The Gentle Art of Wandering

by David Ryan

Wandering is about being mindful while outdoors. It is allowing yourself to see what is already here and then letting what you see guide you on where to go. It is being connected to all that is around you. And when connected, you will make amazing discoveries and have an adventure every time you step out the door. The Gentle Art of Wandering shows how you can wander anywhere. The book provides examples from the backcountry, cities, suburbs, hiking trails, and your own neighborhood to show you the process of wandering and how you too can develop the mindset of wandering. Once you develop the mindset of wandering you will see all that is around you and recognize it as a gift to appreciate and protect. Or as Benton MacKaye, the originator of the Appalachian Trail, said when asked about the purpose of the Trail, "to walk, to see, to see what you see." What would I look for in a walking companion? Someone with a sense of curiosity about the world, a love of nature and people. Someone who is creative enough to see and appreciate the extraordinary things around us everywhere. Within these pages you will find that walking companion in David Ryan. You will look at the world in a different way and be on your way to new adventures wherever you go. - Larry Luxenberg, author Walking the Appalachian Trail Adventure, exploration, discovery, and even peace are everywhere around us if only we open our minds to them. So follow David Ryan as he leads by example into the rich world that wandering can reveal. This is the best kind of guidebook, for it seeks to empower us with what Marcel Proust The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes. - Robert Julyan, author Place Names of New Mexico and Mountains of New Mexico

112 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 15, 2012

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Leslie Ferrari · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful little book. I purchased it after hearing the author speak at the ATC conference last year and it's been on my To Read pile since. This book is about mindfulness walking or wandering. If you are a fan of mindfulness meditation, I think this is a helpful adjunct.

[Zoe Stanek · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Wandering is not a station-to-station journey; you have permission to change course."

A sweet, simple read about the joys of wandering. So much to see, only as much time as you make to see it.

I met the author's daughter at a charming little store in NE Portland where she was selling copies of this book. She spoke of her father with a great deal of sentiment, specifically referencing one of the lines in this book. It was her enthusiasm and the loving title of the book that drew me in. I'm very glad it did.

[Helen Fleischer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasant, short read about walking in the moment and enjoying what your senses reveal when you set aside the distractions of daily life to explore what catches your eye. It also suggests interesting ways to find places to do this in environments that suit your interests and abilities. The open, follow- your-whims attitude he describes is much like the one I experience when doing my photo rambles. I am looking forward to using his tips to find more places to do this locally, not just on vacation.