Today as I waited with my daughter at the bus stop, I realized what a beautiful day it was going to be. So I thought, "What a great day for a run." After she left, I went inside, changed into my running clothes and took my son to school. However, when I got home, my body told me, "Take a walk instead." I am glad that I listened. For me, running today would have been a metaphor for my life, always on the go. By slowing down, I was able to enjoy what was around me. I heard birds chirping, saw them finding worms (and there were a lot of them after the rain last night) and then flying away with their meals. Flowers were just starting to bloom after a winter that dragged on and on.
As I type this post, I feel thoughtful and contemplative. I know there is a lot to do today but for once, I am not in a rush to do it. I know that it will get done when it gets done. My to-do list is a mile long, as everyone's list is. It will still be there later, tomorrow, next week and forever. To me, the lesson I was reminded about was that I should listen to my body more. I am so grateful right now that I did. Once in awhile, ask yourself, "Do I listen to my body?" When you do, I hope that you will be as grateful as I was this morning.
A recent New York Times article discusses a study which supports what I learned on my walk. It's called "Easing Brain Fatigue with a Walk in the Park."
