Walk On...

Today's blog is about standing up, pushing my chair in and walking away.  As the door closes in my wake, I feel a great anticipation.  I'm walking...everyday, no matter where I am or what I am doing...I'm dedicated.  I'm taking the time for fitness, for my health and for my sanity.  My feet and a comfy pair of shoes are all that I need for such an undertaking. 
 
I've been finding myself outdoors, a lot.  Rain, cold, sunshine, clouds....I'm walking.  I'm connecting to nature and have embraced the feeling of grit beneath my stride.  Sand, grass, forest floor, street; the walls no longer confine. 
 
My treadmill is now a magnet for dust.  There's something about being outdoors like that, I've been feeling so much better after, electrified.
 
There are a variety of sounds that I've collected with every walking endeavor.  Car engines, relentless crows, an approaching train or just the great whisper from the wind itself.  After thirty minutes I fall into a trance.  One foot in front of the other, shuffle step, shuffle step. 
 
I've been met with some interesting sites along the way.  Families playing in the park, laughing, giving chase, tumbling as the bounty of love is apparent.  Just from the sight, I feel full.  Such a connection is beautiful...such a moment is beautiful.  Life is happening in real time all around us and I feel a great honor to be an observer.
 
Of course there are lovers walking hand-in-hand, intimate glances, warmth and smiles.  When I see them, I can't help but smile too.  Oh that magnificent spark.
 
Yesterday, I happened across a yellow tail hawk soaring overhead.  The creature was majestic.  My biggest regret about walking for fitness is that my Nikon is left at home.  The bird was riding the currents straight above and well, could have, should have, but didn't...  I absorbed the image into memory regardless.
 
Unfortunately, there have been occasions of fright during my walk.  Ruff the dog approached or was Ruff a horse?  Huge, barking, gnarling teeth...  "Nice doggie..." I said.  Under such circumstance, I'll hold my breath and keep walking.  I pray that Ruff is all bark and no bite.  Thank goodness that's been the case thus far and I hope such luck continues.
 
If I play my music I try not to have it blaring so that I can hear around me.  Approaching busses, footsteps, an out of control soccer ball with the kicker yelling, "heads up," are all important.
 
Sometimes with every step forward, my mind shuffles back.  Past occasions are conjured, sentiment, pain, pleasure, happiness, people who are no longer with me...my tears are not particular...they flow freely and without reservation.  "Allergies," I'll say if anyone takes notice. 
 
Many perceive tears as a weakness, I've always seen them as a great strength.  I'm alive, I feel, I'm connected to my thoughts, connected to my emotions.  Feeling is so very important, filtering the mind clutter is so very important.
 
Sometimes as I begin my walk I'll set a time limit of 20 minutes.  It's an Archer mind trick, it's my way of stepping away from what I'm working on.  Is it laziness that places an unmovable roadblock in my way?  I'm not sure but sometimes I feel like doing fifty tubs of dishes or sorting the laundry would be easier than to take a walk.  I'll tell myself 20 minutes on those occasions, but once I set my pace and the world falls away...twenty minutes comes and goes...30 minutes and then I must force myself to stop.  Just one more time around...just one more step.
 
I have yet to regret the effort.  When I return to my desk and continue with the task at hand, I have so much more to offer.  The clarity of a walker...heart pumping, feeling alive...walking for a richer variety of words on my page and so I do.
 
Until next week,
Trixie Archer