You are Here

When you need to clear your head, sometimes it just takes a breath of fresh air. Bring whatever you’d like. Take a bag if you like having it just in case, a jacket or umbrella if there might be rain, but most importantly, you must bring yourself. Take that first step, and start on your way. Whatever direction you choose, it is your own.

Notice what the weather is like. Is it hot, or humid? Maybe it’s chilly. There may be a breeze sweeping along your skin just right, or it could be a little more windy than you might like. Is there rain or snow hitting your skin. Maybe the sun is a warm caress on your face. The lovely thing about weather is that it changes. Every time you feel a new sensation, you take in something different. You embrace change, feel it with your whole body.

Now, notice how the weather makes you feel. Though it may be a cloudy day with a light drizzle in the air, you may enjoy the rain. The rivulets of water can feel refreshing on your skin. Many people like the sun, of course. Sunshine is comfortable on the skin. It’s a loving embrace over your whole body. Everyone has their own kind of weather they enjoy. Call it your Happy Weather, the one that makes you want to inhale deep, and exhale long. Whether your Happy Weather is here, or not, you are here, in this moment. You are experiencing the weather and everything it has to offer you today.

So, how does the weather make you feel? No matter what your answer may be, it’s okay. How you feel is okay. The weather is temporary. It’ll pass. If today’s weather upsets you, there’s always tomorrow, or next week, month, or year. Remember, the lovely thing about weather is that it changes. Your Happy Weather will always come back to you, rain or shine.

However your feeling in this moment, it’s important to check in with your body. Focusing on the physical body is a nice way to stay grounded and in the moment. You are here, right now. Notice how your feet feel. Every step is a new opportunity to feel that grounding to the earth. Focus on the soles of your feet. Pay attention to the moment they touch the path beneath you. You are walking on solid ground. You are walking at your own pace. Today you might be a little slower than normal. Or, perhaps the opposite is true. You could be speed walking. Your paced is your own. You will get to where you need to be. Everything will fall into place. It starts here, with you, and the feet that carry you.

It's amazing the things your body can do. It’s brought you here, in your own time, at the right moment. And it is your moment. Give yourself this time to relax, and think of nothing but the road ahead. It will lead you to where you need to be. All that matters is where you are right now, not where you’re going or where you’ve been. Let every part of your body experience this moment. Unclench your muscles and let your arms swing by your sides. Elongate your spine, making yourself stand straight and tall. Take an extra deep breath, expand your lungs as much as you can, and release it all through your nose.

Now, take a look at the scenery around you. Point out something that makes you smile. It can be as small as a pebble at your feet. When you have it in mind, say to yourself, “this is a good thing”. Say it as many times as you like. Hear those inner thoughts say to you, “this is a good thing. I’m happy I saw this today.” Keep looking around for these little things. There is always something nice to be seen on your walks. Look for chalk drawings on the pavement, or pretty leaves that may be growing overhead. Be aware of your surroundings. After all, if your head is in the past or the future, you’re missing everything beautiful going on right now. So cherish it, and look out for the everyday things you haven’t thought about before.

However long it is you decide to walk, however long you want to walk, continue to keep your senses open. There’s a whole wide world out there for you. There may be times when your heart and your thoughts are racing. Maybe you’re having one of those moments now. Leave that behind for now, just observe everything around you. Take note of the you surroundings, give yourself this time to walk and relax. It’ll all be okay. You are here. You are right where you’re meant to be.