Prom Season and Circumambulation
Walking as courtship, relationship building, and connection
The word prom is short for promenade. A promenade is defined as the “formal introductory parading of guests at a party.” The American tradition began at colleges with formal presentation events for those graduating. It spread to high schools and still generally centers on those graduating, the seniors and sometimes the junior class as well. Other definitions of promenade include: (noun) a paved public walk, particularly along the water or in a resort setting and (verb) to stroll leisurely in public with the goal of meeting others or being seen.
I write about prom and the connection to promenade as a way to introduce the second section of my book which is about circumambulation, walking as a form of courtship.
Circumambulation means walking around something to see it from all sides. It’s a long word and you can hear within it some of its roots. It begins with a reminder of circumference, the outside of a circle. I hear the word “amble” in the middle. This is a word that means not only to walk, but to walk slowly, at a relaxed pace; this is a walking that is more about pleasure than purpose.
I was first introduced to the practice of circumambulation by Toko-Pa Turner. In a podcast about understanding dream imagery, she encouraged listeners to circumambulate with dream imagery in order to form a relationship with the scenes and symbols present in their dreams.
Part of developing a relationship with our creativity is walking around together. This is similar to how we develop and deepen relationships with friends and family too. I think of the deep soul-enriching conversations I have with friends on long walks.
Prom as an event focuses on dressing up and being seen, it is a right of passage toward adulthood. The promenade as place for walking, similarly focuses on beautiful vistas and the chance to walk in a public place.
However, walking as courtship with creativity may begin in quieter, more private spaces and places. Perhaps you and your creativity find walks in the late evening or early morning are most nourishing for your relationship. Maybe bringing your dog along or visiting the same tree or spot by a river offers you a regular place to meet and reflect.
Walking that includes slowing down, noticing, and orienting to the world around us, supports the growth of relationships with ourselves, others, and our creativity.
Chronicling my Courtship with Creativity
Walking is central to my creative practice. I often repeat the same route that takes me through my neighborhood and along a stretch of road beside Little Hunting Creek.
Visiting my neighborhood labyrinth is also a way I meditate and reflect more intentionally through walking.
A few months ago, I had lunch with a friend and introduced her to this idea of circumambulation. Her response surprised me; she noticed how perfect the practice felt to describe my experience. She described how she had witnessed me circling with and around creativity in different aspects of my work for the previous ten years. It could have felt like she was saying, “you have been walking in circles with this for years, get on with it, go somewhere!” It didn’t feel that way at all.
Instead, it felt like an honoring of my time getting to know the neighborhood and landscape of my own creativity, an encouragement for my desire to share through writing, and an affirmation of my path.
Inspiration and Connections
Last week I started using the chat features available on substack. I am a person who learns by doing so I am learning as I go. Thanks to everyone who responded with your own additions on the theme of the May room.
Here were some of the responses written:
May I live from the depth of my truest self.
May you feel held in love.
May we live together in peace and kindness for one another and the earth.
May I stay compassionate.
May you find what you need.
May we see the good.
May I connect to others!
May I be governed by peace.
May you be enriched as your creativity is enriching us.
As we begin to explore walking with our creativity, what messages might you hope to see to shape your journey? What permission or possibility would you like to have offered? Feel free to add here.
Thank you for reading and being a part of creative community through this newsletter.
With a grateful heart,
Kathryn