In praise of the Schuylkill River Trail
The riversides of Philadelphia provide an escape from the urban environment of center city. The trail is the perfect place for walking, running and cycling. In the summertime, you’ll see people fishing, lying out with blankets, and enjoying a picnic all along the river. There’s energetic boat races that take place throughout the year and crowds gather alongside our beautiful and historic boathouse row. The elevated view behind the art museum offers a great space to think as you look out towards the waterfall and vast landscape.
Cycling is a fun hobby
I love walking and my first passion is photography, but cycling holds a place in my heart. It seems that Philadelphia is the perfect place for biking. The trail extends for over 100 miles and allows for endless exploration. I don’t treat biking as a means to exercise, but appreciate the adventures that it can lead me on. The Wissahickon Creek is just 5 miles north of Center city and provides a getaway amongst the forest. One of my favorite rides is to take the trail all the way from Philadelphia to Valley Forge national historic park. My only issue with cycling is that you spend time on your butt. I love my new electric bike because I can stand while throttling the motor and not have to do any work at all.
To walk is to be human
I believe humans are designed to walk because we are bipedal. Any amount of time I spend sitting down or stuck indoors, it feels completely unproductive. My lust for life and curiosity keeps me moving. The number one luxury in life is spending the maximum amount of time outdoors and under the sun. It seems that sitting down is bad for your health. When I sit, I can feel my body start to give in, and I slowly shut down. Perhaps it’s wise to be in a constant state of movement, and to always stand up tall.
The sun is a supercharger
Maybe humans are just as close to plants as we are to animals. Plants need sunlight, water and oxygen to grow. The more time I spend in direct sunlight, the more energy and strength I have. At the end of the day I always chase the light. As a photographer , it only makes sense to stay on the sunny side of the street.
My critique of modernity
The way we live in modern cities does not feel as though it is designed for human thriving. Most people lock themselves away at the office without any sunlight throughout their entire day. When you’re sedentary and sitting in front of a computer screen all day, life will simply will pass you by. We’ve become addicted to sugary foods, snacks and the endless entertainment that is at our fingertips. Sacrificing your physiology this way does not seem worth it at all. You couldn’t pay me $1 million to sit in an office all day.
March all day
When I’m walking through the city or along the trail, I like to consider myself like a Spartan marching into battle. Perhaps I should make the march all the way from Valley Forge to Center City like the soldiers did during the revolutionary war. if you have the option to, I suggest to be in a constant state of movement.
Photography will fuel your lust for life
Photography is a superpower. It allows you to remain present in the moment, without any worries about the past or the future. Photography becomes a meditative practice that allows you to embrace the spirit of play and to have fun every day. Ultimately shouldn’t this be the goal in life? To enjoy life and have fun doesn’t seem so popular these days. Steer clear of any negative people that indulge in alcohol, drugs, or any self destructing behaviors. These earthly pleasures will bring you no happiness. Simply embrace every day with curiosity and courage at the forefront and follow your intuition into the unknown.