A Journey Through Life: The Beauty of Long Walks and Connections
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The Essence of a Long Walk
Is there a universal theme in the things we cherish most?
I recently captured this image of a pedestrian bridge that links two sections of my favorite walking path in Kyiv.
One of my most frequently played songs is "A Long Walk."
While I can sometimes rush through life, the soothing sounds of Jill Scott encourage me to slow down and navigate the ordinary moments more gracefully.
Her music touches on a variety of topics—temptations, conversations, and relaxation. For me, her lyrics blend into a singular mantra: live in the present; forget the past and future. A long walk is all that matters.
Occasionally, I find myself humming along.
At times, I sing softly.
And there are moments when I unleash my inner soul singer.
Did you know that singing can enhance the function of the vagus nerve, which influences our body from head to toe? If you need a scientific excuse to sing, there you go. But you can simply try it out. Practice leads to understanding.
Sing and feel that tension release from your core.
It's an act of meditation.
It's about breathing.
It's about feeling.
It's about living.
So, please—sing more often!
A Long Walk in Cinema
"A Long Walk" is not only a song for me; it's also an inspiration from my favorite trilogy of films—Richard Linklater's Before trilogy.
The story follows two young souls, Céline and Jesse, who meet on a train to Vienna. Upon reaching the city, they embark on an unexpected journey through its streets. This long walk evolves into a deep conversation that binds them together for life.
Isn’t it wonderful to explore the world with a stranger and gradually grow closer with each step?
As you can see, my affinity for long walks permeates many aspects of my life.
Long Walks in Relationships
Long walks play a significant role in my relationships as well.
My boyfriend and I often engage in meaningful and thought-provoking discussions during our long strolls around Kyiv.
The city serves as our therapist, providing a space for exploration and contemplation. It invites us to wander through its hills, expansive sidewalks, and parks as soon as the sun breaks through the clouds.
At times, these long walks change our perspective on our relationship or even how we relate to the world around us.
Occasionally, our long walk may end abruptly, or we find ourselves unable to proceed.
This was the case last weekend.
We set out for a long walk but soon found ourselves in a minor disagreement over something trivial. Our shared journey split into two solitary walks, each of us needing time to ourselves. Sometimes, that's necessary, too.
Our long walk isn't a straight path—it's more like a dotted line. It experiences breaks and interruptions from both external and internal factors. However, it never truly stops. As history shows, these pauses eventually lead us back to each other, ready to continue our journey together.
Why is that?
It’s quite simple.
We both have a deep love for long walks.
We enjoy sharing that experience with one another.
We are long walkers.
He may have the advantage of longer legs, but I make up for it with a longer torso, propelling me forward when my legs tire.
In some way, our long walks work harmoniously for both of us.
Together, we continue on this journey of long walks.
The Power of Walking
This video explores the transformative power of walking, illustrating how this simple act can significantly enhance our brain function, health, and overall life experience.
A Long Walk
In this cinematic piece, the beauty of a long walk is celebrated, demonstrating how these moments can lead to profound connections and reflections.