Walking: Dan Vollaro

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Deep in the Woods, a podcast that journeys through the natural world, exploring profound words and uncovering their connections to our lives. Each episode delves into a specific theme or word, reflecting on its significance through thoughtful conversations and immersive hikes. In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome back Dan Vollaro, an English professor and writer, including his essay collection "Reservoir: Tales from the Other Jersey." Together, we explore the sacred act of walking, reflecting on how this daily routine enhances creativity and helps us reconnect with ourselves. Our conversation takes place in the serene Green Meadow Preserve in West Cobb County, Georgia, surrounded by gardens, hiking trails, and meadows filled with wildflowers. Dan shares his insights on the historical and cultural significance of walking, drawing from his knowledge of various writers who used this daily practice to fuel their creativity. We discuss how walking in nature serves as a form of meditation, helping us re-center and reconnect with ourselves. Our exploration is guided by the words of Casper Ter Kuile who reminds us to set an intention, use all our senses, and return home with a new perspective. As we hike through Green Meadow Preserve, Dan and I discover the rich biodiversity of the area, including gardens filled with plants used by the Cherokee Native Americans for food and medicine. We marvel at the wildflowers in the large meadow and come across collections of bee boxes, highlighting the area's commitment to conservation and natural beauty. We also delve into the writings of Henry David Thoreau, discussing his essay on walking and the concept of wildness as a preservation of the world. Dan shares his personal experiences of finding a sense of the sacred in nature, a theme that resonates deeply throughout our conversation. We touch on the balance between seeking solitude in the wild and the practicalities of modern life, emphasizing that meaningful experiences can be found close to home. Join us as we uncover the profound connections between walking, creativity, and spirituality. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or someone looking to find peace in nature, this episode offers insights and inspiration for everyone. Tune in to Deep in the Woods on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Visit our website at www.wordsandwoods.com and follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/andrew_words_and_woods/) for more updates, pictures, and videos related to each episode. Don't forget to leave a review and join the conversation! Special thanks to Dan Vollaro for joining us, Ryan Cherry for the music, Applyn McEntyre for the podcast cover art, and Ryan Tomlinson for the website. Thank you for listening, and we look forward to having you with us on the next episode of Deep in the Woods! Quote from podcast: “I think I cannot preserve my health and spirits unless I spend four hours a day at least–and it is commonly more than that– sauntering through the woods and fields absolutely free from all worldly engagements.” -Henry David Thoreau from "Walking" essay