Walk and talk...
Good morning...
Here I am again... I was not lazy yesterday..., but a busy day and a bit of toing and froing, meant that the day was not quite long enough to write up my activities.
Waking after a slightly broken night.. lots of lovely images from the walk in Derbyshire, drifting through my head, I started the day again using part of the ten minute breathing balance from YWA.
Sunshine beginning to creep through the clouds and the promise of a very warm and sunny day, again.
I have always enjoyed yoga, but not a fanatic, but have done classes , in the past... I have done many of the YWA challenges too, posted for us by @CBDB...and currently, I am finding yoga very helpful and versatile too.
Our own lovely Bluebirdrunner is a really excellent role model to follow , enjoying her yoga and demonstrating the benefits of it for body and mind. She gave me this link and I love it!
The first part of the breathing, is very much a gentle awareness, and that kind of relaxed start, is for me essential right now.
It is well worth taking a look if you have the time to do it.
youtube.com/watch?v=tbMK48E...
The routine then for me is the same... knees, ankles, calves and toes routine... and then after morning cuppa, courtesy of Mr OF, who is making steady progress, up and squats done whilst cleaning teeth... I am increasing the number steadily and the squats are deeper. I even popped in some ankle raises too.
I knew I was getting a walk in with Mr OF, and my second walk/talk session on the afternoon was booked... so... the next exercises done, after breakfast were ones taken straight from this post...
healthunlocked.com/strength......
Up and downstairs for washing, and then all the pegging on the line.... stretching, bending and lifting. It all counts, do not kid yourselves. It really does.
Lunch prepared and eaten , backpack and walking shoes in the car and off.
No little tummy flutters this week, I knew where I was going, I knew who I was meeting and the memories of last week's walk still very fresh in my head, meant that I was really looking forward to the hour.
The NT car park was a tad busier than the previous week, but I changed into my shoes, checked my pack, had a sip of water, just as my companion arrived. We exchanged greetings, decided on a route and we were off. We discussed pace, as last week, I walked very slowly, for me, and I said, that with the increased exercises, my pace would be a little faster, it was. But with pauses for photo shots.
The conversation flowed... me talking a lot... just letting the worlds and the worries out there... and watching them float away into the green dappled canopy. Between us and the blue, blue sky.
She is of course a very skilled companion.... remembering our conversation and adding ideas, and thoughts, drawing from me and suggesting things, I would never have thought of. Despite some dark spots, the mood is positive., reflecting the nature of the walk.... shadows and dark hidden places, but always, always interspersed with bright spots and sunlight: For example, we walked along a narrow path, under a hill lined with huge trees, there was mud at one side, still thick and gloopy, despite the heat, and we had to wait for a few folk coming the opposite way, with small persons and having to carry pushchairs.... it was cool, darker and slightly brooding, as we stood chatting quietly, but then after they had passed, we stepped out and suddenly back into a clearing bathed in light and with birdsong filling the air.
We moved on and we sat. Two huge log benches in the sunshine, our backs to the stream and our faces towards the sun. The talk went on, problems aired, and ideas for handling them. The focus now very much being gently turned to thinking ahead, in a positive way.
A drink of water and it was time to head back... time really does fly.
The return walk was wonderful, a brisker pace, and I even spotted the crab apple tree where my father and I picked the apples... no longer standing alone, but with other small trees and bushes as companions. My father was there... his shadow just under the little tree....
The path was open and wide and sunlit.... we were the only walkers... the heat had clearly driven people to the shadier spots... we planned a route for our next meeting, incorporating a slightly more uphill walk... I shall need to pop in a few more leg exercises I feel.
A few photographs and we were back at the car park.
Plans made for our next meet in two weeks time, and farewells said.
Relaxed and breathing easy... I headed for home.
A quick errand on the way and back for cup of tea time.
My walking is getting stronger and I was not over-breathing, the whole walk was relaxed and steady... I no longer have the feeling in the pit of my stomach, that I am not able to move or walk... my breathing is keeping pace with my steps.
We did about two miles again...but a tad pacier as we had a sit down break mid way, this time. I am very satisfied the way things are progressing and that means a lot.
I painted for a while … and after dinner, Mr OF and I just sat and chatted and I shared my walk. Sleep came easy...and this morning I have woken refreshed and ready to face a day which holds some appointments for Mr OF...but which I face with a renewed strength and positivity.
Yoga has been done... the routines complete... some leg work? Probably. Flexibility is key...
Once again, Nature worked its magic...
I feel it, deep within my as I step out, touching the soul and raising my spirit, I am trying to hold that feeling with me.
As Hippocrates said,
“ Nature itself is the best physician... “
For me, right now, I could not agree more.
See you later everyone...
Have a wonderful day...
Oldfloss x
