The Art of Walking in the Morning

You open your eyes and become conscious of where you are. The familiarity of your room reminds you of the life you’ve created. Your body is a mix of groggy and energized, so you push yourself to rise. Stretch your arms out far - far enough to touch the other side of the room. Feel your muscles come alive and your brain regain stability. Once you’re up the rest is easy. Start the kettle and make your bed. Now sit comfortably with a cup of tea. Slurrrrp - You’re thankful to be alive. Bundle up so you feel cozy and put on your sneakers. Grab your keys and leave your phone - lock the door behind you. Descend the stairs and recognize each step. 1, 2, 3, 4 … You’re at the bottom of the staircase. Open the door to the outside world. The air hits your skin and you notice what 46 degrees feels like. It’s cloudy with bursts of sun-rays poking through. There are people everywhere - each living their own life just as you are living yours. You wonder what their story is. What did it take them to get outside? Are they walking to clear their mind of pain or because their doctor told them so? 

There’s no way to know, unless you ask, so you walk on. At the crosswalk you do the awkward back-and-forth jiggy while you wait for a car to let you pass. You make it across. Your pace picks up and you feel your body apart of this world. With each glide your foot prances the earth. Everything happening around you is amazing. The sun is shining and the birds are singing. Life is like a movie. You come upon a lake and see ducks swimming. As they push through the water, they leave a trail of ripples behind them. It’s meditative to watch. Reminds you of the butterfly effect. The domino effect. The ripple effect. You’re more conscious of your actions than you were one minute ago. 

After gawking, you continue your path. The more you move the more aware you become of your body. Your thoughts are free to wander and can do no harm. It’s funny to watch what comes to your mind when it’s just you and nature. You sing an Eminem song from five years ago and have flashbacks to fond memories. Then you notice your legs are fatigued. How about we sit for a bit? You place yourself next to the water and next to a tree. There’s moss growing along it’s wood - admirable moss, so fresh and green. You begin to bird watch and gain a sense of respect for everyone that has lived before you - they had such sweet ways of passing time. A swan swims up close, and you blush because she chose to swim to you. She quickly swims away and you are humbled to realize she only thought you had food to give. You begin to mediate and focus on your breath. With eyes closed, you sense the beauty around you. You hear the people walk by and the dogs bark. You hear the children make comments of wonder towards the world and you gain a sense of respect for everyone that will live after you. There is so much chaos going past, yet you remain calm and you remain still. The most valuable lessons have been learned in nature, so you quietly thank her for all she’s done. It’s time to go. 

You’re half way done with the morning walk and the rest is spent with a happy curve on your lips. An internal peace is welcomed inside you. One hour ago, when you woke up, you had no idea of all the wonders you would see. You didn’t know that a swan would humble you or that the breeze would carry away your insecurities. 

This is just the same as how you don’t know what will happen tomorrow or in twenty years. What you do know is this: being present is the only way to surpass your inner demons and the best way to appreciate what you have. The present is a magical place and somewhere you choose to be. 

You’ve made it back to your front door. Up the stairs. Inside your room. Now sitting on your clean bed. It’s 10am and the rest of the day is yours.