It seems like such a simple topic - the idea of going for a walk - and I wonder if it's worthy of a blog post. The simple things are worthy of our attention these days.
The covid pandemic of 2020 has made life feel more complicated, but it has also caused us to simplify. One of the simple routines our family has gained in this season is taking an evening walk together.
We moved to Hawaii at the beginning of the year. I love the weather here although we often stay inside during the peak of the heat, the sunny mid-day. As the sun begins to set, we usually feel a nice evening breeze, so after our early dinner, we tell our two year old it's time for our "family walk" and we set out for a stroll through our neighborhood.
We encourage our daughter to walk (she would rather be carried) or to ride her little bike that has a push handle for us guide her. Sometimes we say hello to neighbors or take a look at what's growing on the trees - mangoes, avocadoes, plumeria blooms. Little brown lizards scurry away from us as fast as possible. Our little one climbs on rocks and walls, picks up sticks or flowers, and enjoys exploring outside. My husband and I have a few minutes to talk. I often take a deep breath and allow my body to relax in the evening breeze. I'm excited that we can continue with this tradition throughout most of the year, knowing that the weather on Oahu is pretty steady year-round.
Gazing at the clouds that often contribute to a beautiful sunset, I take another deep breath and tell my husband that this family walk, although short and slow-paced, is so good for us all! It helps our toddler to get some energy out before bedtime. These walks help us to reconnect as a family. Usually we leave our phones at home, disconnecting from the constant flow of chatter that technology brings.
Getting outside for an evening walk is refreshing. Many of my friends and family live on the East Coast, where my husband and I had lived most of our lives before our move to the island. The weather changes more frequently there, meaning a daily walk might be wet or cold. I'm looking forward to taking a walk in the cold brisk air during a future winter visit! I'm pretty sure I'm going to miss the changing of seasons when Thanksgiving rolls around.
Could you shift your routine to take a regular evening stroll, disconnected from technology, connecting with others? What other ways have you found yourself simplifying or enjoying a simpler life this year? Let me know!
4 comments:
When I retired to NC, at first I walked with “the girls” (upwards in age from 71y.o. me!), but agonized at getting up at 6:30 or 7 as during working years. Now I sleep until I wake with no alarm (😉‼️) and walk after dark on the road in front of my porch. Some evenings there are different phases of the moon, or lightening in distant clouds, or — on holidays — fireworks in nearby neighborhoods beneath us. On occasion my duplex-mate joins me and we visit while walking. The frogs dart away as I step to avoid them, a rabbit continues to stare as I go by, a baby bird once hopped away—continuing to fall from every tree I see him in. Night smells are more pronounced, sometimes overly perfumed by exhaust from dryer sheets in someone’s machine. Very relaxing and healthy!
We have a family walk and it’s a great time got us to be together without distractions, enjoying the Lord’s provision in our lives especially this year!
My job has narrowed me to two elderly clients instead of three. I also am spending a lot of time at home. It is helpful to buy groceries less frequent. My husband walks a lot and I try to most days. I also started yoga and find it helpful.
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