Audrey Hales - "Walking" by Henry Thoreau

 Although Walking by Henry Thoreau was written in the 1850s, I was surprised by how much I connected with his ideas, and I found the text surprisingly approachable. Thoreau's poetic and vivid writing style immediately drew me in. For example, on page 228, he expresses astonishment at how people are content to stay indoors all day, never breaking their routines to experience nature. I relate to this thought, if I don’t spend at least a little time outside each day, I feel less fulfilled. Thoreau himself admits, on page 227, “I think I cannot preserve my health and spirits unless I spend at least four hours a day—and it is commonly more than that—sauntering through the woods and over the hills and fields.” He even boldly claims that those who stay inside all day “deserve some credit for not having all committed suicide a long time ago.” He continuously connects his ideas back to the overarching themes of individual freedom, mindfulness outdoors, and human spirit. For Thoreau, walking is not merely a form of physical exercise; it’s a spiritual, essential, and liberating act. He views walking as a sacred experience. Sometimes, however, he becomes frustrated when the worries of daily life intrude upon his walks, distracting him from being fully present in nature. I can deeply relate to this sense of guilt when I’m not mindful of my surroundings, a feeling that has only intensified in our modern age with the distractions of technology.


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