22. Malevolence avoidance.
In my experience, the spirits of random malevolence who roam the streets for victims, are more likely to look elsewhere if you wield a meter and a half of sturdy hazel. But be careful with signalling this too strongly, because as the saying goes, every stick has two ends. And carrying a staff with the intention of self-defence makes it an illegal weapon in the UK. So you might hold this sense of self-protection within, and cherish it, but do your very best not to ever use it.
23. Poo clearing
A civic duty for Wayfarers. Some dog owners leave their detritus in the path. If you step over and leave it behind, you become partly responsible. Instead, use the end of your staff to flick it into the bushes. You can clean your staff in grass and puddles afterward. Improve the way - but without getting too close! This long distance contact capacity of a staff is also useful for a range of other ‘touch but don’t touch’ scenarios - like jellyfish on the beach - and roadkill animals.
24. Walk in the dark
There is good reason that blind people use a stick for walking. It allows forewarning of obstacles when your eyes cannot be relied upon. At night, when the moon is dark, if you are walking, use your staff to prod and feel the ground ahead of you. This can prevent serious accidents! Best, of course, is to use a torch. But sometimes, this is not available or suitable. In which case, let your staff be your eyes!
25. Test electric fences
Because wood is a conductor, if you need to hop a fence (perhaps feeling pressure from livestock?) you might want to ensure the electric current is not on. An easy and safe way to do so is with your staff. It will allow the shock to be felt, but will also resist it, lessening the buzz.
26. Draw in the sand and mud
A staff allows the quick and easy leaving of artworks in soft ground. Draw symbols, names and images to your heart’s delight. Graffiti without impact, to leave a more beautiful path behind you.
27. Catch flyaway litter
Sometimes flying rubbish gets caught in the wind and zooms away. It can be nearly impossible to grab this with your body, but a staff can slam down at precisely the right spot to arrest that crisp packet or chocolate wrapper. On one very windy day, I once caught a flying road sign in London with my staff, which drew surprised applause from witnessing commuters. Don’t let rubbish get away.
28. Let it go
At the end of your journey, you may feel that your staff has become an extension of yourself, almost a part of your body. You’ll be able to recognise the feeling, weight and shape of your staff even blindfolded. So a good practice ‘can’ be to reach your destination, and let your staff go. This is advanced work, and certainly not for everyone. But it is a good rehearsal for the ultimate end of journey we all face, death, when the body we love will also have to be let go of. Perhaps trying it first with a staff (which can be replaced) is a good way to get used to the feeling of surrender and release?