Back to Your Senses Sunday: Take a Walk Outside
On a recent Saturday, before the cold came in to town, temperatures climbed into the 60s. Clouds were dark, heavy and carried rain. That is until around 3pm when the sun peaked out from behind the clouds just as I decided to grab my windbreaker and head out for a walk on the beach.
The warmth of the air did not make its way to the water, but for some reason I needed to walk barefoot on the sand regardless of the temperature. Off with my shoes and on with my walk. All at once every one of my senses came to life. The waves crashing brought memories of summertime, the dogs barking playfully with their owners put a smile on my face, the surfers riding the waves made me long to learn those same skills and join them next year. The cold sand and water on my feet woke my whole body and I found myself thinking of mid-December when I’ll be basking in the warm sun and walking on the white sand of Jamaica, sipping a fruity cocktail. Regardless of the season, a walk on the beach does bring me back to my senses. In this moment, nothing else mattered.
Want to get back to your senses this week? Take a walk outside. You don’t have to go to the beach to experience your senses. Go for a hike at a local park, walk down your street and notice houses, signs and sounds that I you haven’t noticed before. You might even walk barefoot in your back yard feeling the soft grass under your feet or listening to the crackle of the fallen leaves under your sneakers. Getting back to your senses with a walk means you are taking the time to slow down, experience the movement and the moment. Tune your thoughts out, tune the rest of the world in.
A walk is cost and time effective, relieves stress and is accessible to nearly everyone. I’m not talking about a powerful fitness walk. I’m suggesting you take as little as 10 minutes, bundle up if necessary, and awaken your senses with an outdoor walk. A walk is perfect anytime of day, surely you can find the time.
Enjoy!
Thanks for the post. Just wanted I needed to read this afternoon. Thanks again.
Reminds of last weekend - we were at two basketball games for our daughter - with an hour break between games. It was cold, there was a little snow in the air. The wind was blowing. And my wife suggested a walk! Crazy (I thought!). And we went out, bundled up - just the two of us. It WAS brisk, the wind stung - but - it was also refreshing - and we did notice the surroundings around us. It WAS good!
So…Jamaica…very fun! Now I want to go back there again!!
Lances last blog post..Sunday Thought For The Day
Hi Stacey,
I find that this time of year - with the temperatures being especially a bit chilly - is very awakening. The cooler temperature also offers a side benefit of tiring out my very busy and active 4 year-old. Nothing beats bundling up and going for a nature walk.
Sure I will take a walk….in the 20 F weather!
But of course once I got moving it was all good! 
Marks last blog post..Video Games and Our Children
Although it was indoors, I just stepped off the treadmill. Even though I missed the cool air on my face, my senses were alive and kicking. Tomorrow will bring a walk in the snow.
Stacey / Create a Balances last blog post..A Week for Giving Thanks
Like you, I find that walks are so refreshing. Last Sunday, me and my husband were out walking at around 12 midnights. The silence of the night and the chilly air made was so rejuvenating. Excellent therapy at no cost!
Oh, you live within walking distance of the ocean? ENVIOUS!
Urban Panthers last blog post..Are sweatpants disrespectful?
@Lance - I used to be afraid of Brisk - then I got all of my outdoor gear and I no longer have to be afraid. preparation is key!
@Lora - I couldn’t agree more and what a wonderful way to spend time with your children!
@Mark - I know, when I see the low temps it’s hard to motivate! Once I do it, I feel great!
@Stacey - snow! I’m happy to say I am snow free so far. But I look forward to snowshoeing this year!
@Sharon - midnight! My husband wants to do that on a full moon evening - perhaps it’s time. Thank you for the suggestion.
@Urban Panther - Well maybe more like 12 minutes, but we are close and I couldn’t have it any other way. Come on down anytime!