Since almost always “on a mission”, I was surprised by my recent advice on how to spend a holiday weekend: “just go out your door and follow the horizon“. What?
In other words, to “follow the horizon” means to walk without an absolute “Must Go To” place in mind. Your feet dictate the path instead. You move one slow step at a time. Easy, right? Not always for us, Achievers.
Walking The Horizon originated in the mountains. During early winter mornings, when walking to Lionshead, Vail, the horizon of mountain and sky has impressed me. As the sun has risen amidst purple, pink and blue light, there was undulating line highlighting the peaks against the big sky. Although the horizon zig zags the big sky never wavers.
Walking on the horizon is following a not-so-linear path similar to life and a sometimes on a zig-zag road. Even when our endeavors are defined with a “critical path” rarely do the end results manifest exactly.
Often when traveling we are confined by expectations and some sort of list. Yet our lives are not usually an A to B scenario. When we give ourselves even an hour of unstructured exploring our hearts and minds refresh. We’re listening more deeply allowing our lives to manifest in that wandering moment.
How might you Follow the Horizon for real? Here are a few tips from my sojourn to adorable Cobble Hill, Brooklyn during a February visit.
Start out walking really really slowly.
Perhaps hum a tune. Look up. Look around. Notice how your body feels. Pet the dogs on leash. Remind yourself that there’s no place to go or nothing you must do. Relish the nothingness.
Constantly settle your thoughts.
Disliking uncertainty your mind will be full of advice on where to go and what to experience. You can decide to pay attention or not. Just don’t let every single thought drive every single action. Stop and take a few breaths. Observe and sort through the instructions which invariably will scream at you. Choose and walk on.
Take your time.
Take your time whether it’s to apply lip gloss, button your jacket or frame your iPhone photo. Slow is the operative word with lots of pausing in between. Where are you? What’s your state of mind? BTW perhaps consider leaving your camera and or device at home so as not to feel any performative demands.
Before departure it’s ok to take a look at a map and garner your bearings. It’s a good idea to have a sense for the perimeters of a neighborhood without setting an agenda.
We highly recommend adding this impromptu ritual to your life, whether it’s “Walking the Horizon” over lunch, at the day’s end or when traveling. You will see and experience so much more because of being present. In addition gratitude will accompany you. When we’re paying attention life deliciously unfolds!
Following the Horizon: Cobble Hill, Brooklyn
Here’s where my impromptu walk in Cobble Hill took me while uncovering parks, gardens, bakeries, new boutiques and adorable houses:
Breakfast at 3:00 pm at Henry’s Public House (Breakfast is served until 4:00 pm). On Sundays there’s live Jazz starting at 4:00 pm.
Henrys’ Public House 329 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Sauntering on picturesque streets in the neighborhood, some only a block long. Wandering into Cobble Hill Park and admiring the charming row of historic house, some with adorned window boxes
Cobble Hill Park Clinton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Stopping at Poppy’s, seasonal & locally sourced dishes, plus a take-out option. I bought a turmeric shot to drink for fighting my cold.
Poppy’s 243 Degraw St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Buying pastry at Charlotte’s (there was a short line. I watched as the customer in front of me bought two of the three pieces left of the “Kuchen of the Day”. The last piece was miserly. I’d have to augment my order with a few additional treats. When it was my turn the sales person had already noticed the small piece of cake and unsolicited added extras to my order. She shared a story about how when in Poland she had to wait for a few hours to buy bread for the weekend. Just when she was about to order the customer in front of her proceeded to order for five families, leaving little choice when she finally placed her order. Luck of the line sometimes.
Charlotte Patisserie 201 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Splendid: Women’s clothing . Items were arranged by color; fun place to look. I was too lazy that day to actually try anything.
Splendid 142 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11201BTW There are many stores on Court St. to enjoy.
Bathroom at Trader Jo’s (quite disgusting but it seemed like a logical place to stop)
Trader Joe’s Cobble Hill
130 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
As the sun was setting I returned through via The Brooklyn Promenade with spectacular views.
Also called the Esplanade, is a 1,826-foot-long platform and pedestrian walkway cantilevered over the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn
The Brooklyn Promenade – Montague St &, Pierrepont Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11201
