Every walker is a guard on patrol to protect the ineffable

Every walker is a guard on patrol to protect the ineffable

Rebecca Solnit, a renowned writer and activist, often explores the themes of walking, solitude, and the interconnectedness of humans and nature in her works. In her book "Wanderlust: A History of Walking," Solnit delves into the significance of walking as a form of resistance, contemplation, and connection to the world around us. One of the key ideas she presents is that every walker is a guard on patrol to protect the ineffable.

The concept of the ineffable refers to that which is beyond words or description, something sacred and transcendent that cannot be fully articulated or understood. Solnit suggests that when we walk, we are not just moving from one place to another, but we are also guarding and protecting this ineffable essence that permeates the world.

Walking, for Solnit, is a way to engage with the world in a deeper, more meaningful way. It allows us to slow down, to pay attention to our surroundings, and to connect with the natural world around us. In doing so, we become more attuned to the beauty and wonder of the world, and we are better able to protect and preserve it.

As guards on patrol, walkers are not just passive observers of the world, but active participants in its preservation. By walking mindfully and with intention, we can help to protect the environment, to honor the sacredness of the natural world, and to cultivate a sense of reverence and awe for the ineffable.

Solnit's idea that every walker is a guard on patrol to protect the ineffable is a powerful reminder of the importance of our connection to the world around us. It challenges us to see walking not just as a means of transportation, but as a form of activism, a way to protect and preserve the beauty and wonder of the world for future generations. In a time when the natural world is under threat from climate change, pollution, and deforestation, this message is more important than ever. By walking with purpose and intention, we can all become guardians of the ineffable, protecting and preserving the beauty and wonder of the world for generations to come.