This curious little book caught my eye when searching for a book on spiritual practice in my local library. It was called “TheWander Society” by Keri Smith. Flipping through this 
book like a combination of discovering a little cache of buried treasure and opening a door into a world of mystery and intrigue.
The author stumbled upon the existence of The Wander Society quite by accident as she was perusing a used bookstore in her town. She picked up a worn copy of Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass from the shelves. In it were hand notated references “WW will show you the way,” “Solvitur Ambulando,” “The Wander Society,” along with other underlinings and strange symbols in the margins.
This is a book about Keri’s subsequent research into the “Wander Society” – which actually exists, taking inspiration from the life of Walt Whitman. Then there is information on how to be a wanderer and her handwritten written underneath the type in how her practice of wandering was changing her life. Anyone can be a member- however, but there are 
certain requirements…….
I’m not going to spoil the fun. Go out and read the book.
I must say, this little volume sort of upended how I’ve been thinking about my life. Of course, I’ve been in one of those places where I was on the verge of being upended, like the big earthquake we have been expecting in Oregon. This was a catalyst. I have always been a doer. That’s what our culture demands of us- achievement! productivity! Branding! But maybe there is another way to look at things that is…..
much
more
sane.
At the dawn of 2019, I am going to strive to be more of being than a doer, a wanderer more than a seeker.
Wish me luck
Hope you will join me
Happy New Year to all of you. Here is a poem from my favorite poet, Mary Oliver to close out the year…..
By Alanna Pass 