On June 19th, we celebrate International Sauntering Day, an obscure holiday that encourages people to slow down, enjoy the moment, and appreciate the world around them. The term "saunter" means to walk in a slow, relaxed manner, often aimlessly and without a specific destination in mind.
The holiday was created by W.T. Rabe in the 1970s at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan. Rabe was inspired by the writings of Henry David Thoreau, who praised the art of sauntering in his essay "Walking." Thoreau wrote, "I have met with but one or two persons in the course of my life who understood the art of Walking, that is, of taking walks—who had a genius, so to speak, for sauntering."
To celebrate International Sauntering Day, people are encouraged to take a leisurely walk, preferably in nature. The idea is to disconnect from the fast-paced world of technology and modern life, and instead focus on the simple pleasures of putting one foot in front of the other. Sauntering allows you to notice the little details that you might otherwise miss in your daily life, such as the sound of birds singing, the smell of flowers blooming, or the feel of a gentle breeze on your skin.
Some enthusiasts even suggest that sauntering can be a form of meditation, helping to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and boost creativity. So, on this International Sauntering Day, take a break from your busy schedule, step outside, and enjoy a peaceful, aimless walk. Remember, it's not about the destination, but rather the journey itself.
2025-06-19T09:51:23.434Z