Okay so here is my first post of the semester for this class. I came to thinking when reading the assigned text called "Walking," that I tend to do much of what he is talking about. Back when I lived in College Station, I lived right across the street from central park. This park was filled with trees, a pond, and just a relaxing atmosphere, and back when I was athletic (I am getting back into this habit, slowly but surely), I use to run and take walks twice a day. I remember how peaceful it was to be able to think, to be able to breathe in natures air, and to reminisce on good old times.
I wonder, have we strayed away from much of this "Walking" or do we still find time to do so? However, the bad thing is that walking can become so mechanized and routine that it too can take away from the aura of walking. I can say that when I did have the opportunity to do so, I felt the most happiest and most peace because in a sense I was free. It is funny how we can take the little things in life for granted like walking, but now that I have begun my walking for this semester I feel less stressed and energetic.
I was a runner through college and high school, and what was "walking" would be "running" for me. I saw so many beautiful mornings in college. One of my favorite memories was on the golf course we ran on so often. It was foggy and the sun was comming up. We had just finished a five mile run and the fog mixed with our hot bodies created steam that rolled off of us. The sun was trying to break through the fog and we looked like ghosts. It was really breathtakingly beautiful. It is hard to descibe in words, but it was surreal. There were so many morings like that, so many sun rises. Now those days are over and I don't take the time to experience things that way anymore. It is so hard to find time, but I know the time is there because I did it for so many years of my life. It is something I am trying to get back to. Maybe it should be more of a priority. Maybe I am so caught up in life that I don,t take time to take in everything around me anymore. Dammit Thoreau...
ReplyDeleteI love walking and running. Strangely enough, it seems that the days I take time to go out for an hour or so are the days I get the most done inside in spite of the 'lost' time.
ReplyDeleteI do my best thinking while walking around my neighborhood park area. Thoreau may have referred to this park area as a large city ditch. That’s our city. Oh, well, that’s another story. My one hour walks begin at daybreak.
ReplyDeleteAt the start, I think about trivial things. I’ll walk on the street; the sidewalk is too hard on my back. I should have worn the other jacket. I don’t feel like walking. That dog better stay away from me. I reach the park area and step on to the moist uneven grassy area.
After about ten minutes, I begin to reflect on the previous day or present day. Do I need to make any calls? What will I prepare for dinner? Maybe I’ll read for class or study for the R&C exam today. Sometimes I mutter about troubles discreetly.
Half an hour later, my focus shifts inward as breathing becomes heavier. I feel a sensation rushing through my body. My breathing is heavier, and I no longer feel the weight of life. All I hear is the sound of my breathing, an awesome sound.
The breathing now long, deep, and relaxed, I leave the park area. Immediately, the street is noticeably hard. I head home. I continue to shorten my pace decreasing my breathing to its natural state. As I approach my home, I step on the inflexible sidewalk. Sensing the heaviness in my legs, I take in one last breath of fresh air, and step inside my home.
It’s 7:00 am; I’m ready for the day.
I hear ya! Walking is very soothing. My boyfriend and I just took my two dogs for a walk and we just gazed at the moon, felt the wind breeze, and just walked. Of course my doggies wanted to jog so it became a very brisk walk but it was still relaxing to be out in the neighborhood "walking"
ReplyDeleteI understand where your coming from for sure. Me and Kevin went for a long walk around Cole Park Sunday morning and it was just so calm relaxing and beautiful that we didn't even realize we had wondered around for over an hour. It was the perfect way to start the day. I think many people have gotten away from the habit of meandering and consideration of self in relation to others. Walking provides a good backdrop for enjoyment of the simple things that make life enjoyable. And it usually is the simple little things that ultimately matter in our lives. Little things often go unnoticed in the big picture of life. This was a great post I enjoyed reading it because it is was thoughtful.
ReplyDeleteAmazing how much stress that eases, isn't it? If you can use it as a kind of meditation and not let it become mechanized - so easy to do after awhile, you're right - I think it's really up there with yoga, tea, therapy, etc., etc.
ReplyDeleteAlso, whoop for Central Park :)
I have a little park near my house that you've inspired me to make more use of. Thanks for your inspirational post.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right. Today, it seems that we celebrate the most technical, up to date, digital gadgets that make our lives more "exciting" or easier. And at the same time, tend to look down on the simpler things and options we have. There's a reason these things have stood the test of time...thanks for pointing this out.
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