Daily Stroll vs. Daily Scroll or: It is solved by walking.*
When I don’t know what to do, I go for a walk.
In front of a beatuifully painted wall, 5th district, Vienna.
In my neighbourhood, downtown Vienna, a park, anywhere I am really.
To me, walking is a deceivingly simple, yet powerful practice. My favorite way to get away from any screen, because wow, that line between inspiration and addictive (or even avoidant) habit is getting oh-so-thin lately.
Also, 99.9% of the time, I have one (or several) creative problems I am trying to solve, or some big unanswered questions rolling around in my head, and I just take them with me.
August sky over Vienna, 5th district (no editing or filters, it was that blue for real.)
This is a practice that has been ingrained into my bones and very being since I was little. Once a day, we had to go out! This was a non-negotiable rule set by my mother. Many of my happiest childhood memories took place ‘outside’. Later, as a teenager and young adult, it felt too restrictive - no matter the weather or mood - there were no excuses accepted and I often found taking walks boring and uncomfortable.
It wasn’t until the last couple of years that I have found a new appreciation for the simple act of … walking. Alone. Just for the sake of it. Not for health benefits, not to get anywhere, not to achieve anything other than more lightness in my being. Through movement and paying attention and letting my thoughts wander, while not pushing for any specific outcome.
Ultimate window sill gardening. 15th district, Vienna
It is a ritual of sorts.
It comforts me, it distracts me, it delights me, it rearranges me.
It takes me out of my head and the endless over-thinking.
Bonus: I get to see all these interesting places. Sometimes I take my phone to capture what I see, often not. I thought I’d share some impressions in this space every now and then. Also: Vienna is SO beautiful (Yes, I am totally biased when it comes to my hometown!)
rose gardens at Volksgarten, view to Burgtheater, 1st district, downtown Vienna
Open windows, how inviting is this coffee house corner?!
Volksgarten again. Lots of construction to renovate the parliament.
Trees in my neighbourhood park in full bloom.
Public flowerbed, bursting a-bloom after historic rain-record in May this year. And yes, I looove the painted curb.
I especially like to go the same route(s), over and over. Somehow, it never gets boring! It feels more like comfort. As if the appreciation and love for where I live is deepening, and I notice even more details and tiny changes.
The latest creation, powered by walking and inspired by the beautiful summer weather in Vienna lately, aptly titled “Perfect Summer Day”. 24x30cm acrylic on canvas, available HERE.
*Post inspired by a quote from St. Augustine: ‘Solvitur ambulando’ which is latin for ‘It is solved by walking.’ I agree.