aimless wandering always gets such a bad rap

As I was rambling around last week, my eyes were drawn to this book in the window of a second-hand bookstore.  It was the colors that caught my eye first, but the title is what made it photo worthy.       

I didn' t go inside and pick it up so I'm not sure what point David Campbell, Ph.D. was trying to make.  From the title alone, it sounds like he wants you to be sure and have a plan so you can accomplish what you want.   

I don't want to disagree with him, but I hate that aimless wandering always gets such a bad rap.  My proclivity for rambling was not a natural instinct for me.  I learned from the master wanderer.   There is something special about an unexpected find on a random stroll that elevates the experience.    You gotta try it. 

P.S.  I must tell you about one exception to the above advice.   While hiking in the woods I am a proponent of staying on the trail - with a map.  I've been lost on a hike once.  I learned my lesson.  

Comments

[Joan Clarke]

I like to wander around aimlessly, no destination in mind. That's provided this might be a city with sidewalks and people to ask for directions from wherever one might be...but in the wilderness whether it's woods or the desert...I'll stick to the tried and true...maps and roads are best. Getting off the trail in the desert can get you dead...

[Leslie J. Moran]

Sounds like fall is really settling in your bones! When we were very little an older sister used to lead us into the woods behind the old church to find "the big rock". It seemed to take hours, require packing of provisions, much anticipation and a tinge of fear. When we were older and discussing these outings, it was pointed out that the "the big rock" was partially visible from the main road. Not far, but still every bit as inspiring. There be pirates! Keep aimlessly pondering, it does the soul much good.

[Violet Cadburry]

Obviously not a best seller. I have been aimlessly wandering my whole life, such fun. Leave it to a Ph.D. to poo poo aimlessness. A lot of great things happen because of aimlessness -- like serendipity and popcorn balls (Judy was aimlessly wandering around the kitchen eating popcorn and aimlessly picked up a bottle of corn syrup -- that is when genius struck!) Go forth, and be aimless.

[Caroline Berk]

I thought I knew your master wanderer! I have accompanied her (vicariously) on some of her rambles, both physical and mental. The wanderings of the mind are often excursions into creativity and wanderings of the physical kind lead to many adventures - some of which one would rather not repeat.

[Chelsy]

Yes yes yes!!! Love wandering, with eyes wide open!

[sister]

you've been lost twice on hikes. you didn't forget the time you wandered off the trail on your way to the summit while i took a nap down below did you? OR the time in arkansas when we both got lost and you got mad at me even though it wasn't my fault. remember? we followed the powerlines up the hill to the parking lot. that's twice.

[Carol]

Oh yes. That's the time Angie called the Park Service AND the sheriff when we were late getting back. I also think that's the time we went spelunking with one of Angie's flashlights and the battery was low. We thought we were not going to make it out of the cave before the battery died and the bats were moving in!
I remember now why I forgot it. I deliberately blocked it out.