John Tyler - Outside Reading - Shaking Off the Village

“In my afternoon walk I would fain forget all my morning occupations, and my obligations to society. But it sometimes happens that I cannot easily shake off the village. The thought of some work will run in my head, and I am not where my body is; I am out of my senses. In my walks I would fain return to my senses.” – Thoreau “Walking”

It is amazing how the Appalachian Trail has captivated audience from throughout the world and for centuries.  People from all over are captivated by its mystery and challenge.  For many Americans, it is a place of rejuvenation and disconnect from all of the pressures and business of society.  In the quote above, Thoreau addresses the difficulties of shaking off the village when we venture out into nature.  The village represents life’s pressures and societies labels.  When we step into the wild and walk down the trail, the village comes with us until we shake it off.  But how does one shake off the village?  I believe it is a slow process that could take maybe days out in nature.  Essentially what needs to happen is the individual needs to let go and become fully present.  It is astonishing when I find myself walking down a beautiful section of the trail or climbing up a majestic mountain and I realize that I am only present bodily but absent spiritually.  The only way for me to become fully present is through prayer.  I believe praying while walking is the best way to keep the spirit engaged.  When I say spirit, I mean you, the deepest part of who you are.  In order to be truly in your senses and present in the moment, the spirit must be engaged.  This means that you are equally aware of what’s outside as well as what’s inside.