Category: Walking - A Cottage by the Sea

Keep walking

8/17/2022

Yesterday I took three walks: one at 7:30 AM, another at 12:00 PM, and the final one at 7:00PM. I had felt lazy and mental enervated all day, but thankfully it was the walking that keep me going-that plus a little reading and jigsaw puzzling.
I am reminded of all walking I do in Florence. One of the reasons I go there, I say, is: ‘To walk around with God!’ I walk morning, noon, and evening and times in between, not because I am mentally enervated but because I am mentally energized. So while the weather permits and while I am physically able, let me embrace this walking, both here at home, and when I am in Florence at the end of September. And let me do it energetically.

I am not alone when I walk.

7/12/2022

You are not alone because when you walk you soon become two. Especially after walking for a long time. What I mean is that even when I am alone, there is always dialogue between body and soul (p. 56).
I walk every day; I’ve been doing so for years.. For the past three mornings, however, thanks to wisdom of Frederic Gros, author of A Philosophy of Walking, I’ve set out with one ascendent purpose: the unity of body and soul. Yesterday, I walked longer and further than usual—I didn’t plan it; it just happened. I walked at my usual rate, no change in speed, but my body and soul walked together, hand in hand. We weren’t in a hurry. Only the present moment was before me.

Snow fall and sun fall

1/8/2022

We are into January. I know that because we had our first snowfall yesterday and our first sun-fall today. When the walkway in front of my house is icy- treacherous, I drive to the Lady of Fatima parking lot and start from there. Come along an enjoy the snow and sun.

Just keep walking!

3/4/2021

I’ve declared that my knee is better, at least well enough for me to get back into my daily walking routine. How easy it is, with snow on the walkways and pain in the knee, to give up a daily walk. But I’m back. I’ve been doing my PT exercises as warm ups before setting out for my walk—1/8 of a mile to Wadsworth Cemetery, wander about there, and then home.
My final PT session is coming up; my wonderful therapist will give me a set of maintenance exercises; my calendar will be free of that appointment. For those who care, I probably have a degenerative torn meniscus—and some arthritis. It’s an age thing, but I'm telling myself, "Just keep walking!"

Todays' solitary walk

12/3/2020

Solitude works best for me during these Covid times if I can get out for a walk. If there comes a time when my knee, or some other impairment gets in my way, I’ll have to make serious psychological adjustments. But for now, nothing is in my way, including the weather. When the snow comes and the walkway is icy and treacherous, I can drive up the to Our Lady of Fatima parking lot and walk on the back roads.
Today, however, here I am with a clear sky above me.

Tapping into solitude--walking

6/9/2020

Taking a walk has always been one of the most satisfying ways I have tapped into solitude. My intention is to stay present to what I am seeing and keep my mind clear of mental distractions (such as rehashing the past or planning for the future).
I developed this mindset during those five winters at the cottage when I walked every morning. It became the way I stepped into solitude while wandering the streets of Florence or strolling the grassy terrain of Iona.
These days, as I try to maintain a similar clarity of mind, I realize that walking is my go-to entry into solitude. Memories go with me.

Remembering Iona and Florence

Remembering last week's walk

Winter walk

12/4/2019

I drove up the street to Our Lady of Fatima’s parking lot yesterday to start my afternoon walk because the walkway I usually take to get to the back roads, was too icy. Truth be told, I was tempted to stay home and read my book. Need I say, I’m very grateful I got off the couch. The pictures say it best.

Jet lag and walking

9/29/2019

I’m almost finished with jet lag. My strategy is to stay in bed for eight hours, even when I wake up earlier and really want to get going with the day. Last night I went to bed at 9 and got up at 5 t, so I’m just about spot on with my usual routine.
In Florence, walking was an essential part of my daily schedule; I averaged between six and eight miles a day. Now that I’m home, I’m lucky if I log in half of that. A daily walk is still on my daily agenda, although the number of miles get in is cut in half.
Getting our EVERY day for a walk, even if it’s a short one, will keep it a part of the rhythm of my life. Habit is essential. To put it simply and clearly, if I don’t walk, I don’t walk! –even if it is just up the street or around the block. The bigger challenge is to step out every day when weather stops being as appealing as it is now in New England.

Final morning walk in Florence~

4/18/2019

A daily bonus walk

3/24/2019

I can’t remember where I got this little travel magnifying glass, but it is perfect: 2 1/4 inches square, snaps open and closes with ease, and is mighty powerful.
Walking along examining little things is a beautiful way to be in solitude with nature. The only caveat is that it slows down my walking. Ah, but I have a springtime solution; take two walks a day. It is light enough for me to head out after supper for a little stroll up the street to the Wadsworth Cemetery.