I took a walk today.

Lately, I’ve been reading about stoic philosophy and some of the habits stoics practice. One is to take a walk every day- not as physical exercise (although that helps too) but for mental exercise, to take some time out of your day and simply be with your thoughts. Usually, when I go on walks I listen to music or frequently check my phone. This time I decided not to. Without the distraction of a phone, I became more aware of my surroundings and I noticed things I hadn’t before. I noticed the unequal bends and turns of a street I have traveled on my whole life. I noticed that above the street sign was a memorial to a World War II Veteran, that I have passed thousands of times but never really saw. I noticed the stillness and quietness of the environment around me. I noticed that the houses which I pass every day in my car are not just houses- they’re people, families, individuals. People with their own dreams and aspirations, people who may be going through a difficult time, people who could have just gotten the best news of their lives, people who are lonely, people who are content. The point is, beyond the walls I pass every day are people with their own lives and experiences. It reminded me of the common humanity we all share. I noticed the trees, barren and cold. Trees, like they look every winter. But then, while I was walking I thought of actually how extraordinary trees are in the winter. Covered in snow, without the beauty of their leaves, but still standing tall. In our lives, we may feel barren and lonely. But like these winter trees, we are resilient. Winter, much like a present difficulty, will pass and spring will come like it always does. In our lives, we will have moments where we have no hope, but whatever you’re going through, it will inevitably pass. I noticed all this by going on a walk without my phone. I lived, I wasn’t merely watching life pass by.

I took a walk today and it was glorious.

I wanted to share a quote that has resonated with me since I read it. It’s by Epictetus, a man born into slavery who became one of the great philosophers and thinkers of his time.

Don’t demand or expect that events happen as you would wish them do. Accept events as they actually happen. That way, peace is possible.