Many of us wish we could travel more than we do but learning how we come to appreciate smaller acts of wandering and mindfulness may be more empowering than we realize.
A flâneur was primarily an observer of city life, someone who wandered through urban landscapes, observing but not actively participating in what they witnessed. This allowed them to experience and analyse city existence from a detached, external perspective.
Despite their role as spectators, early flâneurs maintained and cherished their individuality and identity, often displaying flamboyant self-presentation.
Many flâneurs were also artists and writers who used their observations to inform their creative work. This concept, particularly popular within Impressionist circles, underpinned the prolific streetscapes and depictions of popular entertainment in the art of Degas, Renoir, Caillebotte, and others. Additionally, it influenced twentieth-century art movements like Street Photography.
I love living close to a public park. The same stroll through the park is never the same thanks to seasonal changes and the wide range of activities enjoyed by park visitors.
I swim laps several days/week. This is my meditation time. I focus on the lap number in much the same way one might focus on breathing. Beyond that, I allow my mind to choose where it wants to wander.
This reminds me of my favorite French word, Flaneur.
Not just my favorite word, but also one of my favorite activities.
See Below
https://avantarte.com/glossary/flaneur
A flâneur was primarily an observer of city life, someone who wandered through urban landscapes, observing but not actively participating in what they witnessed. This allowed them to experience and analyse city existence from a detached, external perspective.
Despite their role as spectators, early flâneurs maintained and cherished their individuality and identity, often displaying flamboyant self-presentation.
Many flâneurs were also artists and writers who used their observations to inform their creative work. This concept, particularly popular within Impressionist circles, underpinned the prolific streetscapes and depictions of popular entertainment in the art of Degas, Renoir, Caillebotte, and others. Additionally, it influenced twentieth-century art movements like Street Photography.
Oh that is a wonderful term! Wasn’t aware of that but now might be my favorite French word too. Thanks for sharing that Ross!
I love living close to a public park. The same stroll through the park is never the same thanks to seasonal changes and the wide range of activities enjoyed by park visitors.
I swim laps several days/week. This is my meditation time. I focus on the lap number in much the same way one might focus on breathing. Beyond that, I allow my mind to choose where it wants to wander.