A lunch-time walk
It's interesting how much energy is released when one decides to 'seize the day' more deliberately for a while. It is as if opportunities pop up from all around, and you see the world through a clearer, more appreciative lens. It's interesting too how content we become with the assumption that there will be a tomorrow. And how dull our lives can become all by our own choice. I do not wish to get a death sentence to start living fully, I do not want to wait until the circumstances are perfect, I want to enjoy my life right through the choices that I make, and also through the unplanned events that life hands out. We are so blessed to have options, to be able to travel and choose our jobs and raise our kids outside of the desperation that the biggest part of the world call home. Maybe we need to see real poverty before we realise how fortunate we are. Often we actually have to loose something to really appreciate it. Or we can just start looking at the world with new eyes, and seek out the adventures and opportunities hiding in profusion in the mundane everyday routine.
Anyone will tell you of course that exercise and fresh air is important for stress relief, so it was natural to think about taking a walk. How and when and with who also plays important roles in this activity, but without planning too much (which can often result in terminating an idea altogether!), I decided a lunchtime walk along the scenic shores of Lake Burley Griffin is a must-do. Our school is close by and we should have done this much more often. I love taking new roads, routes and paths. It is like a mini holiday for me, an adventure of discovery and insight. Since doing another walk there a while ago, I decided to go a different way and walk a new, unknown route to get there, guided by my friend and walking partner for today, Jie-lian. How this changed my perceptions! I saw corners and places that I've been walking and driving past for years, but never realised that it was there. We skirted the recently closed Floriade grounds, with loads of flowers still as evidence of this major event, and with the warm summery smell of pine needles trapped among the trees.
There was a cold and almost gale-force wind blowing when we reached the lake, turning it into more of a sea, but we stayed mostly along the wind-off side and made a good brisk walk with the Carillon chiming out the quarters. Fresh air breathed deep into the lungs, blood rushing through our minds and limbs, sun on our faces and beautiful open scenery, with blue mountains as a backdrop...what a winning combination for stress-busting!
Do you need to take a walk?
Anyone will tell you of course that exercise and fresh air is important for stress relief, so it was natural to think about taking a walk. How and when and with who also plays important roles in this activity, but without planning too much (which can often result in terminating an idea altogether!), I decided a lunchtime walk along the scenic shores of Lake Burley Griffin is a must-do. Our school is close by and we should have done this much more often. I love taking new roads, routes and paths. It is like a mini holiday for me, an adventure of discovery and insight. Since doing another walk there a while ago, I decided to go a different way and walk a new, unknown route to get there, guided by my friend and walking partner for today, Jie-lian. How this changed my perceptions! I saw corners and places that I've been walking and driving past for years, but never realised that it was there. We skirted the recently closed Floriade grounds, with loads of flowers still as evidence of this major event, and with the warm summery smell of pine needles trapped among the trees.
There was a cold and almost gale-force wind blowing when we reached the lake, turning it into more of a sea, but we stayed mostly along the wind-off side and made a good brisk walk with the Carillon chiming out the quarters. Fresh air breathed deep into the lungs, blood rushing through our minds and limbs, sun on our faces and beautiful open scenery, with blue mountains as a backdrop...what a winning combination for stress-busting!
Do you need to take a walk?
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