I needed more quiet in my life. The French art of flaneuring showed me the way. Erika Owen, author of The Art of Flaneuring: How to wander with intention and discover a better life.
Health experts are promoting “flaneuring,” (pronounced flah-nur-ing) for its health benefits. In fact, the same experts acknowledge that people have long “flaneured” without even knowing it. Proponents advise walkers to be aware of their environment without interacting with it. First of all, leave headsets at home. Listen to the music of the surroundings instead.
Owen, author of this book that has the experts talking, says, “At home in New York City, my days are scheduled from the moment I wake up to the second I nearly drop my IPhone on my face watching “The Great British Baking Show” in bed before passing out…It’s been this way for a long time, at least since I moved here more than six years ago. Becoming an adult wasn’t about owning a car or buying a home: It was the moment I realized I needed more quiet in my life - and did something about it.”
Coming across the French term “flaneur” inspired her. She says, “There is a sense of quiet solitude that comes with choosing the chaos in front of you over interacting with it. You’re not being asked to complete any task; you are existing within a space, quietly.”
Owen, too, acknowledges that such daily walks have helped her “live a healthier life and with it has come the kind of happiness that proceeds understanding yourself better.”
People have long promoted a lifestyle that includes daily walks. Essayist Henry David Thoreau and scientist Albert Einstein both found benefits to mind, soul and body from walking daily. Thoreau found topics to write about; Einstein solved problems through walking quietly, peacefully.
Studies by the American Psychological Association found that walking outdoors at least 15 minutes a week produced “higher levels of joy and positive emotions.”
According to the Heart Foundation, such walks also wards off "heart disease, lowers blood pressure, helps to manage diabetes, maintains bone strength and improves circulation.”
Owen says the benefits for her are rediscovering her own creativity, being able to talk with people easier, staying calm throughout the day, realize that life’s annoying moments are less annoying, and feeling more connected to her body.
Flaneuring is an art to master. First, one must meander mindfully without a destination in mind. Secondly, as one walks, she should appreciate the flowers, not stop to work the beds. She can hear the cacophony of traffic and be grateful she’s not caught in the jam. She can smell the aroma of bread baking, but not feel the need to stop at the bakery to make a purchase. The skill to walk and observe with all senses without taking action does become an art.
All the experts from Owen to those in the medical field discuss the need to stay safe in such walking. And in today’s urban areas, that becomes more and more difficult. However, Owen insists it is possible to find safe routes even in the Big Apple.
Health experts add these considerations. Wear proper footwear, carry a cell phone in case of an emergency (do not talk nor text while walking), use a walking stick, take your time, talk with your doctor before undertaking a new walking regimen.
Helen Lebowitz Rossi, writing for Guideposts, offers five ways to assist us in being present during our walks or retreats from daily routines. They are easy to remember because they stimulate our awareness of our senses. She says, “Notice FIVE things you can see from where you are right now.” She moves on. Notice FOUR things you can feel - sense of touch. Then take note of THREE things you can hear. Sniff. Name TWO things you can smell. Finally, be aware of ONE thing you can taste. Now you are ready to start on the day’s journey.
2022
Comments