Instead of hitting the trails in my running shoes and only seeing the larger scale of things,
the other day I had the opportunity to slow it down and see details...
exquisite details.
It came about following an appointment the morning after a night of heavy rain.
For some reason, I was wearing flip flops...on a potentially rainy day.
I think my reasoning was a distaste for soggy shoes...and
I had lent my rain boots to my daughter.
Feeling scattered and needing to restore mindfulness to my routine, I headed for nature.
Hiking a muddy, slippery trail in flip flops on a freshly-rained-on path
mandated a snail's pace and allowed me to see...
Raindrops on berry brambles.
Velvety lichen on an oak branch.
A pond turtle on a log catching some sun.
I swear it's a turtle in the middle there.
You might try clicking to biggify.
I took the time to smell the pungent bay laurel and the muskiness of damp leaves and soil,
to enjoy the clear and melodic sounds of wildlife and water runoff
that always have a certain magic after it rains,
and, by virtue of wearing flip flops, to really feel the cool mud of the trail between my toes.
The healing, restorative qualities of nature astound me.
Thirty-five minutes later, I was revitalized, reinvigorated, re-energized and, at the same time,
calmer and more at peace than I had been when I began.
Breaking routine can be a fantastic gateway to increasing mindfulness.
Taking it to the out-of-doors added such a grounding element for me.
I need to do this more often.
Beautiful! So glad you were able to recharge:) hiking always does that for me too. Next time I will have to wear flip flops:)
ReplyDeleteI hiked a trail in the Columbia Gorge in flip flops this summer. When you need to get out, you need to get out.
ReplyDeleteI've been turning to music lately for my reset. Digging up an old love really helps center my life.
ReplyDeleteI walk! It does wonders! Although sometimes, I shut myself in the room and meditate/sit quietly.
ReplyDeleteWow! Looking at trail makes me tired. Surely wearing flip flops is a given that it will slow you down. Slow is good. Its better than getting into accidents or sliding at that muddy path.
ReplyDeleteEagan Fitness Center
I enjoy hiking vs trail running because hiking forces you to slow down and notice all the lovely things in nature (and I'm not good at taking photos while running!)
ReplyDeletei’ve done a few walks lately too-they really do allow you to see more. I notice more in my neighborhood than I usually do. i also enjoy yoga-helps clear my mind.
ReplyDeleteWhat a place to slow down! What a great day for you. Where is the like button for that photo of the lichen?
ReplyDeleteAhhh this sounds wonderful! I like unplugging outdoors too...though I do need to stop and smell the roses and see the details a little more...it's hard to slow down!
ReplyDeleteMaybe the flip flops are the key?!
I think my problem is that I don't take the time to do the "reset". This is a good reminder that we all need it sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI loved this post. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks this made for intresting reading. I love your wordpress theme, i frequently come back here and i dont know why. I just seriously like your web site lol… I just now read something simular to this on That Are i believe they may of stolen the blog?
ReplyDeleteIf you're a novice to internet ugg boots outlet online Business, in that case be assured you can study how to try this.http://www.training4sure.ae/
ReplyDeletewhoah this blog is great i love reading your articles. Stay up the great work! You realize, a lot of people are hunting round for this info.http://www.cheapcarhireguide.com/
ReplyDeleteMy relatives always say that I am killing my time here at net, but I know I am getting experience every day by reading such fastidious posts.leatherstock
ReplyDeleteThe blog is absolutely fantastic. Lots of great information and inspiration, both of which we all need.superleather.co.uk
ReplyDeleteWhat's up to every body, it's my first visit of this website; this website consists of awesome and in fact excellent data in favor of visitors.plagiarismsoftware
ReplyDeleteHi everyone, it's my first pay a quick visit at this site, and paragraph is in fact fruitful in support of me, keep up posting such content.Testking PMI-001
ReplyDeleteI just now read something simular to this on That Are i believe they may of stolen the blog.Company Setup In Dubai
ReplyDeletePresent very insightful. Never thought it was so simple after all. I had spent a great deal of my time looking for someone to explain clearly to this topic and you are the one who has ever made. Kudos to you! Keep it up.Training courses in Dubai
ReplyDeleteHey there, You have done an excellent job. I will certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I'm confident they will be benefited from this website.This blog is so nice.Vasp Airlines
ReplyDeleteI am actually glad to glance at this blog posts which consists of lots of helpful facts, thanks for providing these kinds of information.This blog is very good.celebjackets
ReplyDeleteI dont even understand how I finished up here, but I thought this post was once good. I do not recognize who you are but certainly you are going to a well-known blogger for those who are not already. Cheers!cheapcar4hire
ReplyDeleteNicely presented information in this post. I prefer to read this king of stuff. The quatlity of content is fine and the conclusion is good .Thanks for the post.http://www.hotelapartmentsindubai.net/
ReplyDeleteI do the same as you but whitout any shoes at all. Walking barefeet in the bud is a pleasure that all human being should have the opportunity to enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI will be always checking your blog. Its really very nice and i will only say thanks for sharing this great information with us. plagiarismchecker
ReplyDeleteI don't like this kind of shoes. I think that flip flops can be worn only on the beach but not on a tourist trip. By the way, you can use plagiarism checker for verifying your unique text on the blog.
ReplyDelete