Sunday, April 10, 2016

The Wander Society

While in Dubai, I picked up this wonderful little book entitled "The Wander Society". 
Right up my alley as you know how much I love to wander.
To walk/explore/amble in an unplanned or aimless way with a complete openness to the unknown.
This morning I wandered our neighborhood, going up and down streets I hadn't been on in a while.
It always makes me happy to find such pretty spots along the way.
In the book, one of the philosophies of wandering reads;
"To wander is to go against the evolution of society.
Society wants you to speed up, to produce, to seek material wealth.  In a system that requires never-ending growth (at the cost of limited natural resources), to slow down seems anti-progress in nature.  Who are you if you are not trying to "get somewhere"?  Who are you if you are not actively working toward something?  As a wanderer, you're not subject to the narrative forced on you by society.  You do not fall prey to trends that have nothing to do with your talents and desires.  You do not strive to conform, but instead follow the life that springs from inside.  You walk your own path.  In this sense, you're truly free."
That passage perfectly describes where I am at in my life right now.  A strong need for slowing down, quieting the noise of the world, and scaling back.
The last paragraph of the philosophy chapter states:
We need more rambling, daydreaming, thinking, perusing, being, looking, existing, allowing, ambling, opening, listening, because it teaches us what we are capable of.  The nomadic tendency of wandering allows us to take pause, to consider what is really necessary, what is important for living well.

In every moment of wandering, we can experience awakening.
Wishing you a blessed day!

31 comments:

Jennifer Hays said...

That sounds like a nice book, Tammy. I love to wander too. I often find new sights in my own neighborhood as well. I live in a large subdivision that is interconnected with several others and you can spend the whole day walking through it without ever needing to use a main street. I often find little cul-de-sacs I've never noticed before. Of course, it's always interesting to see how the yards and landscaping change with the seasons, even when you've seen them many times. I hope you're having a good weekend.

Lin from A {tiny} Cottage In The Woods said...

Lovely post, Tammy. And I couldn't agree more with the messages.
xo,
Lin

Mereknits said...

I am feeling the need to quiet down myself, not easy with all I have to do. Knitting or crocheting helps me to do that, also a good long walk.
Hugs,
MEredith

Teresa Kasner said...

Aha! I am so glad to have learned these things you told us in this post! I think I'm a wanderer! :-) What a neat find when you got that book! Thanks so much for sharing. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

podso said...

This post has me thinking about how I never amble or wander..it's always intentional, even if just for exercise. There is such an appeal to the idea of a slow walk to no particular place. A great post!

Betsy said...

What a great post today Tammy. I'm at the stage in my life where I'm a wanderer too. It's nice not to be forced to do things because you have too. I just need to not put so many pressures on myself. Such a great amount of information you gave us to think about. Thank you my friend.
Blessings,
Betsy

Sam I Am...... said...

What true and beautiful sentiments....although I don't wander very far anymore! LOL! But I have learned to slow down. Now I just need to get rid of all this "stuff".

Unknown said...

I am also glad I have come to the winding down time. I was raised to think I had to be busy all the time, producing something, making something. It has been hard to accept this do what I want philosophy. I can wander to my hearts desire and crocheting yarn bombings too. Almost got them ready.

Lisa said...

I saw your post on Instagram with this book. It looks like a true gem. There is nothing more calming than wandering and being aware of the world around you. Have a lovely time this week in your wandering. Lisa

Gracie Saylor said...

Thanks for sharing some of your wanderings, Tammy. I enjoyed thinking and seeing with you, and I love your presentation of Laura's quote and her sentiment. I have collected much of her writing and love re-reading the Little House books in particular. Our family once visited her last homestead in southern Missouri and I loved the setting and simple homeyness. Have you visited there? xx

Draffin Bears said...

Dear Tammy,

That is so true and we do all walk our own paths. The book looks interesting and I enjoyed seeing all the wonderful places you saw when out wandering.
Happy new week
Hugs
Carolyn

Diane said...

No wonder I feel so good when Rascal and I walk. Everything just falls away and all is peace. Your little book is a gem. Diane

a writing place said...

"The World" wants us to hurry up!

I am happy to be at the time of my life, when "slowing down" is "allowed." :-)

Tessa

Tanya said...

