I normally start each day with my bathroom ritual, morning coffee, and 20-minute meditation. This is then followed by a trip to the gym. Thirty minutes on the elliptical while watching the news and sports mindlessly as time passed. Well that all got thrown out the window in April. How can I possibly get through the day without my morning sweat? What am I going to do? Firstly, my man, stop blubbering. In the grand scheme of things this is not that great a hardship, right? I mean, what are you complaining about, your life situation could be a lot worse? Count your blessings…

Yes, count your blessings… So, I began walking. At first, I was skeptical that this could be an effective substitute. After the first week that notion went flying out the window. I have now been walking two miles a day, every day, for the past two months. The physical benefits have been numerous, but at best secondary. My morning walk is much, much more than a work-out. It’s turned out to be an opportunity to reset and connect with LIFE, connect with my humanness. For that I am truly grateful.

Like the engine of a car warming up on a cold day, each of my five senses begins to slowly feel the vibrancy of Life, as I turn off my mind for a little while. Each day and each walk is different, as there are so many variables. I’m learning to accept what the world has to offer or say to me at this very moment.  The chatter of the birds… The rhythm of my breath… The gentle breeze through my fingers as I stride along my route… The familiar faces, good morning and namaste… my right hip telling me can’t we take the day off…

I’m thankful, I am thankful to be alive, let the day begin!