Day 10
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No headersDay 10
March 31, 2013
A SLOW WALK OR STROLL
This exploration is inspired by one similar in the book Time, Space, and Knowledge. : )
Now it is time to take our show on the road. :) It may be a trip to a store or park, or, if neither of those is possible today, this is also possible while moving through regular activities or chores.
It is preferable to get outside, however.
Take a walk or stroll. For the first few minutes, just notice your usual pace of body and thoughts. Notice how you hold your shoulders for instance, or what part of your body you may lead with/hold tension in. Relax. Gradually slow down your movement. Try to cut down your speed by half. This may feel strange at first. :)
Spend a few minutes at this new pace, paying attention to your breath, as well as your experience of body and environment. Then, once again, slow down your movement, by half.
"But during such times one's mind is inevitably distracted by other thoughts, and so if one really wants to keep one's consciousness alive (from now on I'll use the term "mindfulness" to refer to keeping one's consciousness alive to the present moment), then one must practice right now in one's daily life, not only during meditation sessions. ...
If we're really engaged in mindfulness while walking along the path to the village, then we will consider the act of each step we take as an infinite wonder, and a joy will open our hearts like a flower, enabling us to enter the world of real."
Thich Nhat Hanh - The Miracle of Mindfulness
As in previous days, take a moment to intentionally close the exploration for the day, and to reflect. Suggested time is 10 - 20 minutes.
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Files 2
| File | Size | Date | Attached by | |||
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 | DSC_0075-1.jpg Tall Grass at the waters edge | 1722.28 kB | 23:00, 31 Mar 2013 | Catrinamonblue | Actions | |
 | Selection_070.jpeg No description | 35.69 kB | 16:32, 31 Mar 2013 | Szavanna | Actions | |
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 Tall Grass at the waters edgeDSC_0075-1.jpg |  | |
I am limited in a different way. In South Africa people are not so comfortable outside because of the high crime rate. I remember a few days after I arrived and moved to the savanna - I decided to take a stroll. I walked far - away from our house - on this dirt road enjoying my african experience, the redish color of the soil, the warmth of the sun... all the colorful birds ....then the neigbor passed by with his car ...and looked terrified - he stopped and rolled down his window - "what are you doing walking like that alone in the field?" ..and before I knew it - I was back in the house ...and was told that I should never walk alone again. The danger is there even though its not so visible in this small town, and people often opt for the safety of their yards or tv time instead of walking outside.
Nevertheless Liz did manage to get me outside hehe and I had so much fun walking around - it became much more than 20 mins. I loved slowing down and checking out the sounds, smells, trees, dogs, birds, autumn leaves and the few people walking by. I uploaded some pictures to give you an idea : http://www.flickr.com/photos/szavannasl/8606869810/in/set-72157633133871228.
I took the Thich Nhat Hanh quote with me ...and walked slower ...and even slower .... till I stopped and just checked things around me ....breathing in the fresh air - watching how the afternoon sun made the shadows of trees longer and longer.
For tomorrow, please adapt as necessary but hope you'll join us if you like.
I'm just peeking in ... have not yet ventured out today, since I spent most of the day so far driving (under speed limit!) back from a jaunt with my kids over the last few days.
Back with a few short comments. First, beautiful photos, Cat! Second, I seem to have picked something up or gotten too much sun over the last few days and am feeling very weak. I've decided not to go out today but did reflect on how the intention to explore this exercise today did bring me to drive more slowly and pay very close attention today during a 4 hour, very pleasant and very ordinary drive. I mused about "what stops" and teachings that floated up regarding a stopped place already present... really seeing that. edited 23:20, 31 Mar 2013
I am naturally mindful when walking the trails but took extra care to experience each moment holding lightly to the joy of each step as we moved through the forest and fields :)
Near the parking lot was a huge flock of red wing black birds, how I love the sound of them, the cacophony of noise of so many birds was joyous to hear :)
As we moved down the trail we saw 2 deer, squirrels, blue jays, chickadees and robins.
Each step brought to light many delights, moving though the trails and into the fields. There were so many things for the eye and ear to behold.
Half way though we stopped and sat on a fallen log, I closed my eyes and just breathed in the scent of the forest, so many different smells each one distinct, the trees, the soil, dead leaves on the ground. The sounds of the wind blowing through the trees, the trees creaking and squeaking against each other.
We moved on and out to the fields where the wind rustled through the brown gasses of last year.
mounds of earth pushed up and we wondered why, next time we are going to bring a trowel to dig at these mounds and see whats in them :)
I took over 100 photo's and have put 14 of the better ones on flicker for you to enjoy :)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ladyjohanna456/sets/72157633132362677/