A Sunday Summer Morning Stroll Around New York's Empire State Plaza

Good morning, Vocal Media community, and welcome to the July 14 edition of my Monday Morning Huddle! Today, I share photos and recollections of my Sunday morning stroll around New York's Empire State Plaza. Yes, we are out of the garden this week and on to different scenery. Yesterday was a great day personally, and I hope my reflective messages meet anyone needing a bit of inspiration.

Writing to uplift humanity is my catchphrase, one I cherish dearly, so come on, take a walk with me and see if there's a message waiting for you, even if you don't realize right now that one might be standing by.

The Empire State Plaza is about a 5-minute walk from my home, but I hadn't been to one of my favorite local spots in quite some time due to an ongoing struggle with a medial meniscus tear that happened at work in February. I've completed my physical therapy, continue PT at home, and I take walks, but venturing to the plaza means climbing a hill, which, for anyone unfamiliar, is difficult with a meniscus tear. Nonetheless, yesterday morning, I decided to push through my pain and make the long-overdue hike up the hill.

A typical 5-minute walk turned into about 15 minutes, which is certainly still short, but despite the discomfort and the slower-than-usual pace, I climbed the hill and climbed the stairs, all while hugging the handrail, making it to my destination. I took a couple of moments, readjusted my knee brace, and stood in awe at the plaza, a place I've seen many times; however, yesterday, the view afforded new meaning.

I felt refreshed like someone on vacation and quickly realized that I had become too settled in my injury, sending ambition to the backseat.

Pain, physical or emotional, if not managed, can inadvertently become a home for complacency

Message #1

Pain, physical or emotional, if not managed, can inadvertently become a home for complacency. It's vital to one's well-being not to allow suffering to become the source of one's life force. While following physicians' medical guidelines and tending to psychological wounds, like depression, grief, and trauma, are important, not making a forward-moving plan to help oneself can easily become a self-made prison.

Consider:

• Setting small goals with attainable steps
• Switching up routines regularly
• Prioritizing outside time

Empire State Plaza Nature Scenery

The first stop on my stroll was the fountain and three Mallard ducks. The plaza features three pools, and I spent quality time admiring the duck trio while receiving revitalizing energy from spraying water and a breeze enveloping me. Just moments before, humidity accompanied me from my hike; suddenly, it all dissipated into a refreshing collective calm.

Let's take a closer look at the Mallard ducks from my photo collage

Surrounded by plenty of green, historic buildings, and architecture, my moments with the Mallards felt not only meditative but inspirational. My previous self-discovery of outdated complacency gave way to another realization.

Time to listen when an inner voice says, "Go." Proceed accordingly, go with the flow

Message #2

The Mallards appeared peaceful and content, sitting in the fountain while humans passed by, enjoying a beautiful early morning Sunday. Undisturbed and unaffected by anything outside of their very own presence, they waded yet never waned, even when background chatter began picking up as more visitors entered the Empire State Plaza. Their instincts were an obvious dialogue: "This is where we are meant to be," spoke loud and clear to me spiritually.

Become like the Mallards

• Tune in and listen to your inner voice
• Find your natural flow
• Follow that flow wherever it may lead you

Need more inspiration?

Here are some spiritual keywords and symbolism for Mallard ducks: adaptability, abundance, intuition, fertility, new beginnings, spiritual guidance & teamwork.

Also, keep in mind that Mallards thrive in multiple environments, a key reminder whenever confronting adversity while facing change.

The New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial

A bronze sculpture with a sooty appeal rounds out the highlights of my Sunday morning Summer stroll. My focused attention on this amazing piece of art not only alerted me to the fact that I had never taken the time to really admire this sculpture before, but staring at this memorial dedicated to New York firefighters and all of their sacrifices dating to 1811 sent me a silent message.

"Find and fully engage with your humanitarian-based purpose"

Here is a closer look at the Fallen Firefighters Memorial featured in my photo collage.

Message #3

Humanitarian-based services are not limited to career goers like firefighters, police, doctors, and so on. All humans are put here in a physical body meant to pursue a particular purpose, individualized to one's own being, but shouldn't every person, regardless of what job they hold, make an effort to contribute to the growth and bettering of the human race?

It needn't be a grand gesture either, but finding a way to incorporate personal abilities, talents, and strong points into the aid and development of mankind feels like a key function of our existence. This message spoke loud and clear to me as I stood snapping pictures of a ten-foot sculpture standing before a 54-foot-long and 15-foot-high granite wall. Engraved on the wall are the names of 2660 fallen firefighters as of 2023, with room for evolution, as future names take their rightful place.

How can you contribute to humanitarian health?

• Volunteer at local food pantries, nursing homes
• Offer a free service to someone in need, one you would otherwise charge for
• Use talents to create something inspirational for others; share your gifts

Homeward Bound and Reflection

Leaving the Empire State Plaza, I felt proud of myself for venturing beyond my "safe spot." Although grimacing in pain, facing the hill descent, I continued to feel uplifted with the aid of a stranger. Noticing my struggle, a man I had never met before asked, "How's your knee holding up? What happened?"

I said, "I'm hanging in there; it happened at work."

He replied with a chuckle, "What did you do, knee someone in the head?"

Of course, me, being me, found this hysterical and couldn't stop laughing.

"No, it happened on the stairs."

A quick conversation afforded me laughter all the way home, barely noticing my otherwise biggest walking struggle (which is descending hills & stairs).

At home, I laughed some more, then the lightbulb moment came: Fitting with the stranger's chat, I'll call it my "knee in the head moment."

Since beginning my Monday Morning Huddle in January, I have had intermittent inner urgings to evolve and do more with my weekly feature. Most recently, the idea of a podcast came to mind. During my stroll, the podcast theme kept coming through in between the messages I've shared today.

Last night, while sitting on my balcony, looking at the plaza's Corning Tower (Yes, I live close enough to enjoy a delightful nighttime view), I decided that I am taking the show on the road, so to speak, and a podcast will be coming soon.

If all goes according to plan, my podcast debut just might hit next Monday!

Here's a look at the Corning Tower before I go!

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I'd like to thank all who stop by my Monday Morning Huddle. First visit or returning visitor, it doesn't matter; I am thankful to all who take the time to read, and I especially love the comments.

Outdoor themes, nature & inspiration, from me to you, but don't be afraid to jump in and leave your thoughts, experiences, and insights. Your words just might be the inspiration that another needs. Imagine that!

Have a fantastic week and see you next time for another edition of my year-long Vocal Media project!