Between the stress that doesn't seem to be diminishing for any of us, the obligations that each of us carries with us, and how strangely normalised (apparently) sedentary lifestyles are, we are on the verge of losing the ability to appreciate morning walks. Just when the sun is shining but its rays do not reach our skin with such intensity. It is the time for the golden glow, for talking as little as possible, and for thinking and reviewing those things that torment us inside, or debating whether we really need to buy more and more, instead of just enjoying the simplicity of life.
The possibilities are virtually endless between what can come into your head in the form of thoughts, and what you decide to devote your attention to. It is precisely these phenomena that make trekking or running, to give just one example, sports with more and more followers every year. But the mere fact of just walking and exploring known routes helps to clear your mind... Let's not forget that, although sad, we rarely dedicate time and space to what makes us better. Generally, we tend to procrastinate, as if we can be certain about the future; about tomorrow. However, we rely on it and live in the most logical present; what happens now, already....
This is not a philosophy lesson, nor do I intend to place myself in a position of prestige or intellectual stature. It is only an analysis, but primarily a personal confession about what overwhelms my mind and leaves me no peace.... Don't forget that when you are an adult and a parent (in my case, a mother) there is almost no room for procrastination or doing nothing. One way or another, my head, but most definitely my mind, is in constant search.... There is no peace there, no respite. It is totally unavoidable for me to use the mornings to be able to walk and to clear my indomitable way of overthinking absolutely everything... Fortunately, the route between my house and my daughter's school has wooded but urban areas that serve to rummage through my mind and find solutions or drain a tear or two.
Just do it!’, says one of the most iconic phrases of one of the biggest global sports brands on the planet.... I think they got it right in a big way. Sometimes, what you need is that one step to start the walk, not to find the excuse to continue where you were, with no solution and no choice. Just do it, go, do it, maybe it won't turn out the way you wanted or expected? It's a possibility, I won't deny it, but it's far worse to remain as if nothing is happening; even if that's clearly not how you feel. Photography, mornings with sun but no heat, become an addiction hard to resist but also present a stage in me that I didn't know I possessed; being able to drain through the mere act of walking.
Beads of sweat, agitated breathing, maybe a good playlist in my ears to accompany my restless head.... And even more so every Wednesday, when I have to present meetings with other colleagues at the office and the stress hasn't let up the night before. Walking aimlessly but with clarity and conviction that it makes me feel better is not only a recommendation that I extend to anyone reading these lines, but also one of the experiences that can offer the most catharsis to a person who needs it (that is, basically everyone at some point). And there is something I also want to point out, thanks to this community and its focus on walking and walking paths, I have learned to value it whenever the opportunity presents itself. I'm becoming a little less of an automaton and a little more of a walker and someone who appreciates the walks...
All photographs and content used in this post are my own. Therefore, they have been used under my permission and are my property.