Nothing better than wandering!!! XOXO

Linda said...

Intriguing book. I like to feel that I pretty much wander aimlessly through most days. Truly. :) I'm against the need to pursue satisfaction through one's workplace/career and am never in a rush to get anywhere, which is why I often don't understand the general public who seem to be in a much opposite mindset. Nothing takes the place of my daily runs (now back to walks, alas, due to an injury), and even at work, everyone has come to know that I am out from 11:30 - 12:30 every single day no matter what the weather, doing my own thing. Probably, it's what led me to your blog years back because we do share that similar mindset of enjoying the little things in life, especially those things of simple beauty in nature.

Lyn said...

I like the look of that little book, and I know I am always saying I need to slow down, slow down and look and listen to the world and not just rush by.
I love the little laces you found on your wanderings.
x

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Tammy,
Lovely subject and great philosophy for good health and perfect balance of mind - body - soul.
Your colorful photos make one happy!
Sending you hugs,
Mariette

handmade by amalia said...

I like the sound of this book. And is that your doodle? So lovely.
Amalia
xo

Caterina Giglio said...

awesome post, dear Tammy, looks like I will have to get the book.. love your wanderings.. xo

Michael said...

Love that sketch and there is a lot of truth in these words from that book. I think, ironically enough, one can disengage from what the world's norms say and yet still live intentionally, with purpose, even a plan, as someone with faith,say, or otherwise.

Aren't you glad that we don't have to follow in the footsteps of what everyone else is doing? Clearly you have struck out even by going to Kuwait!

Simplifying is so nourishing too! So many of us have far too much stuff, collected over the years, often from gifts, and are involved in far too many events. I read recently, in fact, about this woman who said she had no time to blog or anything but when I read just how many extra curricular sporting events she was attending as an Aunt it was so clear that that would be a great place to start. One doesn't have to go to every event and the kids will be fine. In fact, kids as well as adults are so often jsut too involved in things that add more stress upon stress for the moments of good they might offer too.

Tammy, best wishes on your journeying. I gave the "Wreck this book" to my kids...which they duly forgot about and never did. lol.

Beverly said...

I need to take the time to wander more and agree with you about slowing down and scaling back. Time is so precious, we must enjoy every second. Great quote by Laura Ingals Wilder. Oh! I loved the faded white door/gate with the vine growing over it. So unusual. Thanks for stopping by my blog, it's always nice to hear from you.

Rostrose said...

Dearest Tammy,
I love the philosophy of this book, it also corresponds to the point where I am in my life. And your photos of the walks are very pretty and relaxing!
I think your post is perfect for linking to A New Life! Do you want to? From 15.4. there is again a new Linkup!
Lots of hugs
from Traude

Serena Lewis said...

Thanks for taking us along with you while you wander, Tammy! This post reflects a lot of my own thoughts at the present time. :)

Anonymous said...

Sounds great! You have taken very good photos. I too like to wander to different places...

SuperGreekVibes said...

Hello Tammy. I just stopped by to tell you that your blog is amazing! Keep up the good job! Regards. SuperGreekVibes :)
http://supergreekvibes.blogspot.gr/

Helen Philipps said...

A lovely post Tammy and I completely agree with these words. Looking forward to some wandering this weekend myself. Thank you for sharing these thoughts and the book.
Helen xox

Deborah Montgomery said...

I love those quotes. Sounds like a wonderful book.

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Hello, Tammy :) once again, a wonderful series of photos. Thank you for allowing us to wander with you.

Sherry said...

Thank you so much for writing this post and sharing the beautiful pictures. I feel right now that I have too much going on and have a need to back up and slow down. I love Laura"s quote. It was good to visit with you today.

Vicki Boster said...

Tammy-- I think your new little book is a treasure. I love the title!! You are blessed to have such unusual and beautiful paths to wander. Your photos are so unique and pretty. I've been enjoying seeing your photos on IG also. I'm so glad we can connect there also:)
Xoxo
Vicki

Createology said...

I love to wander and to meander...not only while walking but also while driving. I strive to slow down and find the simpler life. How appropriate you found this little book of inspiration. I just know you will achieve your goals. Lovely photos of your wanderings.

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