In our day to day life, we typically go where we need to and back home. We go to the destination we have in mind – work, the grocery store, daycare, shopping – and do not do much exploring beyond that.
This leads me to the question of how well do you know the town you live in? Could you describe to someone how to get anywhere in your town or only to the places you go? The knowledge of where we live and travel is limited to where we go. Psychogeography, however, is a science that teaches you to explore beyond your destinations and learn more about an area. In simple terms, psychogeography is exploring without directions or a destination to discover more about an area. It explores the geographical effects of an area on one’s emotions as well. It allows one to dig deeper into a location to learn more about it than a simple destination.
To explore this science myself, I went on a psychogeography walk and explored the town of Chesaning. I have been to Chesaning numerous times, but I always have a destination. I definitely could not describe where everything in the town is. So, to learn more, I explored with no route in mind. I brought my lovely mom, Denice, with me and we explored together. We started our journey across from the park, and when we approached an area where we had to make a decision to turn, we played rock-paper-scissors. If she won, we went left. If I won, we went right. And if we both gave the same symbol, we went straight. We had some interesting experiences on our excursion, and I certainly explored areas I hadn’t before.
The journey started off well. Every time we came to an intersection we had the option of going left or right. Our rock-paper-scissor game even lead us across the beautiful bridge onto the other side of town. However, once we crossed the bridge, an issue arose. The only option to stay on the trail was to go right. However, my mom won the game of rock-paper-scissors, and we had to go left. We are adventurous people so we thought, why not? After all, it did look like a nature trail. We did a little off path exploring down the river and saw lots of animal tracks, nature, and amazing views. I experienced a peaceful yet exciting feeling I had not had in that town before as I was entering a new and exciting area.
Once we reached the end of the trail though, we ran into another issue. There was a dead end! Our only option was to turn around and go back, which we did until we reached our next intersection. This time, our options were to turn left into the suburbs, or right, into the park. After a game of rock paper scissors, I won and to the park we went. At this point, I was experiencing major feelings of nostalgia as this was the park I went to as a young child. I had not been back there in a long time, and I couldn’t help but remember all the amazing memories I had made there.
Beyond these emotions though, we yet again had another issue. There was no right option! It was we must turn left or turn around. Luckily, my mom won and we cut left, through the park, up to the main street.
Once we got to the main street, it was pretty smooth sailing and each of our games of rock paper scissors took us straight, and we ended up at the local elementary school. This part of the walk felt normal and similar to how I typically feel when going to Chesaning.
My experience with psychogeography allowed me to go beyond where I have explored before, and it brought feelings I have not had since I was a child. Going on an adventure with no destination can take you places where peace and nature are present, like the nature trail we happened to stumble upon. More than that though, it can take you back to those childlike days, like when I ended up in the park.
After this walk, my perspective of Chesaning has changed. I now see it as an area that is both a city and a rural area. Before, I mainly saw this town as, well, a town! I now know that it is much more than that. It has nature, trails, and animals. An area for both you and creatures to dwell in! More than that though, it is not a town full of hustle and bustle. It is a town for play and relaxation as well.
Overall, psychogeographic walking has helped me look beyond the business of Chesaning. It has helped me look deeper and see it is a place of relaxation as well. I think it is important for all of us to experience different areas of our towns. It helps us look beyond what we go there for and to see what the town is truly made of. Is the town always on the go? Or are there areas of peace and calmness as well? Is it all industrial and business like? Or is it a home for others too?
I encourage you to take a psychogeographical walk of a town you think you’re familiar with. Who knows, maybe you’re not as familiar with it as you think.
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