One of the many joys of walking, especially on a quiet morning as the day just breaks, free from the noise of man, is the simple beauty and gifts we encounter along the way.
Although I often refer to them as “hikes,” in reality for me at least, they’re really just leisurely walks. And I like it that way. Regardless of where I’m “hiking,” it’s never really been about how many miles or distance I cover, rather the experiences and time spent just being out on the trail. Seeing. Learning. Enjoying. Slowing down and opening ourselves to what’s in front of us can be a very calming and rewarding experience in this fast-paced world we all live in. Once we let ourselves slow down, the gifts always seem to be there, waiting for us to enjoy.
It sure felt like summer in the midwest this morning when I went for my walk. Hot already, it’s easy to wish for cooler weather, but I know that soon enough the leaves will be turning color with the signs of fall just around the corner. Today, the gifts turned out to be ripe wild blackberries along the trail. Once spotted, and with a big smile on my face, I paused for a while and enjoyed picking and eating them, washed down with some cool water. What a treat! Simple pleasures? Sure. But the older I get, the more I cherish these simple moments in time and appreciate them for what they are. Gifts. The gift of time. To walk. To see. To ponder. To just be. Simple. Yep.
I wish all of you well and hope that you can find some quiet time to walk and relax in peace as we go through the challenges and uncertainty of these times. I believe the power and benefits of walking will enhance your life and bring happiness to your heart. All the best and Happy Hiking!
Mike “Missouri Mike” Schlueter