With the Pineapple Express bringing balmy weather, I decided it was a perfect opportunity to walk halfway to work (and then hop on MAX for the rest).

My walk this morning got me thinking about how walking to work is somewhat analagous to the Slow Food movement. Here's my 7:30 a.m. theory unfurled:

• Slow Food is about taking time to enjoy the experience of eating. Likewise, walking to work allows you the time to reflect;
• Slow Food celebrates local traditions. When we commute by foot, we take time to enjoy the majestic oak tree, the masonry of the neighborhood school, the historic sidewalk stamp;
• Slow Food strives to connect people and cultures. On my walk to work this morning, I ran into two friends dropping their kids to child care. On foot, I'm much more likely to say to hello to a passerby or engage in a spontaneous conversation;
• Slow Food is about eating delicous, healthy food. Walking is great exercise, even moreso since it's so enjoyable that you're more likely to continuing doing it. On my walk and MAX to work, I made it halfway to the 10,000 steps that the Surgeon General recommends for a healthy lifestyle.

Slow commute!

Photo courtesy of Kaye Duncan