We all go about our lives trying to get to where we need to be. For most people that live in the big city they want the fastest way to their destination. Rather they take a crowded train that causes frustration or dealing with road rage when it comes to heavy traffic, it seems as though people don’t care about how their journey to their destination is. Instead of being surrounded by busy streets filled with honking cars, getting shoved by commuters and listening to all the rowdiness that goes on in the city, why don’t you enjoy a journey elsewhere.Take the time out of your busy day to relax by walking through a change in the environment. Coming later this year, an app called “Serene Crossing” will guide you to a mollifying journey that will fill your heart with ease. Serene Crossing users will go through Cadman Plaza Park, Brooklyn Heights and the Brooklyn Heights Promenade to avoid the noisier areas, one would usually walk through to get from City Tech to the A/C/R trains.
On one of our sample routes, we found a stroll that is pleasant and has a big pay off in seeing the city in a more serene setting. This sample route was taken during the season of autumn and around the time of 2:30pm. The trees in each location had their leaves in warm colors such as yellow red and orange which will provide you with a cozy feeling as you try our route. You’ll first start off by exiting the Namm building of Citytech through the general floor. When you are outside turn left and make your way to the corner of Jay Street. Once you see Mclaughlin Park make another left and keep on going until you hit Cadman Plaza East.
As you venture your way there you will notice that you are moving away from the commotion from the construction site. According to Janice Wood interview with Dr.Marc Berman, he states that “Our study showed that participants with clinical depression demonstrated improved memory performance after a walk in nature, compared to a walk in a busy urban environment”. In other words Dr.Berman believes that walk through an environment with nature is more beneficial than an urban environment. When the mind is in a clear state, the body is able to relieve from stress. Urmet Seepter would agree with Dr.Berman’s statement by saying ”Other benefits include releasing endorphins that can help one diminish constant worrying which also helps with dealing with depression”. Dr.Berman’s and Seepter’s statements agree that walking helps people that are clinically depressed. Everybody goes through stress and stress can lead on to depression. It’s important to keep yourself relaxed when stress comes your way.  Â
On Cadman Plaza East to your right you will enter through Cadman Plaza Park. Pam Severns agrees when she writes,”Walking connects you to your surroundings and can give you a sense of place”. Severns believes that we notice things we probably haven’t noticed before by allowing our senses to flow as we walk. By walking we our decluttering our minds and get a relax state as a result. When strolling your way through the park enjoy the calm aura of people having lunch on the benches, the mass amounts of trees that engulf you and the sounds of birds chirping.   When you see an open field, in front of it there is a circular flower bed filled with vibrant red yellow and orange flowers. Go around the flower bed and exit the park so you can be on Clark Street and Cadman Plaza West.
Clark Street is part of the residential area known as Brooklyn Heights. As you are walking through Clark street at first you will pass by some sushi restaurants, cafes and lounges. The area has a low noise level so you can have a peaceful meal at one of these establishments. Through Clark Street you will also pass by apartments with gorgeous lobbies, smooth arches on the windows and houses with fine detail on the gates and stairways.Another sighting you will see if you look up in the northeast direction is The Freedom Tower. Once you see Willows Street make a right and continue your way through the calm environment of the neighborhood.
The whole Brooklyn Heights area not only provides people with housing but there is a lot of trees and plants around that gives an inviting feeling into the area itself.The article “Brooklyn Heights Promenade” describes Brooklyn heights as “The adjacent neighborhood of charming brownstone homes and quiet streets is well worth investigating”. Basically, the article is saying that the neighborhood itself doesn’t have much activity so you can enjoy the sights of these living accommodations while strolling your way through. When you see Cranberry Street make a left and walk down to where you hit Columbia Heights.
You will make a left turn and enter through Brooklyn Heights Promenade. This is a nice place to relax yourself whether it be after a long walk or to unwind from a busy day of work. Remember seeing The Freedom Tower earlier? Well as you continue walking downwards, you will reach the destination on our route which is a marvelous sighting of The Freedom Tower along with the whole tip of Manhattan. You will see the prosperous,active city while sitting on a bench relaxing to the sounds of the waves from the East River that separates Manhattan and Brooklyn. From this location you will get to see other landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Governors Island and The Statue of Liberty. There are many pier ports that are filled with activities such as handball, ice skating, basketball and rock climbing.This location is great to visit throughout all the seasons and is beautiful in both times of night and day. While there is lively activity it doesn’t affect the serene atmosphere from where you are currently at.        Â
While many apps provide people the quickest way to get to places how about one that offers people a long journey to endure. There’s people that enjoy strolls and like to embrace each moment they experience in it. This app will provide you with plenty of peaceful destinations as well as find the most leisurely route for you. It is just all up to you to make that choice to take in the calm energy around a lovely stroll. Â
