Is Using Like Strolling: A path to extra artistic pondering?


Vespa GTS 250 scooter parked on a farm lane.
A cease on a current late afternoon experience. Simply a while on the highway to suppose. Is driving like strolling?

Trip or Stroll?

I’ve lengthy acknowledged feeling higher after I go for a experience. The space, period, or vacation spot don’t appear to matter.

A current examine from Stanford College means that strolling led individuals to extra artistic pondering. I’ve examine writers with the ability to shake unfastened psychological blocks and clear up narrative issues whereas strolling. So I’ve begun to marvel if driving is like strolling.

The Stanford examine confirmed from 80 to one hundred pc of contributors produced extra artistic concepts whereas strolling in comparison with sitting. And sitting down afterward, that artistic vitality continued. I sit lots. Maybe if I take extra common walks my weblog writing blocks could start to dissolve.

After I experience my creativeness positively will increase. Lots of the concepts for weblog and video matters floor throughout rides. Not so many after I sit on the keyboard.

Maybe I simply attempting to rationalize extra causes to experience.

Vespa GTS 250 scooter parked along a forest road.
Much more so than my bikes, driving a scooter frees my thoughts.

Sunshine and Chilly Climate

Using by way of winter in Central Pennsylvania requires a couple of issues. As I’ve gotten older, practically 69 now, I’ve just about deserted risking being caught in a snowstorm, having to experience house from work in freshly falling snow and sleet, or braving temperatures under 0F.

I’ve gotten comfortable.

However I nonetheless don’t winterize my machines and proceed to experience by way of the winter. All I require now are temperatures of about 20F and fairly dry roads. And if there’s somewhat sunshine, I can virtually persuade myself it’s summer season. Or a minimum of spring. The driving gear helps.

I used to be driving alongside one of many paved roads into the mountains and stopped alongside a stream. I typically cease simply to hearken to the gurgling waters. I’ve listened to wonderful recordings of streams however they’re nothing like the actual factor.

A Vespa GTS 250 scooter in a forest.
The Vespa transports me as distant from the noise and bustle of dwelling as is feasible regularly.

As Far As I Can Go

The solar will heat the forest on a winter day, generally sufficient to acknowledge the perfume of decaying leaves, a touch of pine, and the aroma of a meandering creek. After I discover somewhat highway or path I’ll generally push the Vespa ahead till I can’t, or received’t, go any farther. Happy. Content material. And with a transparent head. I get that manner strolling. And it appears driving is like strolling.

It’s a bit unusual to me that I nonetheless select to experience the Vespa into areas higher suited to the Royal Enfield Himalayan. Previous habits die laborious I suppose.

A Vespa GTS 250 scooter is parked in front of the Pump Station Cafe.
The thoughts returns to much less aware experiences as I go to the Pump State Cafe in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania.

One other Previous Behavior

Behavior or ritual, I don’t care which. However all my rides have a tendency to incorporate or end with a cease to eat. It’s not that I’m hungry or don’t have meals at house however quite an opportunity to take a seat alone and watch the world go by. Watch individuals. Expertise life in the best way my leanings towards being a loner appear to permit.

The Pump Station Cafe in Boalsburg is an area favourite partly as a result of its outside seating is obtainable year-round. Through the pandemic, my drug-suppressed immune system appreciated with the ability to dine within the open air. One other chilly climate problem at instances with my restrict set to round 30F. I’ve seen skiers dine outdoor in chilly climate. Why can’t a Vespa rider?

Breakfast on the table at the Pump Station Cafe.
My fundamental Vespa driving breakfast — egg, bacon, cheese, and tomatoes on a bagel, Earl Gray tea, and a cinnamon roll.

Some Issues By no means Change

Any journey in my life is confined to driving. Meals has by no means been an journey. I might in all probability stay like a canine consuming the identical factor again and again. Such are my breakfast selections on the Pump Station — Bounce Begin sandwich, tea, and a cinnamon roll.

I’m nonetheless fascinated about whether or not driving is like strolling by way of jumpstarting my artistic energies and output. I learn one thing this morning that prompt steadiness between the fitting and left sides of our mind ought to be the purpose. Maybe if I honored the left facet extra with its give attention to element, concrete motion, and sensible ideas. It could make it simpler to scrub the scooter and motorbike. Mop up the mud from the mud room. And customarily act as an grownup in issues of house upkeep and chores.

Sounds boring.