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July Walks: Unfamiliar Trails

July 11,2024

This has been another two-walk day. What was different was that both walks were on unfamiliar trails where I had not yet walked. In the morning, I met my new friend Antoinette at Rentschler Forest Preserve near Hamilton, OH. That’s close to her and on my way to an appointment with a chiropractor I like.
I have been walking solo so much during the past year that I had forgotten the joy and ease of walking with a friend, sharing conversation, exploring our life stories and challenges too, stopping at scenic spots to listen and watch in silence.  We agreed that we must meet again! read more

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July Walks: Collaboration Celebration

July 10, 2024

Today was graced with both morning and evening walks. Yesterday evening’s breeze precluded nightlong wind and rain, even a brief power outage this morning. I am always grateful to myself for ignoring the “I’m too tired for a walk” inner voice when I arrive at the trail. 20 minutes into my evening walk, I’m breathing deeply and drinking in the colors, patterns, and the “wild wind.” I’m celebrating that Lynette and Martha will be working with me for the next few months to craft their fulfilling walks! I can accommodate a few more! read more

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July Walks: Commitment Ushers Gratitude

July 9,2024

I would have stayed home scrolling YouTube videos had I not told you that I would walk every day in July!  I did walk for 40 minutes this morning, yet somehow that didn’t seem sufficient to my intention. So, I took an evening walk in my neighborhood park. Rote commitment turned from dispassion to immense gratitude and sensory delight!

A slight breeze made tree leaves dance. As I tipped my head back to bask in the calming sound and rhythmic waving, I thought, “What could I possibly do in my house that refreshes my feelings and delights my senses like this simple phenomenon – rustling leaves?” read more

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July Walks: Inner Voice

July 8,2024

I took two walks today, morning and early evening. I felt deep gratitude for listening to my inner walking voice instead of my cynical voice that would have gone straight home after visiting my Mom, giving in to the discouraged bewilderment of the assisted living environment.

“Go walk,” said my inner walker, who knew that 45 minutes of walking on an undulating trail through woods would breathe out my frustration and remind my brain of balance and beauty. I’m enjoying pretending I’m on the Appalachian Trail by carrying my pack and sitting at a picnic table under the expansive sky rejoicing in my walk. read more

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July Walks: Pretend Appalachian Trail Idea

July 7, 2024

Today, I felt the urge to walk first thing! I walked an hour in my neighborhood park in the freshness of sunrise. I took a 30-minute breakfast break at home, then drove over to Taylorsville Metropark. I walked the same circuit as I did yesterday in the opposite direction, taking me first down the hill to the bank of the Great Miami River. The melodic rippling of the shallow water was mesmerizing, and I listened to the call to stay for a spell, emphasis on “spell”. I recorded words in my favorite Cinquaine form. read more

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July Walks: Heart Refreshed

July 5, 2024

First is to celebrate middle son, Adam’s 38th birthday! Next is to celebrate my heart refreshed on my walk in the cool morning forest! It always surprises me how amazing it is to step from the neighborhood street into the park. The only thing better would be walking all day and staying out. Oh, right! That’s what long-distance walks are all about. Time to plan one! Now, I’m aiming for July 13&14, maybe  in Virginia.

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July Walks: I Think I’ll Just Stay Out

July 4, 2024

Hi, it’s July. 4th. I am contemplating the walk event of the day. So, I’m down by the great Miami River. wondering what happens if I just stay out, even if it’s raining? No umbrella. I’m carrying my backpack. Is it always necessary to shield myself from rain? It’s very warm out.

I’m less than 30 minutes from my vehicle. I have water . I  have food. I even have my backpacking equipment, including my shelter.

I think I’ll just stay out.

And….. I did stay out for about thirty minutes as light rain fell, then stopped. I completed the mile back to my vehicle and stepped into the stone shelterhouse to eat my lunch, being graciously welcomed by a couple enjoying their lunch. As I ate, the sky blackened and the wind picked up, tossing the leaves high in the forest canopy. Rain pelted down and I moved back from the open side of the shelter to the next table to stay dry. read more

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July Walks: Politics

July 3, 2024

So many questions today as I basked in the sounds, the breeze, the rainbow of colors and the overall quiet purpose of Nature in the park this morning! There arose some existential question, maybe you can help me word it, about how could I be luxuriating in peace, beauty, solace, and sensory delight when the fundamental principle of my government has been overturned?

As I walked, I answered that maybe I could do both enjoy the centering and empowering experience of walking in Nature AND contribute to this political event. At least I could become informed. read more

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July Walks 2024: Resistance

July 2, 2024

I did take a walk this morning – two short ones, actually. I would have skipped the first one except that I declared to my community that I would walk every day this month! So glad I did, too, because it really is true for me that walking in Nature, even with no mileage goal, lifts my spirits, wakes me up, and opens my heart to lighter views of the future. (I admit that yesterday’s Supreme Court decision feels heavy, even when I am open to things “unfolding according to a divine plan.”) read more