les quatre chevilles
workspace in the old town
"It’s great to see that his legacy continues to inspire, and I hope this exhibition of Sharon’s stunning photographs encourages more people to make their way along the John Muir Way, spend some time enjoying East Lothian, and learn more about one of our most famous sons.”
City Slickers in a Smart Countryside
You're never alone in New York. If you're up early enough, you can watch the sunrise from your roof deck. The only other time you can be alone in the city is when it's raining. If you can brave the cold and rain, the West Side Highway Greenway cycle path is empty during the late autumn and winter. You can enjoy alone time by the highway and de-stress slightly from the pressures of city living.
This is strange behaviour in New York! New Yorkers only use the parks in the summer. The orange bike helmet of the Scottish girl, using a Citi bike in her ski gear and peddling furiously against the wind towards Battery Park, the health club and Wall Street, is a curiosity.
How does this disconnect from nature affect us? In the city, we try to bring nature into our lives in small, tech-driven ways. YouTube videos of beautiful places or Sunday morning appointment TV. I religiously watched Aerial America every Sunday when I lived in a skyscraper.
The JMW is a complete break from city living and offers connections to nature and the past that can provide #momentsofzen. Each leg of the journey is long enough and remote enough to experience the joy that exercise brings, the sense of accomplishment that getting to your destination allows, and the benefits of being alone for just enough time to top up your psychological bank account.
On the way you encounter the past, and it instantly de-stresses you. It puts our hang-ups into perspective. Who knew there was a Roman wall just outside Bo’ness?In the countryside, you learn to adventure and share that journey.
I often post Instagram videos if I find a beautiful view, encounter swans, or wildflowers. It's nice to know that I can reach out and connect with people all over the world who need that #momentofzen too. Enjoying the moment helps your mind slow down and you can take your time. Suddenly the world is an inviting and beautiful place and you feel whole again.