Walks and drives

Earlier this week, I got a call from a friend asking if I wanted to go on a walk. Immediately, my spirit was lifted and my exhaustion was eased a bit. After a hectic day of classes, interviews and meetings, nothing sounded more refreshing than a couple laps around the trail by the intramural fields in the chilly evening air with my sweet friend.
Just a few days later, another friend and I had an unexpected free half hour between events. Already in the car after a group dinner had concluded, we went on a drive. It had been a while since we’d found time for good conversation together — as we drove, we checked in on one another, discussing our recent victories and challenges. I felt heard and supported.
It was an uplifting week, one much needed after two weeks that left me feeling drained and weary.
This semester, I’ve actually been taking a lot of walks and going on a lot of drives, sometimes in solitude but often with friends. Some of the easiest silences and most honest conversations have taken place through the comfort of steady footfalls against the walking trail around the intramural fields and over the quiet hum of a car engine. There have been some truly treasured moments.
I think there’s something helpful about having an activity accompanying conversation. It can ease the tension and aid the occasional awkwardness. Other than providing a nice atmosphere, however, I think walking or driving with another person can mean even more.
When we walk or drive, we’re in a steady state of motion; we travel forward. Whether we’re slowly strolling around a loop or driving down winding backroads, we don’t stay in the same place for long. Sometimes it gets old, and sometimes we get lost. Occasionally, we feel weary on the walks or lonely on the drives. Yet, we keep moving onward, or we at least try to.
It’s kind of like life.
We go on walks alone, just as many of us came to school not knowing a soul. We take solitary drives, just like some of us will soon pursue post-grad life in a new city. Many times, these instances of independence are chances to grow. If all of our walks and drives happen without community, though, things get lonely quick.
When we share connection through forward motion, we show that we’re willing to journey with one another, whether it’s for a few yards or many miles. While sitting down for coffee with a friend is always welcome, and often powerful, there’s a different kind of connection that can happen when both parties are gazing forward, moving along a path. It’s one of purpose; it’s one of a shared goal.
When we join up with others on our own personal journeys, we provide support through challenges. We infuse energy into weariness. We’re all headed toward something — when the opportunity arises to travel together, it only makes sense to embrace the chance.
So, before it gets too cold, ask someone if they want to go on a walk. Text that old friend from freshman year you haven’t checked on in a while, and invite them on a drive. We’re all taking journeys — might as well connect and journey together for a little bit. It may be just the boost you or someone else needs to make it a few more miles.