I closed the apartment building door behind me as the blackened soles of my running shoes met the unforgivingly hard tile sidewalk. A local nearly shouldered me back into the door as he speed walked by, head down, transfixed on his cell phone. I tuck my keys into my running belt and start to jog. I dodge a puddle of dog urine, slide like Flat Stanley past an elderly couple occupying most of the sidewalk, then slip between dumpsters to run on the street. I nearly get run over by oncoming traffic so I duck between parked mopeds, dart over a pile of dog crap, and return to the sidewalk.
Those insights on the city are super relatable Jack! I've heard similar things about how BA is a bit of a concrete jungle. So like you said, good for short term living. Exited to hear more about your exploration! Disfruta!
I know what you mean Jack. Mine is hiking. When I'm out in the woods, in the trees with the sun streaming through I can clear my mind like no other place. I feel like I can handle life because its fog lifts and no matter what is going on, I will survive.
I do not live in a place that has a lot of trees so I typically have to drive hours to get to them so my "forest bathing" is not even a weekly endeavor.
Thank you for reading Jane :) Ahh I love hiking as well. Your words are so relatable. Being among the trees feels so natural and calming. There is no better place to think clear thoughts and be yourself.
I'm travelling lots in this period of my life, often finding myself in a new city every few weeks, and without a real base that feels like home. The more I meditate on it, the more convinced I become the I will settle in nature over the long term if I am able to find a way to do so.
When you do make it to the woods, I'm sure you appreciate it that much more because it is not a weekly endeavor -- I certainly do.
Thanks Isabel :) Makes me super happy to hear you felt like it was a journey — that’s what I’m going for!
You’re in the Philippines if I’m remembering correctly? What’s life like there? Always love to hear perspectives from corners of the world I’m unfamiliar with.
Yes I’m currently in the Philippines. It’s a mix. In the metro (where I live) it’s very busy. Much like what you described in Buenos Aires.
In the outskirts of the city and especially in the provinces, life can be slow and quiet – I mean this in the best possible way.
One of my favorite places is La Union which is 4.5 hours from Metro Manila by drive. It’s starting to be a metropolitan but not quite. Beaches, farms, carabaos and goats running around, farm to table restaurants, and some friends are based there.
Simple living but most of the things I’m used to in the city are there if I need it. I actually thought about moving there but... life 🤠 I go there every quarter instead when I need a bit of a pause on the busy-ness of life 😌
It sounds lovely there. I'm starting to prefer a slower and quieter pace of life over being in a busy city. But I share the same sentiment that you don't have access to all of the wonderful amenities that the city provides. For me, it will require a gradual headspace shift and change of expectations (being okay with not having access to those things) to live full-time in nature. You would probably need to become more self-reliant over time and start doing things the old fashioned way (bake your own bread, grow produce in a garden, etc.) to cope with being away from the conveniences of the city.
Life indeed, while I would like to live permanently in nature, I find myself moving and travelling often without a real home base anywhere. But for long-term, I'm becoming more convinced that I will settle in nature. And once a quarter still sounds like a lovely escape to reset before returning to the city :)
Beautiful essay Jack. It’s been special to watch you grow and evolve as a writer. Probably become better at the craft than those silly high school English teachers.
Thanks pal, your words kind words have gravity. Those teachers never did like my writing — I’m sure they’d find it pretty funny that I’m trying to be a writer now. Was a fun line to write, glad you enjoyed.
Those insights on the city are super relatable Jack! I've heard similar things about how BA is a bit of a concrete jungle. So like you said, good for short term living. Exited to hear more about your exploration! Disfruta!
Yes exactly! A great city to visit but not somewhere I would live in the long term. Thanks for reading. Enjoy I will.
Once again, excellent essay Jack. You’re an incredible storyteller!
Thanks Indigo! That means a lot coming from you. A storyteller is what I’m trying to be... I think.
Wonderful juxtaposition, Jack. Same activity, completely different experience. As a former runner, I get it. As a non runner, I’d get it too!
Thanks for reading Dad, happy to hear you enjoyed!
This is one of those essays that people will come back to often - especially myself.
Special title and special storytelling.
I felt your soul in this one.
Thanks Anthony! Means a lot to me, happy to hear this felt like storytelling -- I think that is the direction I am shifting my writing towards.
Love it. Keep it going!
"Running is my meditation."
I know what you mean Jack. Mine is hiking. When I'm out in the woods, in the trees with the sun streaming through I can clear my mind like no other place. I feel like I can handle life because its fog lifts and no matter what is going on, I will survive.
I do not live in a place that has a lot of trees so I typically have to drive hours to get to them so my "forest bathing" is not even a weekly endeavor.
Thank you for reading Jane :) Ahh I love hiking as well. Your words are so relatable. Being among the trees feels so natural and calming. There is no better place to think clear thoughts and be yourself.
I'm travelling lots in this period of my life, often finding myself in a new city every few weeks, and without a real base that feels like home. The more I meditate on it, the more convinced I become the I will settle in nature over the long term if I am able to find a way to do so.
When you do make it to the woods, I'm sure you appreciate it that much more because it is not a weekly endeavor -- I certainly do.
Love how this essay’s written, Jack 🫡
You really brought me thru a journey there. One I never go thru having lived all my life in a tropical country. Thank you.
Thanks Isabel :) Makes me super happy to hear you felt like it was a journey — that’s what I’m going for!
You’re in the Philippines if I’m remembering correctly? What’s life like there? Always love to hear perspectives from corners of the world I’m unfamiliar with.
You successfully did so! 🎯
Yes I’m currently in the Philippines. It’s a mix. In the metro (where I live) it’s very busy. Much like what you described in Buenos Aires.
In the outskirts of the city and especially in the provinces, life can be slow and quiet – I mean this in the best possible way.
One of my favorite places is La Union which is 4.5 hours from Metro Manila by drive. It’s starting to be a metropolitan but not quite. Beaches, farms, carabaos and goats running around, farm to table restaurants, and some friends are based there.
Simple living but most of the things I’m used to in the city are there if I need it. I actually thought about moving there but... life 🤠 I go there every quarter instead when I need a bit of a pause on the busy-ness of life 😌
It sounds lovely there. I'm starting to prefer a slower and quieter pace of life over being in a busy city. But I share the same sentiment that you don't have access to all of the wonderful amenities that the city provides. For me, it will require a gradual headspace shift and change of expectations (being okay with not having access to those things) to live full-time in nature. You would probably need to become more self-reliant over time and start doing things the old fashioned way (bake your own bread, grow produce in a garden, etc.) to cope with being away from the conveniences of the city.
Life indeed, while I would like to live permanently in nature, I find myself moving and travelling often without a real home base anywhere. But for long-term, I'm becoming more convinced that I will settle in nature. And once a quarter still sounds like a lovely escape to reset before returning to the city :)
Beautiful essay Jack. It’s been special to watch you grow and evolve as a writer. Probably become better at the craft than those silly high school English teachers.
“like a monk meditating on the metro” is so good.
Celebrate this one :)
Thanks pal, your words kind words have gravity. Those teachers never did like my writing — I’m sure they’d find it pretty funny that I’m trying to be a writer now. Was a fun line to write, glad you enjoyed.