June 1, 2010
Even if you do this by yourself, a walk around the block improves your community (unless, of course, you live out in the country and your nearest neighbor is more than a mile away).
I love it every time a neighbor walks by. That’s community. In our neighborhood nearly everyone sells hello and many stop and chat – even if they don’t know you. Walking, talking neighbors are something of the glue of a neighborhood. Someone walking by is near my space, coming closer to me, more available to me, even nearly an unconscious invitation for me to be out there too.
Alternatively, it’s very hard to make friends if you spend all your time in the house or in the back yard behind an 8 foot wooden fence.
Unfortunately, some people live in neighborhoods where taking a walk is not the safest idea. I certainly would love to hear ideas about how people living in those neighborhoods can more fully bond.
If you are safe to walk and are able, come on… take five minutes. Walk around the block. Be a living invitation to more community.