It’s Friday morning 06:00 am and I’m heading out on the road to the trailhead.
I just love walking. Since 2015, it’s a tool I wouldn’t want to miss. It’s still my most powerful intervention.
Longer walks or small one like this Friday morning adventure.
The snow is melting everywhere and the first part of the trail is a mix of snow, ice, and forest ground.
Hiking up a mountain always follows a similar pattern for me.
🏔️ The uphills are full of doubt and frustration. All the unsolved things, the unfinished to dos, the annoying moments of the last weeks are spiraling in my head. Everything is under tension in the climb upwards while I’m trying to catch a breath.
And that’s what the uphill does. It always brings me back to my breath. My heart is beating fast and I want to breathe faster through my mouth. It’s tough and I can’t stay inside my mind. I try to slow down my breath by focusing on each step forward and the slow flow of air through my nose.
My mind is shifting away and coming back to the here through heart and breath.
🏔️ Then, I reach the top and it’s pure bliss. Gratitude rushes through me and a broad smile is on my face. Especially when the sun is out and a free bench at reach to enjoy the tea and snacks I brought.
Reaching the top is being present. Staying, just a little longer than the busy-ness voice inside wants me to.
I am calm. I am here.
🏔️ Downhill, there’s a spring in my step. My mind is back with a fast flow of inspiration and ideas. The rush of oxygen in my blood speeds up my feet to get home and start working on these ideas.
And instead, I force myself to slow down and focus on the here. To take this experience into the later of the day when all the new ideas will get their time and space.
Now it’s about the 360° concert of the birds, the crunch of snow below my feet. About the sun peaking through treetops and the rushing of hidden rivers under the ice.
A morning walk. My meditation practice.
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