Okay forum friends here I am...
Another day, another post and than you all for the many replies and photographs too.
Another good night's sleep followed the relaxing breathing exercises and a few gentle stretches too, last night. Box breathing, done, in the shadowy cool of the evening, before settling down.
This morning... I woke earlier... with that familiar flutter in the tummy...but not the anxious knotty flutter of late...this was of excitement. I was heading out for a walk! A proper walk... a walk to stretch the legs, ease the muscles and free the mind.
Tibetan Rites...teeth-cleaning squats and more gentle stretching! Wake up time.
Today I was heading to a place I have not been to for many, many years.
As a child, many a happy day was spent there, with my family, but mostly with my father.... We roamed the trails and tracks, and foraged seasonally.... the fruits of Nature; blackberries, elderflower, elderberry, rose-hip, sloes and crab apples... all to be used in the delightful recipes that were hidden within the pages of my Nan's hand-written recipe books!
The adventure started , as we would head in the car, for what, as a child, seemed like an age, but what I now realise, was about 20 minutes... through the lanes, wild hedged and overgrown and down through a ford across the road. Squeals of delight as my father manoeuvered his careful way through and even at slow speed, water splashing up to the windows, only served to increase the squealing.
Spring mornings, Summer afternoon tea picnics, by the stream, Autumn gold and Winter White.... memories that can never be stolen away.
But today....
Mr OF, pills taken... fed and watered and under strict instruction to be sensible ! Ha! I picked up my backpack... ( all prepared last night), and headed out.
Sitting in the car, I did feel a faint tightening of the tummy... some slight over-breathing, and a fleeting worry thought. But... a few gentle relaxed 1,2,3 breaths and I was off.
I talked to my father all the way... yes, you would not have seen him there beside me. But I knew he was there. I had another faint squeak of anxiousness, when I thought I had missed the turn... but no...there it was and down I drove to the dale and the NT car park.
Today I was meeting someone new; a psychotherapist who as one of her treatments offers a walk and talk session. As I parked, her car drew up also, to join the other cars belonging, I assumed to other walkers, or runners !
As I changed into my walking shoes, she called a friendly greeting and the adventure began.
From the outset.... it felt right. The power of the place was almost overwhelming. The first few strides, slow paced and tentative felt odd. My legs not quite belonging to me, a slight tension on the body. but my feet, bless them , doing what they do best... 1,2,3,4. They held me up and they carried me on.
Faint stirrings of familiarity, as we walked, but the shrubs, the bushes and the trees have had many years of growth and regrowth... little footbridges, where there were none....logs turned into resting places for the weary but , yes, the stepping stones I crossed as child... still there.... the only way across the stream so many, many years ago.
We walked, I talked, I rambled, I lost the plot and found it again, she chatted and occasionally suggested and questioned... it was all very natural and very calming.
The trees, dappled sunlight, the murmur of water...all seeming fresh and new, after the last two weeks of seemingly endless grey. Every trail brought a new vista and one to be savored. I walked much more slowly than I normally do, taking time to breathe gently and take pantographs also. We, or rather I, talked the whole time. The essence of the place seeping into my soul with every step.
Forest bathing at its best.
We passed dog walkers, lone walkers, one runner and a young family paddling in the stream... pig-tailed and summer frocked, splashing and laughing as Mum, close by smiled at their antics. It could have been me... and my sister. Shadows of the past... but far too noisy to be so 
I just walked and looked.... and looked and looked. I was suddenly aware that I was feeling like me.
My companion, broke into my thoughts, and remarked that we were only five minutes from the car park...I simply could not believe it... we had walked and talked all round one of the trails...we had walked for over an hour and it had gone in a blink.., I had no idea of time or distance... it turned out, as she checked her watch, we had walked 2,26 miles!
I was amazed and delighted! No real effort and not a second of anxiety or panic.
I had left my father a while back, there, rambling across the downs... at peace.
We made out way back past the ford …. not so deep today, and a new log cabin by the Ford Farm... selling ice cream and drinks ! Goodness ! Mr OF will be delighted... he loves an occasional ice-cream!
Making our way back to the car-park, we made provisional plans for our next meeting...good byes said, shoes changed and heading for home. Relaxed and calm... no anxious tension and within ten minutes I was being greeted by Mr Of, who was delighted with my happy smile and my over exuberance at how well the walk had gone.
My adventure had gone well, better than I may have imagined. I think I may sleep well tonight and maybe,,, no need for breathing exercises...
Sleep well or rest easy, everyone...
See you tomorrow,
Oldfloss x
PS
linda9389 ... I took you with me... Thank you x
