Writing 1

     Rebecca Solnit's article Wanderlust explores the art of walking through the lenses of history, culture philosophy and politicts for an in depth explanation on how the act of walking holds a parallel with important aspects of our humanity and internal processes. Solnit suggests walking in itself is a way that humans are able to express themselves and take time to ponder ideas of the world around oneself. As Solnit had expressed, walking has been seen to be as intellectually and creatively stimulating or expressive throughout human history ranging from political marches to quiet walks alone, however, taking the concept a bit further, walking as an art can also be explored through the forms of human spiritualism. For example, in ways not tied to any specific religious practices, many people find themselves taking walks as a form of slowing down and reconnecting with one's own spirit, otherwise known as grounding oneself. Some religious practices feature walking too, such as Buddhists who use walking as a form of traditional spiritual meditation alongside the act of seated meditation to further balance mindfulness and energy levels. 

    Rivers and Tides; Andy Goldworthy working with time directed by Annedore V. Donop follows the artist Andy Goldworthy as he created temporary sculptures at different natural sites. Goldworthy's philosophy on mapping and exploration supports the idea that humans engage in walking in ways that are beyond the physical through his creative process. The film highlights Goldworthy's energetic process on finding specific sites to create his art. Through intentional mindfulness that resembles the act of meditation, Goldworthy speaks of listening to the land that he is works with before he begins to create. The final creation of his art also speaks to a type of spiritual connection with the land, allowing the sculptures to be temporary and to inevitably ware away through the natural movement of nature and time. The process of listening and working with the nature and land itself speaks in relation to spiritual processes and practices that can be found across the history of humanity. The art of walking can be used as an expressive and explorative tool to humanity as seen through the aspects of historical, cultural, philosophical and metaphysical lenses.