- Walking through cemeteries is something my husband and I have been doing regularly since 2020.
- Cemeteries offer a peaceful place to ponder, wander, and pay our respects to those who’ve passed.
- Cemetery walks have deepened our connection to nature, ourselves, and others.
When I tell people that my husband and I enjoy walking through cemeteries, they usually respond with a quizzical look. Some think it’s morbid, while others don’t see the point unless it’s for visiting a deceased loved one.
What began as a way to avoid crowds and escape our apartment during the pandemic quickly evolved into a regular activity for us. Whether exploring our neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles, traveling the states, or going abroad, cemeteries are always at the top of our list.
Cemeteries offer a peaceful place to ruminate, wander, and pay our respects to those who’ve passed. And it doesn’t cost a thing. Here’s how cemetery visits have enhanced our lives in more ways than we could’ve ever imagined.
It’s a chance to commune with nature
No matter how big or small, cemeteries are usually home to various flora and fauna. One of our favorites is the enormous and immaculate Los Angeles National Cemetery, brimming with big beautiful trees, a rose garden, birds, squirrels, and bunnies.
We usually have the entire place to ourselves and the solitude is quite comforting as we walk the grounds and stop by gravesites of veterans who span as far back as the Mexican-American War and Civil War.
It has improved our physical health
My husband and I aren’t big on intense exercise, so cemetery walks are a low-impact way to get our steps in. Of course, we’re always mindful not to walk on grave markers and stick to paved walkways whenever available.
It has boosted our mental well-being
Spending time outdoors in open spaces does wonders for the body and the mind. Much like nature walks, cemetery walks reduce stress because we’re moving, getting fresh air, and allowing ourselves to take a mental health break, connect with ourselves, and be in the moment.
It feels like traveling back in time and brings history to life
Whenever I see a gravestone that grabs my attention, I search online to learn more about the person. At the astonishing Père-Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, we learned much about the people buried and entombed there, including some of the world’s most celebrated artists, writers, and musicians. I like to think about world events that were going on during a person’s existence and what life must’ve been like for them.
Other than museums, cemeteries are the closest thing we have to taking a step back in time.
It has given us a deeper sense of empathy and connection
It’s true that visiting cemeteries can sometimes be a somber experience. Over the years, we have come across numerous graves for infants, young people, and others who have met tragic ends. While this makes us sad, it has also deepened our sense of empathy for others. It also helps with grieving our own loved ones, reminding us that we’re not alone.
It can bridge the gap between the living and the dead with humor and warmth
While cemeteries often hold stories of heartache, they can also reveal moments of humor. Many tombstones offer common epitaphs like “Beloved wife, mother, and sister,” but others shine with personality. One headstone that always makes me smile says, “Thanks for stopping by,” while another reads, “I have finally found peace … and so have you!”
It has improved my math skills
Getting better at math is probably the biggest surprise of our cemetery excursions. My husband is great with numbers, but they have never been my forte. So when we stop to look at the different birth and death dates on headstones, I have to pause to calculate how old the person was when they passed. It’s like getting a math lesson every time we go.
We have learned a lot about different cultures and customs
Visiting cemeteries nationwide and worldwide has given us insight into how different cultures honor those who have passed. At the seaside cemetery on Mexico’s small island of Isla Mujeres, people leave bottles of water or soda on gravesite altars for the dearly departed to drink.
At many Jewish cemeteries, visitors leave stones at graves as a sign of respect. My husband’s grandparents are buried in the expansive Armenian section at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit, where khachkar engravings and monuments represent a bridge to the sacred.
It’s a valuable reminder about our own mortality
Cemeteries are directly associated with death, which is a natural part of life. But it’s an uncomfortable subject for many people. Facing it in such a direct way can be uneasy and trigger anxiety or fear. But my husband and I love our cemetery walks because they remind us that we’re all part of this collective journey on Earth, clarify what matters, and inspire us to cherish every moment as much as possible.
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