Trip #487 Neeld Way, Beechview, Pittsburgh took place on August 16, 2020, and was published on September 11, 2020.
The ground we travel over is vibrant, alive, and full of surprises, but because we’re often busy with other thoughts and emotions (where we are going, where we have been), we tend not to give much thought to the presence that rests beneath our feet. In contrast, think about your awareness and movements when you’re in a place of great importance: an area of historical or personal significance, a sacred or religious site, or the home of a favorite older relative or mentor. In those places, we tend to move mindfully, reverently, gently moving through the space around us. How would our lives be different if we walked throughout our country with that degree of attention? How would our thoughts and emotions change, and how might that change the way we are in the world?
Field Notes: This flight continues up the hill and is very close to Trip #486. Overall good condition despite a lot of leaves gathering on the steps. The religious statue placed on the stairway was very interesting – it seems to have been there for quite some time. It’s a bit set apart from any house so I wonder who placed it there…
See the Risograph print of this photo and story in the Mis.Steps Shop.
Want to visit these stairs? You can locate them on the Pittsburgh City Steps Plan website!
Be a good neighbor! Have you visited these stairs and found them in poor condition or that illegal dumping (large items like tires, old furniture, and construction debris) and trash were abundant in the area? There are two things you can do to take action and make our city steps cleaner and safer for everyone! First, grab a photo if you can, and submit a report to Pittsburgh 311. All problems, both broken stairs, and railings, as well as trash and dumping, should be reported to the city. You can easily do this online or by calling.
