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Sightings from recent walks…

The townhouse I rented before buying my home was nestled in a quaint neighborhood with endless walking paths framed by mature trees and majestic foliage. Daily walks were set in a scarce idyllic setting: bunnies hopping down a sloped grassy knoll, kids laughing while bouncing a basketball, the spring of a diving board and subsequent splash of a sparkling pool and brightly colored rocks, hand painted during the height of the pandemic decorating the uneven trails.

My new neighborhood has it’s own highlights — the challenging hills, the brambles of dormant trees in the winter, wise birds soaring through the streets, and vast skies with awe-inspiring clouds. I try to walk at least once a day for crisp air and a fresh perspective on life.

Outdoor walking is at it’s core an opportunity to connect with nature. Watch plants progress from chartreuse buds to flowers to dark green leaves, and spot animals in the wild — scavenging for food, resting in the shade and stretching their wings or legs. It’s a lovely reminder that the Earth is home to many living creatures, and that we all need to be respectful of and protect the environment in which plants and animals thrive. I often help injured creatures or encourage sleepy snakes to move to the side of a path so they are out of harms way. Taking time during your walks to soak in your surroundings and notice the fine details keeps you engaged in the activity, and encourages you to keep exploring.

If I’m in a sour mood, or am feeling blue, walking always perks me up. Witnessing people out and about, walking their dogs, watering the lawn or chatting with a neighbor brings a sense or camaraderie — we’re all doing our best, and trying to make the most out of every moment. Music and podcasts also influence my mood greatly - sometimes I’ll save a new podcast drop for a walk to laugh along with the hosts or deep dive into a featured world.

Walking is also a great way to experience the seasons. I’m more encouraged to venture out on a cold day in October or December as I appreciate the holiday decorations and excitement. If you’re not feeling the holiday spirit yet, I highly recommend a stroll through your neighborhood — you can gain inspiration and revel in the celebratory sights and sounds.

From a fitness perspective, walking is a home run. As I’ve aged, I find strenuous activities (like running) less inviting. I tire more quickly, am sore longer and injure myself regularly — yet despite these afflictions, walking is typically still an option. I’m lucky enough to benefit from a hilly community, which enables a slightly elevated workout, but simply walking on flat ground is a wonderful and impactful exercise option.

One underrated aspect of being outside is benches. Strong and sturdy they await a friend or confidant, but more often than not, they go unused. One of my all-time favorite movie scenes is the end of Notting Hill where Anna is laying on a bench with her head in William’s lap as he quietly reads in a garden, and I’ve always dreamed of donating a bench to a local park — yet, I never employ in benches that I pass on my walks. Moving forward I will make it a point to utilize benches to enhance the rewards I described above.

If you were thinking of taking a walk today but talked yourself out if it, this is your sign to make it happen :)