Get Lost

I'm a firm believer in that the best way to learn a city better is to get lost in it.

Metaphorically and literally.

Metaphorically in the sense to allow yourself to get wrapped up in it's culture, it's people, it's food and it's energy.

And literally in the sense that you should explore and let yourself get lost and try and find your way back.

When I lived in Manhattan this past summer, I would go for a run after work and take a different route each time. 

I always had a rough idea of where I was, but I had to navigate through new streets and routes to find my way back home.

I loved doing this because I got a great physical and mental workout because I had to keep my mind focused on where I should turn next.

Well since the French seem awfully apathetic about working out outside, I decided I would get lost the good old fashion way.

Walking.

So I set out yesterday afternoon towards all the clothing stores near where I live and poked my head in a couple of them, moseyed around patisseries and boulangere, and even picked up a gift for someone special back home.

Then after I got that gift, I was thinking about all the other people I wanted to get something for and what I wanted to get them.

I was so wrapped up in my thoughts that when I finally allowed myself to re-enter reality, I realized I had no idea where I was.

There are a few things I have learned about getting lost in a city, that I applied in this situation.

1.) Don't panic.

Panicking does nothing but increase your heart rate and adrenaline. And you don't need that when you're trying to reorient yourself. A deep, cleansing, pranayamic breath should do the trick. 

2.) Look up.

It's easy to let yourself look down at your feet or at street signs 50 ft in front of you trying to figure out where you are, and in doing so you miss all the lovely little details in the streets that are so different from the ones at home.

3.) Enjoy the mundane.

Sure, it's just a door, or just a window. But the details in these mundane details of everyday life are so beautiful and should be appreciated. Be curious, and slow down and look closer at these every-day objects, and appreciate them for their differences.

4.) Call someone.

It is important that you let someone know you are lost, just in case. I called my friend Zoe just to tell her I got a little turned around and if I couldn't find my way back soon I'd call her again.

Then, without fail, usually at that point you turn the corner and know exactly where you are.

And that's precisely what happened to me.

And within 5 minutes I was home enjoying a chocolate croissant that I picked up on my way home.

It's kind of like the prayer to St. Anthony my sister Katie taught my mom and I recently.

"St. Anthony, St. Anthony, please come around. Something's been lost, and can't be found."

After saying that, almost always, I find exactly what I was looking for.

It's good to know the same applies when you yourself are the something that's been lost.