E for Exploration
For a long time, I have loved the stunning black and white landscapes taken by photographer and environmentalist Ansel Adams, so I was delighted to come across this quote by him:“In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration”.
I see a walk as an exploration, even a short walk because if you keep your eyes open and look around there is always something to discover. If you are with another person the exploration can be internal too as discussion and debate can lead to much discovery. How do you view the walks that you take? It may depend on your mood or your mindset how you see things and what you see as a result.
I love to explore new paths too. To get the maps out, open the books, google areas and then explore the possibilities, the length of walk, what there might be to see along the way.
I love the sense of discovery, of not knowing what you will come across. I think this is why I dislike long straight paths preferring hills and mountains, twists and turns. I can wonder what is round the corner and what I will see once I reach the top of the hill. It’s all exploration.
Richard Branson said, “Exploration is a wonderful way to open our eyes to the world, and to truly see that impossible is just a word”.
I so agree about opening our eyes to the world. Walking opens our eyes and our heart to nature, introduces us to architecture, scenery and to different cultures and areas too and some exploration allows us to rethink what we thought was impossible. What comes to mind for me as I consider this was a real doubting experience and concern of not being able to do the Inca Trail. I did though….a story for another day.Frank Borman said, “Exploration is really the essence of the human spirit”.
What do you think?
