Nature

Parks in cities are small islands of escape from the over developed metropolises that have become normal for so much of the populated world. People who spend cities most of their lives in the confines of cities are in danger of failing to appreciate nature. Parks bring life to concrete jungles that these places could never accomplish on their own. Parks similar to Monceau are especially important because they are bigger and look more natural than average parks. The size adds to this as well, which is part of the reason that it is special. It is more than just a place to walk or for children to play. It is purposed for all the uses of an ordinary park, what sets it apart is it’s intention for it’s beauty to be acknowledged. Living in cities and living the fast-paced lifestyle that decision tends to come with is fine, it is when the inhabitants of these places forget to acknowledge nature that developed places become a problem.

While statues are not natural, it seems that some of them were created with naturalness in mind. This is seen clearly in one statue in particular. It depicts a clothesless woman sitting on what appears to be a stump. She is turned halfway around and smiling. This statue strikes one as natural because she is not engaged with the view or in a certain position in order to be seen that way. It simply looks as if she was turned to stone or captured while simply existing. It is natural in it’s rendering and material as well since it is made of stone, a substance that occurs naturally.

Thoreau believed that not all people are walkers. That to be one, “one must be born into a family of walkers.” Although a generalization, this statement holds some truth. Walking for pleasure is often times a family affair. An activity a household engages in after dinner or possibly in the park to enjoy sunshine on a nice day. In families, walking is not usually done alone unless a person wanted to walk explicitly to think or be alone. Those without the good fortune of being born into this bloodline will most likely not be ‘a walker’. They are they ordinary ones who only walk to get to a destination. People who are less likely to go a place for the sole purpose strolling and admiring natural beauty.

Walking is a form of meditation. It clears the mind and brings one closer to one’s self in that you have the chance to focus on your thoughts. This is a part of life that we largely deny ourselves and fail to remember how much it satisfies us. Walking releases mental burdens that are built up from the way of life that most of us lead. It is a detoxification that is needed regularly to remain balanced. Using walking for meditation is probably the easiest form of meditation in terms of ease because it is extremely natural to clear the mind or let it wander. Nothing is forced when meditation is done in this way, as opposed to what happens to most people when they sit down with the purpose of meditating. For those who experience meditation sessions such as this will find walking more productive.