Four-Wheels No More
A Taoist Spin on Living a Car-Free Lifestyle
It was a chilly morning in January of 2012 when I finally decided to relinquish my four-wheeled companion. As I handed over the keys to my now ex-wife (we were a one-car family), a surprising sense of liberation enveloped me.
Reflecting on this moment, I am reminded of wisdom of the Taoist sage Lau Tzu:
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
That day, I pivoted onto a new path that would drastically reshape my life, one that aligns more closely with my Taoist pursuit of harmony with nature.
As a disciple of modern simplicity, shedding the metallic weight felt like an act of returning to the roots of my existence, where one's pace aligns with the rhythm of the earth rather than the ticking of a dashboard clock.
The Taoist philosopher Mencius once mused:
"The way is like a wide road. It is not difficult to keep to it."
Indeed, the way of walking felt more like a grand avenue, broad and inviting, freed from the constraints of steering wheels and dashboard lights.
The benefits of a car-free lifestyle were immediate and multifaceted. Financially, the relief was palpable. No more monthly tributes to auto finance companies, no unexpected mechanic bills, and the absolute joy of bypassing parking meters and dodging speeding tickets. Economically, my wallet grew thicker as my car dependency thinned.
Health benefits were another significant gain. Every step I took was a step toward better health. My daily commutes transformed into therapeutic walks, where each stride brought me closer to physical vitality and mental clarity.
In many ways this walking life was a practical application of Confucius's teaching:
"It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop."
My strides were slow, but my health benefits raced ahead, with improved cardiovascular fitness and a clearer mind.
In traversing the streets and pathways in cities like San Diego, Denver, Henderson, and now Fort Collins where I’ve resided, I have discovered hidden gems accessible only to those moving at a pedestrian pace. Quaint alleyways, hidden art, and spontaneous conversations with street vendors—these were my new waypoints.
Each walk is an adventure, an exploration not only of space but of self. It’s here where the Tao teaches us to observe and flow with the natural course of life, and walking has allowed me to engage with life’s details at nature's intended speed.
Alternative transportation modes became part of my journey. Cycling offered the thrill of the wind against my face, reminiscent of the Taoist principle of embracing the flow of life, versus falling prey to its resistance. Public transportation and shared rides using Uber and Lyft offered moments of unexpected social interactions and the relinquishing of control, a key tenet of Taoist thought.
From an Epicurean standpoint, the pleasure derived from my immersive experiences in nature while walking or cycling were immeasurable. Epicurus taught us about the pursuit of pleasure as the essence of a happy life. For me I have found profound joy in the sensory experiences afforded by my car-free existence—the rustling leaves, the changing skies, the myriad scents of the urban landscape.
In conclusion, let me offer five perspectives extolling the benefits of a car-free lifestyle:
🚶🏾Individual Health and Well-Being: Walking and cycling not only improve physical health but also enhance mental well-being through increased engagement with one's environment.
🚶🏾Economic Savings: The elimination of car payments, maintenance costs, fuel, and insurance translates to significant financial savings and less economic anxiety.
🚶🏾Environmental Impact: Less driving means reduced carbon emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier planet.
🚶🏾Social and Cultural Engagement: Being car-free encourages more interactions with your community and environment, leading to a richer, more connected life.
🚶🏾Reduced Traffic Congestion: Each person who opts out of driving contributes to less congested roads, making urban areas more livable and efficient.
In embracing a car-free lifestyle, I have discovered not only a wealth of economic and health benefits but a deeper harmony with the Tao—the natural way of the world—which guides me gently through life's exquisite flow, one step at a time.
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Thank you for this! Towards the end of your post, I found myself in an an exquisitely relaxed flow, imagining the freedom of giving up that huge hunk of metal. I live in the country in northern New Mexico, and I rarely venture into the city, so driving is becoming less frequent. Again, love your Taoist approach to life.
We are down to one car as an empty-nester family, and I spent two years taking the bus to work, until the city decided to re-route the bus I took to work. Don't know how I'm going to handle that in the fall.