During parts of the 1930s and 40s, Charles Swain Thomas wrote a column called The Saunterer for the Harvard Educational Review. In the Volume 12, 1942 issue, he tells readers his definition of Sauntering:
Sauntering, as I have more than once asserted, need not imply the leisurely paced movements of the physical body. Perhaps even more frequently it may connote the leisurely pace of the ceaselessly roving mind. It suits particularly the mood of easy reminiscence, the silent pause upon something in the past that has won our momentary attention and has within itself enough inherent substance and vitality to allow an occasional, or even a perennial, revival.
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In the world of today, which tries to cram unnecessary events and obligations into living, Sauntering is on our endangered activities list. For the sake of preserving our sanity, we regularly resist the world, practicing “the leisurely pace of the ceaselessly roving mind.”
I like the term "unnecessary event" that the Saunterer used on this post as much as I dislike unnecessary events. I have attended too many unnecessary events over the past years. Afterwards I wish I had opted out and taken one of my dogs for a walk instead.
I also like the Saunterer's statement, posted on the main page of this blog, which says "The friend you've been waiting for has also been waiting for you. Meet each other at the local animal shelter." One fine way to saunter is to adopt a new friend from the local animal shelter and go for a walk together. It's better than attending unnecessary events. The dog will love you and its new home. The two of you can saunter together.
Posted by: Michael Jablonski | August 10, 2006 at 08:13 PM