend had agreed to pick me up. Later that day, I asked me friend to drop me at the nearby station, took a train back home and walked the remaining distance.
This might seem odd for someone in Chennai, considering that most of them are equipped with their own mode of transport or are kind-hearted to donate large sums to the auto drivers. Somehow I desist these money hungry auto drivers who charge a fortune just for a 3 km ride. Leave alone being fair, there is a limit to which one can demand from others. So instead of complaining, I choose to avoid them totally and opt for the buses/trains as the last resort.
But, this doesn’t seem odd, for someone who lives abroad. They always walk, a lot.Most of the cities that I know are well connected. MRTs and Bus services ply in and out of the city at convenient times and points that people prefer to use public modes of transport. When my sister told me that she used to take 2 buses and one MRT to reach a mall, I was surprised that she had to travel so much for a place which she mentioned was near. But when I traveled the same distance by the same bus and train, I realized that it was after all not that big a deal. Plus, it gave one loads of time, time for the self, during those intermittent walks.
While walking back home, I realized what I’d been missing all these days. It so happened that I was walking during the late evening, when children throng the parks, play to their heart’s content , well aware that they would have to wait for 5 more days to enjoy; the grandpas and grandmas walking along and chatting with their friends , balloon sellers doing wonderful/maximum sales; the crowded chaat corner and the hyperactive chaat-wala mixing everything;the Kulfi waala and the Ice cream waala responding to the quacking demands of the children; the wonderful aroma from the takeaways, preparing for their Sunday night orders; the trees dancing to the tunes of the winds; the cows and the dogs taking a stroll; the policemen a bit relaxed; the new Frankie’s kiosk, which I hadn’t noticed till then; another medicinal juices/herbs counter, operating for the benefit of many others and much more.
I would easily pass on the blame to the lack of time. Come on, on a normal day, I would be happy to rush back home to get at least an extra half hour of sleep given the hectic days that most of us are subjected to. But on days like these during the weekends, where I have the luxury of spending time wandering and walking at my own pace, stopping now and then without worrying about time, I wouldn’t mind slowing down and enjoying these little pleasures. It feels good, It feels different.
Of everything, I realized that while walking, I had a lot of time to myself, something which I’m very particular about. So, I made a mental note to myself to ensure that I take a walk whenever I can and include walking, not just as an activity, but as a part of my schedule. If only life wasn’t this hectic, it would have been feasible. But, it is up to us to make sure we make time for what we feel is important and for what makes us happy, Right?
As The Mind Wanders 
37 responses to “The Pleasure Of Walking.”
continue with the healthy habit of walking as and when u get time in the future too.:)
n lvd ur post..
yes i agree. in our urge to reach our destination..we sometimes forget the beauty of other little things..like children playing .as u mentioned..:) 🙂
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If you love walking, you can take time during lunch break or tea break and walk for 15-20 mins. Normally, I am a very lazy person to walk. But during working days, I make sure to walk for at least 30 mins during the day 🙂
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Cultivating the habit of walking in a busy city like chennai is very difficult, particularly when you are hooked up with a job that requires you to travel long distance. But yes, on weekends, you can take a walk around the streets. And the happiness that gives in seeing the miniscule things that happen around – like kids playing in the street, or the roadside flower seller, or the autowala that is arguing with a customer. It's a bliss that I miss so much!
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I love walking. I commuted all my life, so walking has been a part of my life ever since I set my foot out. You can actually do a lot of good to yourself in such a way. Glad you enjoyed the experience.
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I love walking and I am glad you found the joys in it too. It really gives you time with yourself which you would not have gotten otherwise.
Happy walking ( just stay safe!)
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When we have time and we are alone, we are likely to admire small things which we wouldn't have notice on any other ordinary day… That moment gives us a cherishing stuff to recapture… We will also find inner peace… And lone walking is quite suitable for knowning that very small things which will help us…
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Nothing like joy of walking and also the easist way to keep fit, Ashwini:)
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Bang on! For me, nothing beats the pleasure of walking. As you highlighted, it gives us so much time for our own self as well as helps us take joy in the little pleasures of life all around us. Even while I'm traveling, walking is one of my best ways to feel the city and take it in.
