Something to Say

Thanks to the last few weeks and a verse from The Animal Collectives’ ‘Summertime Clothes’ I think I finally understand the appeal of simply walking. I know a lot of people who go for walks, but it hasn’t computed in my head until now. As you will recall, this blogspot is called Rambling for the Impatient. I have usually required a reason to walk and as for running, Anna and I chatted briefly the other day about her marathon running, I mentioned how I can’t just run without purpose. I need a ball to chase or somewhere to get to in a hurry. I’m not an impatient person in many aspects, but under these terms I am. 

But now maybe I understand…

Cycling solo has given me time to think, and I have recorded many thoughts. But it isn’t just the time that is important; it is also the physical movement. The motion and energy needed to cycle isn’t as vigorous as you might think, particularly after you find a rhythm. The movement triggered my brain. I’m not the only person who paces as they think; it’s probably why I struggled to find concentration in so many classrooms. I didn’t underachieve at all but now I reflect, the education system didn’t do me and isn’t doing many others any favours at all. And now America is considering reform of the way sport is approached in education. I implore you- please do not change your system. I have seen what your proposed alternative is in the diabolical way sport is taught in many English schools.

I give you the lyrics from ‘Summertime Clothes’:

“But restless is causeless and I cannot hide

so much of my mind that it spills outside,

Do you wanna go stroll down a financial street

our clothes might get soaked but the buildings sleep

And there’s no one pushing for a place

let’s meander at an easy pace

And I want to walk around with you

and I want to walk around with you” 

Of course understanding this is harder without the context of the rest of the song and I recommend a listen. Personally I go for tracks with music I like and/or lyrics I identify with. Maybe you will be put off by the tune in the end, although one listen won’t hurt!

Nonetheless, this for me is an important verse. It encapsulates the origins of my restless feelings and then tells me that I am approaching restlessness the wrong way. I don’t need something to do, but some time to think. My spilling mind needs no more stimulation from buildings, or the physical world, and I’m glad that they sleep. All I need is the exercise of a walk to contemplate, or a companion to converse with: Causeless feelings solved in these instants. I might go for walks more often and take advantage of the beautiful place where I live.

At this point I would like to say Thank you:

To all whom I met along the way. I have named many of you already,

And to those who have been reading my blog and caught up with me at the wedding and whom are yet to receive the mention I wish to give.

I did not expect over 3000 page views. I would have been delighted at 1000. And the number of visitors staggers me. I have received an almost overwhelming response to this blog, and so many people have said they have enjoyed reading my thoughts and experiences.  Honestly I have surprised even myself, and although the pages have turned out every bit as happily and as clearly as I wished for, the fact that more than just my family have found humour and interest here is beyond gratifying. The coach in me hopes that somewhere I have inspired other adventures, but as I sit here now I am glad if you smiled with me along the way. I say thank you because without an audience to write for I would not have put as much effort towards this blog as I have, and consequently would not have got the same unbelievable level of enjoyment that I have experienced from writing about my travels.

I will tell you when I have put the final entry in here, although first I wish to do justice to an amazing few days with (as Brandon put it perfectly) the most down to earth, good looking bunch of people one could ever hope to meet!