From Mushin:
How often are you walking along wrapped up in your thoughts, and feeling unsettled? A while back Jiden Christina Stanley sent me words from Ralph Waldo Emerson that read, “Few people know how to take a walk. The qualifications are endurance, plain clothes, old shoes, an eye for nature, good humor, vast curiosity, good speech, good silence and nothing too much.” What a lovely description of the state of mind and simplicity of purpose that gives walking its grace. When we practice kinhin we enjoy some of these qualities, but also anytime we’re out and about on foot. Each step is complete and completely nourishing.
On our way somewhere or just communing, wandering, exploring the neighborhood, we can refresh ourselves, be present, return to a natural state of openness where what comes along next is best.
