In preparation for making the Camino de Santiago, I am trying to walk as much as possible. Then when I start on the pilgrimage, it will be easier.
I'm working at the Basilica of the National Shrine in Washington, D.C. Getting there means a mile walk to the bus stop, then a 15-minute drive to the Metro, and finally a 40-minute subway ride (transferring from the orange to the red line). Getting back home means reversing the process. So it's approximately 90-minutes of travel each way (including roughly three miles of walking).
Normally, one would say, why not just drive? But besides the need to train for the Camino, I can see so much more by walking. There's no doubt that we can get more accomplished by driving everywhere and completing many errands. But often that just leaves us frustrated, anxious and tired. Walking changes the perspective. There's no doubt that we'll get less done, but we'll have more satisfaction, and the sense of being tired will be a wholly natural feeling, one that puts our minds and bodies in sync.
But there are other hidden pleasures with walking. Besides the great feeling that comes from exercise (and this type of exercise doesn't require using a dreaded elliptical machine at a health club) are the wonderful smells that accompany the walker. There's nothing like the smell of a fall morning, or the aroma of a fire burning in a nearby fireplace in the evening. It's hard to beat getting into a warm train after standing on a freezing Metro platform. And there's nothing like returning to a warm home (usually around 7:35 pm) after being out in the cold.
There's no doubt that you'll get less done by walking instead of driving -- but you'll see, feel, hear and experience more!
