Between the Steps: Nature, Thought, and Existence

Abstract

In the essay entitled "Between the Steps: Nature, Thought, and Existence," we delve into the intricate bond between humanity and both the external landscape and internal psyche, employing the metaphor of walking. This exploration necessitates traversing ground where we realize that halting, to some extent, acts as a barrier, isolating us from inhibiting factors and prompting us to view standing not merely as immobility but also as contemplation of our surroundings. Among the notable works prompting such contemplation is Caspar David Friedrich’s renowned masterpiece "Wanderer above the Sea of Fog." Reflecting on Friedrich's piece, we observe the solitary figure's stance before nature and its parallelism with our inner world. Walking is conceptualized here as both a physical and mental voyage, with each step in nature beckoning us to reconnect with ourselves and our environment. Throughout this journey, emphasis is placed on the interaction between human existential inquiry and the dynamic interplay between nature and the inner self.