04/12/15
Once a week, a friend, my puppy and I meet in a small parking lot at the edge of a park named Three Sisters. It is generally morning when we pull into the parking lot, but not always. As luck would have it, we are in a state where weather is seldom a factor although we have gone in the snow and wind and after a rain.
It is a beautiful area with many trails that can add mileage, elevation and difficulty to the hike, but us two ladies always take the same route.
Every week, we meet and give the kind of hug that is strong, enveloping and let’s each person know we deeply care. We then set out on the hike and while walking discuss the current week’s events in our lives. If one has had a troubling week, the other may not even share their experiences, just providing an understanding ear, gentle feedback or the probing question when needed.
Most times it is just the everyday stuff. That stuff that makes up the majority of everyone’s lives that we forget to share because there is a television on or a radio program or some other method of distraction. A short 40 minutes later – or so, we are back in the parking lot where it can sometimes take another 20 minutes just to finish a story or discussion.
Once more, a wonderful hug is given and each is headed home until the next Sunday hike.
You could speculate that on the really cold or windy or overcast days that we would skip this endeavor since it is such a simple thing. To do so would underestimate the power of the walk.
To comprehend this power, you must understand that it is the beauty and serenity of the surroundings, the comradery of an understanding friend, the physical release of exertion and the knowing that The Walk will always provide a surprise. All of those features combine into a powerful force that is not to be missed.
Thank you my friend for walking every week without fail.
Wilma, I have my workout room back so I’m hoping to get in more reps than I’ve been doing lately. How are your workouts going?
Love Betty
Hmm. Your walks are way better than mine. I’m struggling to keep puppy from pulling, finding and picking up poo from the day before and NO hugs! I did, however, see a mountain bluebird on my last walk. As blue as the sky. Just beautiful!
Betty, my friend-
The power of the walk indeed! People are always amazed (!) when I tell them we have weekly walks-what we aren’t able? They just aren’t as fortunate as we are to have this incredible experience, not to mention every week! While all that you mentioned are reasons why we don’t miss, as always it’s the laughter & the expressions on people’s faces when we share our laughter with them 🙂 THANK YOU!!!