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I love walking. I brisk walk 5 kms. daily. But, I can't walk on the city's streets and broken pavements. The dust and pollution, potholes and traffic are all dampeners. It is a pleasure to walk abroad, I agree.
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Nice initiative Ashwini. Actually, I normally walk for about 25-30 mins a day during weekdays.. Though the mornings walks are usually hectic, evening walks are the most relaxing as I dont have to adhere to any timelines..
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Nice write up ashwini 🙂 Walking, like travel, is for the soul. I must admit, that not knowing how to drive a vehicle, has meant that almost all of my life i have traveled by public transport or cycle and involves large periods of walking and its the best way to relax, gather your thoughts or address your worries. For one, there would be no road-rage! I ve been lucky enough to have the beach and green areas like kalakshetra colony around, so whenever i m in the mood, i walk . with a friend its even better, cause he/she doesnt have to be absorbed in the task of driving. Ah, im going for a walk today evening .
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I like walking at early morning but these days when temperature is falling every second I prefer to be inside my quilt till sun comes on my head….
keep walking…:)
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interesting post about walking… that will improve our health
thanks
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Walking is my favorite activity. I have heard from many that walking abroad is heaven and your post reinforces that… happy walking 🙂
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Waling is VERY GOOD.. although I hate it but i have such a job that i have to walk for miles EACH DAY 🙂 … but yeah the auto people in cities they are LOOTERS and yet they go on strikes and what not , still they loot people , and they ae big liars too, I have been told one sum to go from A to B and when you reach that sum is different .. No use arguing with them as its not worth it ..
I hope genuinly that people do something about it and make sure they are not taken for a ride by these auto-wallah, I have no sympathy for them anymore as i used to have ..
I go for my job early morning and its freezing these days here , but the air is so fresh and things are so clear early morning .. 🙂
Bikram's
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I always knew the benefits of walking but for some reason or the other I have always avoided it. However, my current job is such that I do nothing whole day but sitting in front of my laptop idle. So, now whenever I get a chance I go for a walk. Walking could be fun but looking at the state of traffic and pollution people tend to avoid it.
And yes it is up to you to make time for the things that makes you happy. 🙂
Good one 🙂
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Here is something for you. Thanks for your support
http://voiceofavillagegirl.blogspot.in/2012/12/my-favorite-bloggers-of-2012.html
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I got pleasure of walking long ago when I was single. Now the times have changed 🙂
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Making time for walking Jemina 🙂 and it is always nice to stop and admire things which make us happy 🙂
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Yea, We usually take a stroll for about 10 minutes post lunch,but I want more time 🙂
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Yes Vaish. We are so disconnected from the world during the weekdays that even listening to the street hawkers is pleasant to my ears. 🙂
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Good For you Saru, I'm trying to include that in my routine!
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Exactly my sentiments. We get to walk leisurely and we get time for our self. Thanks Raaji 🙂
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Yes, that is why I always stress in spending time alone. It would make us feel refreshed!
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Another Benefit indeed Sir. 🙂
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Yes Arti. We get all the time to enjoy the little pleasures! 🙂
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Yes Rachna, It is a pleasure to walk in any well maintained city with good roads.
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I have to travel for more than 25 kms one way so there is no way I can try and enjoy the 5 minute walk that I normally get! Good for you Binu!
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Thank you Harish :-). And it'a always nice to talk a walk in the beach or in areas like the ones you mentioned. Getting lost admiring Nature is always nice 🙂
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Same here Irfan Ji 🙂
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Thank you!
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I have heard and witnessed that too :-). Happy walking 🙂
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Yes Bikram, I see a lot of action happening in Chennai to bring back the Auto Meters back. Will have to see if anything is being done.
Wow. I would love to talk a walk in such a climate, a week back I did that in kashmir 😉
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Most of us are on the same boat Prasoon. The sedentary lifestyle has not done anything good for any of us. We have to make time for what we want!
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Thank you so much 🙂 Really honoured and Extremely happy 🙂
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You get to talk a walk with another person. That's even better boss! 🙂
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Well Come over .. Anytime .. Always Welcome
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