July 2, 2025, Kusadasi, Turkiye
Existential philosopher Karl Jaspers was right: “To philosophize is to be on the way.”
Philosophy isn’t about arriving at final answers. It’s about expanding our awareness and reflecting deeply on what it means to be human. As this timeless motto reminds us, philosophizing is a journey, not a destination.
It’s a lifelong path of questioning, seeking, and becoming.
Following my doctor’s advice, I set out this summer for a journey to the birthplace of Western philosophy—the Aegean coast. I arrived in Kuşadası early evening, settled into my accommodation, and opened my laptop. APPA’s online event was about to begin in just a few minutes.
This week's guest was Peter Harteloh from the Erasmus Institute for Philosophical Practice in the Netherlands.
As always, Lou Marinoff, the founding president of APPA, graciously introduced Peter Harteloh and enriched the conversation with his signature provocative questions, adding depth, nuance, and a touch of philosophical challenge to the discussion.
For nearly two enriching hours, Harteloh shared his method—developed over many years and practiced in several countries—called “The Nine Steps of a Philosophical Walk.” More than just a method, he presented it as a way of life. Listening to him was like listening not only to a philosopher, but to a traveler who lives philosophy through every step.
According to Harteloh, a philosophical walk is not just a stroll—it’s the embodied rhythm of thinking. Each participant carries a short philosophical quote during the walk, silently reflecting on it while immersed in an inner dialogue. At a chosen spot that resonates with their thoughts, they stop and share a concept inspired by the place and the quote. The group listens and asks only questions—no judgments, no commentary. Questions open the door to more profound thought, like in a Socratic dialogue.
One of the most compelling parts of the talk was the example from a walk he led in 2013 at Nanjing University in China. Participants each stopped at different places: one chose a crosswalk to express the idea of “sameness,” another paused at a fork in the road to speak about “possibility,” while yet another found “wisdom” where concrete met grass.
Each person’s walk became a reflection of their inner journey.
Harteloh’s method concludes with a collaborative process called “narrative abstraction.” The group combines all the concepts formed during the walk and builds a collective story. This story is not just a summary—it becomes a metaphor for the meaning created together. Sometimes the story resembles a life journey, other times a shared emotional landscape, or even a social insight.
Through Peter’s thoughtful responses and the active engagement of participants, we all saw how “The Nine Steps of a Philosophical Walk” is a deeply reflective and practical model for philosophical counseling.
Like every APPA gathering, this session was a true feast of wisdom. This method, which blends life practice, contemplation, and walking, offers a powerful source of inspiration for anyone interested in living philosophy.
In short, meaning unfolds as we walk.
Sometimes, philosophy truly begins with a single step.
It’s no coincidence that ancient philosophers taught their lessons while walking!
The Nine Steps of a Philosophical Walk
Walking with Peter Harteloh means moving not only your feet but your mind as well.
1. Preparation: A theme is chosen for the walk. Each participant is given a short quote from Eastern or Western philosophy. This quote becomes a reflective guide.
2. Instructions: Basic rules are explained: “Either we walk or we talk.” No talking while walking—silence creates space for thought.
3. Beginning the Walk: The group starts walking together. Each person reflects on their quote and inner experience.
4. Finding a Spot: When participants find a meaningful place, they call out “Stop!” and the group pauses.
5. Conceptualization: The participant reads their quote aloud and explains the concept they associate with that place (e.g., change, patience, identity).
6. Only Questions, No Answers: Group members ask questions only—no comments or answers. The purpose is to deepen reflection. The speaker then chooses the “best question.”
7. Walking with a Question: The participant continues the walk carrying that question in mind, allowing their thinking to evolve.
8. Group Discussion: At the end of the walk, the group gathers to share their concepts and experiences. Connections between ideas are explored.
9. Creating a Story: The group builds a shared story using the concepts formed during the walk. This story is the reflective and philosophical fruit of the experience.
Who Is This For?
- Curious travelers with a love for philosophy
- Hikers seeking deeper meaning in nature walks
- Anyone on a journey of self-reflection
- Those who prefer insight over sightseeing in tourist destinations
A philosophical walk isn’t a tourist tour—it’s a journey inward.
Sometimes, a simple question and one mindful step are all it takes to begin a meaningful path through life.
No comments:
Post a Comment