Daily Walks

I haven't written anything in a while.  This summer I was busy teaching summer camps at Claire School of Dance followed by a move to Iowa City, Iowa.  Now that things are finally settling down, I am finding myself with some free time to recharge and incubate before school starts.  Did I mention that I am starting my MFA at The University of Iowa this fall?

A daily habit I am cultivating is regular nature walks.  As a child I can remember playing outside every day. At the center of this memory are tire swings and honeysuckle bushes.  I remember the changes of the seasons and the different activities each would bring.  I was fortunate to grow up in a spacious neighborhood with large yards, trees, and gardens.  I feel a deep sense of peace outside.  Our new apartment building is right off of Clear Creek Trail,  a two mile walking and biking path through woods and prairies alongside a creek.  The past few days I have walked the path there and back, roughly just under four miles round trip, that takes me a bit over an hour.  I pass the occasional biker or jogger; thus far I have been the only walker.  This quiet, secluded time has given my mind the freedom to wander. 

 Lately I have been feeling so full, it has been difficult to write, because my thoughts feel jumbled. These walks have helped me find a clarity and have cleared my head space so that I can be creative.  I am learning that I need quiet, secluded spaces to decompress.  The physical act of walking also gives my body enough movement to let my mind release.  For me, the act of sitting is too loud- I notice too much about my body when I sit or stand still.  I sense every micro shift, and my mind is not free to let my body go.  I am finding that walking is like the lull of the ocean or the rocking of a boat; it is soothing and gives me the respite I need.

I know that this habit will be much more difficult to continue as my schedule becomes fuller.  However, I know that when my life gets hectic I will need this quiet time more than ever.  I am excited to continue walking as the seasons begin to change, and I hope that by sharing this experience here on my blog, it will serve as a reminder and motivator to continue the habit!