What You Observe (Good and Bad!) Walking Through Life...or Your Neighborhood

As I was out walking earlier today, I realized that I was overdue for another blog on the website, and it's been about four years since I last wrote about walking. In 2025, I featured a weekly walking challenge on the public affairs edition of my radio show, but since it's been a while now, I figured it was time to promote the wonderful world of walking again.

I was thinking about all the things that one notices when they're walking, that you likely do not notice, or barely notice as either a driver, a passenger in a car, and maybe not so much as a bicyclist either.

Wildlife: Walking definitely makes one more aware of their environment, and everything in that environment. One of the positive things is observing all the wildlife around you. When walking in Davis, I'm always amazed at how many squirrels I encounter on my walks. It's always fun stopping for a minute, to either have a chattering session with them, or to take a few photos, or even just watch their antics. They are amazingly industrious, and whenever I think I'm working hard, the squirrels always make me feel like there's still so much more I could be doing! Other wildlife sightings include birds, and of course, the Davis turkeys. People often have strong opinions about the turkeys, either for or against, and I generally enjoy seeing them, and hearing their gobbles. I guess you could say that this turkey appreciates the other turkeys...safety in numbers after all!

Urban Challenges: On a less positive note, walking makes one aware of challenges in their community too. Those challenges could be infrastructure or lack thereof, such as broken or dangerous sidewalks, lack of walking paths, and the presence of litter, graffiti, and other types of urban decay. These are not necessarily things that one wants to encounter while walking, but awareness can also lead to future solutions. Contacting the city or county regarding infrastructure challenges, picking up litter while walking (or joining groups like Davis Picks It Up), and organizing community involved beautification efforts can be wonderful responses to the aforementioned challenges. And, it's a positive cycle. If each of us does their part to beautify a community, more people will want to walk and enjoy it, which means even more folks will be involved in making it a more inviting place for everyone.

Long Live Little Libraries: There are a lot of little libraries in a lot of neighborhoods in Davis! Normally when I'm out walking, my backpack is already over occupied, but for those folks looking for some new reading material, these little libraries can be a true gem. Plus, these little libraries often have children's books too, and that can be a great way to motivate your kids to get out for a walk with you. Some kids think walking is "boring," but perhaps walking to one of the little libraries to select and indulge in a new book can be a great way to inspire a love of reading, and walking!

Driving Quality Varies...Walk Accordingly: Some drivers are very courteous, and some not so much! As a pedestrian, it's always important to walk defensively, and assume that drivers may not see you, or may not do the right thing. Even if legally you're in the right, you don't want to end up in a situation where you're right, but injured...or worse...as a result of a collision with a vehicle. I always make sure to acknowledge a driver, making eye contact, before crossing in front of a vehicle. Unfortunately, pedestrian injuries and fatalities are still quite high, especially in the Sacramento region, so I always make sure that I am taking care of myself, especially when it comes to interactions with vehicle drivers. And, that being said, as much as possible I prefer walking on side streets, and in quiet neighborhoods, where the likelihood of interacting with cars is much lower. Plus, the quiet streets provide a much greater opportunity to see the wildlife as discussed earlier. Win win!

Post-Walk Positivity: I know that I always feel better after a walk, and almost everyone I talk to, at least anecdotally, says the same thing. There may be times where the weather is less than desirable, you're not feeling 100%, or you're dealing with a very busy schedule. But, even getting out for a short 10 or 15 minute walk can often clear your head, providing a much needed stress release. Plus, it can help you come up with more creative solutions to any problems you may be dealing with.

All Senses Engaged: If you're new to walking, you will definitely notice things like the air temperature, the smell of the trees, the color of the sky, any clouds in the sky, the breeze, the direction of the breeze, and perhaps even the sound of the rustling of the breeze in the trees. This is often a motivating factor for continued walking. Even if you walk the same route each day, the conditions will never be exactly the same again, which makes every walk a fun and meaningful adventure!

Barefoot Era: And, for those of you who are in your "barefoot era," (a phrase I saw recently on social media!), you get even more of a bonus, since every step is literally different! I go barefoot year-round, but I don't have a favorite season, as each season provides its own interesting temperature sensations and tactility underfoot. Summertime gets super hot, but that's when I really enjoy walking in the shade, under the trees. Autumn provides wonderful leaf-laden paths, that provide a gentle and soft barefoot trek. Winter is often characterized by muddy paths, that often contain soft and delicious moss, while springtime provides warming temperatures, and ground temperatures that are perfect for barefoot exploration everywhere and anywhere! Check out my other blogs (including this one) if you're interested in learning how to begin a barefoot lifestyle, or walking sans shoes.

Friendliness Abounds: The other thing you'll notice when you're out walking, is more smiles, and friendly greetings. When we're driving, we're pretty much anonymous to one another, but when you're walking, there is a greater likelihood, of a friendly hello, a smile, or maybe even just a friendly head nod or hand wave. Some people may be quieter, and not necessarily vocalize, but even just a smile or head nod can make one feel more connected to others, and to their larger neighborhood and community.

As I've discussed in previous blogs, there are lots of benefits to walking, but there are also lots of cool things that you will observe, and I hope that this blog inspires you to step outside for a walk, or simply to keep walking! Keep on smiling :-)