Redesigning the home page of “Meandering Passage” (once again) and nearing its nineteenth anniversary put me into a reflective mood about its name and what it’s come to mean to me.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve seen life’s journey more as a winding road with unexpected turns and detours than a straight line from A to B. Since its conception in late January 2006, this blog has been named Meandering Passage. I can’t remember my exact thoughts when I came up with the name, but I feel my view of life’s journey drove the choice. The vision of a “meandering passage” evokes the idea of not rushing but taking time, exploring and embracing uncertainties. My own life has been anything but a straight line.
Is Meandering seen as a negative term?
So many seem so driven these days. Current influences, technology and expectations concerning our education, careers and relationships are stressful. A straight-line method lessens opportunities that life’s unpredictable moments offer.
I’m sure many are familiar with J.R.R. Tolkien’s timeless quote, “Not all those who wander are lost.” If not, pay attention to slogans on T-shirts for a while. 
The terms meandering or wandering can often be associated with pleasurable activities that reveal joys and lessons when we’re off the beaten path. For example, perhaps you’ve gotten lost on a planned route and discovered a beautiful spot for a photo or your new favorite restaurant. I have.
I’d like to believe life is about experiences rather than just destinations.
So, what does the phrase “Meandering Passage” mean to me today?
- What may have been originally thought of as simply a cute title has come to mean much more to me. It’s now about adaptability, accepting uncertainty, and even thriving with uncertainty. There’s a certain freedom that being unshackled from rigidity provides.
- Taking the time to appreciate the present and fully experiencing those beautiful and rewarding moments of life; mindfulness in the moment.
- It’s also about patience and understanding that sometimes rewarding outcomes require time and persistence. It ties back into enjoying the journey and experiences rather than focusing on a goal or destination.
Conclusion
The concept of a “meandering passage” is a powerful metaphor for living life entirely– it’s about the adventure of getting there. This blog and its posts will eventually dissolve into nothingness when I’m gone, perhaps even before. That’s okay; it is about the experience, not any goal or destination. I am but a meandering passage.
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Here’s hoping you keep meandering.
Thanks, Ken. I have come close to quitting this thing several times, but keep returning. Stay warm up there!
So, I want to share what the Meandering Passage blog has meant to me. It is a blog I look forward to reading and I can be disappointed during times of silence. You have become a teacher for me, helping me see with a new perspective from your life experiences. You have brought many of us along on your journey. Thanks for bringing us along on your adventure. And, since there is no destination it will be an ongoing journey. Keep meandering!
Those periods of silence on “Meandering Passage” were often during times when I struggled. Growing older frequently lays bare the truths of our lives and exposes past moments when we fail to live up to our expectations. It takes time to come to terms with that. I am somewhat stunned to be considered a teacher as I feel more like a stumbling freshman, but I’m pleased if anything I’ve said has benefited you. While I don’t always comment, I visit and read your blog journal daily and consider it a point of light and often an inspiration to my day. Thanks!
It takes quite a bit of dedication to keep up a blog. Thank you and congratulations for making the effort!
‘Meandering’ can perhaps have a negative connotation such as ‘wandering aimlessly’ for those unfamiliar with the term. For many of us I think we look at meandering as ‘following our noses’ or ‘stopping to smell (or photograph) the roses.
Hoping the best for you and Bonnie this year and beyond. Kathy & I would love to see you and hope that our relative proximity will give us the chance to do so soon.
Wishing you a successful and productive year. May it be filled with good health, opportunities and success.
There’s a French term I like that relates: Flâneur. One who wanders aimlessly. It’s a state I’m in when photographing in a new city. Just taking whatever comes. I would never consider Meander in a negatives sense; rivers meander and who doesn’t love that?
When wandering in photography, it feels as if control has been given over to the universe; when it leads to wonderful discoveries, they feel like special gifts. Not me, I love meandering rivers. ;-) Thanks, Joe.
Congratulations on keeping up with it – it’s not easy – especially these days with so many other platforms other than blogs that people spend time on. And i believe any negative associations with the word come perhaps within American culture, but I’ve never felt that way about it. If anything, it is more associated with wisdom in recognizing the benefits of slowing down and observing. Even when diving, the guides would always remind people … “the slower you go, the more you’ll see.”
(Thanks for doing the email subscriptions! It appears I have been lax in remembering to visit via bookmarks – email gives me a reminder.)
After keeping this blog going for so long, I can’t bring myself to let it go. I’ve always seen the term meandering, much like you. And through the years, I’ve, indeed, confirmed a less-than-straight-line theme for the blog. I’ve pretty much done all the things they say you shouldn’t do for blog success. Haha!
I thought you were already subscribed to email notifications. However, I recently switched to Jetpack notifications, so that may have changed. Thanks, and take care, Mark!