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

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

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.

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

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

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

July Walks: Setting My Intention

July 1, 2024

Good morning! In March, I had set out to be on a trail somewhere on the Appalachian Trail for my birthday month of July.  That plan did not materialize! . And here’s why. I was focused on looking for a different place to live because my landlord had only been offering a 12–month lease.  Since I moved to Dayton, Ohio to care for my 96-year old mother and will not likely stay here once she passes, committing to an entire year feels extravagant. I focused my search on cheaper rentals that still had access to a place to walk in Nature. That’s what I like best about my current apartment. read more

July Walks: Completion Celebration

July 31,2024

A beautiful, calm and refreshing sunset was the backdrop for my completion and celebration call for Regina’s July Walks! Thanks for your presence this month as I confirmed my passion for walking in Nature as a way to entice others to come outside to connect with Earth, Spirit, and Ourselves to evoke clarity, peace, balance, connection, and creativity! Stay tuned for August.

Celebration Call Transcript: July 31, 2024

I am Regina Reiter. and ForgivenessWalks! I wanted to welcomme you to my Program here tonight. I’m at Art Van Atta Park in Dayton, Ohio and this evening I am celebrating completing. and intention that I set to walk in Nature every day in July, 2024. read more

Georgia is Trial by Fire

“Checking in from mile 56 of the AT, nobo. It’s been quite a week out here, but I’m ahead of schedule somehow. Today I’m climbing Tray Mountain, which is apparently quite tough, right after another tough climb yesterday. I see why this isn’t for everyone. GA is kind of trial by fire. My goal is mile 85 by Saturday!”  – ATHiker

This is a loud call for Regina’s Meet the Mountains Technique!

Let each step be easy and greet the mountains as friends. read more