Why not walk for pleasure?

There are numerous reasons I set out to explore San Francisco on foot. I've been living in the bay area for approximately three years, but by nature find myself home all too often. For me, curling up with an amazing book while sunlight pours in my windows, nestled between the dog & cat, sipping wine and nibbling cheese is ideal. 

"Generally speaking, though, [we] have an inability to relax into sheer pleasure. Ours is an entertainment-seeking nation, but not necessarily a pleasure-seeking one. Americans spend billions to keep themselves amused with everything from porn to theme parks to wars, but that's not the same thing as quiet enjoyment. [We] work harder and longer and ... more stressful hours than anyone in the world today. But as Luca Spaghetti pointed out, we seem to like it. Alarming statistics back this observation up, showing that many Americans feel more happy and fulfilled in their offices than they do in then they do in their own homes. Of course, we all inevitably work too hard, then we get burned out and have to spend the whole weekend in pajamas, eating cereal out of a box and staring that the TV in a mild coma (which is the opposite of working, yes, but not exactly the same thing as pleasure)." ~ From Elizabeth Gilbert's, Eat Pray Love

As part of my constant goal to improve quality of life, I've made walking a cornerstone of my daily routine. While motivating myself to get out can be a challenge, once I am out and about, I truly enjoy the experience. Back in November I started walking for 30 minutes during my work lunches, partly to force myself outside and partly to burn a few more calories everyday. I found immediately that my moods were uplifted by the change, experiencing the constant joy of discovering another something beautiful and unique. 

In late January 2009, I upped the walks to 1 hour, still during my lunch hour. They start approximately at Montgomery BART station and loop back within the hour. In a city as diverse as San Francisco, so far I've found 5 solid and variety packed walks...I'm certain I'll continue to find more. I do walk to help lose weight, but that is one small piece of the pie. I walk to release my mind, sometimes letting my thoughts wander where they need. I love discovery and the Golden Gate City always has something new to share. Challenging myself to walk up taller hills feels great, while learning to process painful memories brings another set of challenges. Walking helps me purge and pine, truthfully I need to indulge in both.

The there is the art. Art is everywhere in San Francisco, really. Everyday walking, I happen upon formerly unnoticed statue, artfully painted cornice, or carefully sculpted sign. If you look for it, beauty is everywhere from the buildings to skylines as well as in the faces of the people sharing the sidewalks with you. And I am looking for it, for pleasure and happiness as it occurs around me. To soak it all in and love the city for it's whole.