Nature’s Walking Meditations

Sometimes we are our own worst enemy.

We don’t need the pressure of others, or of media to spur our self-doubt — especially during times of change or shifting perspectives. The mind races, the body follows suit, and worry and fear blossom exponentially. “What did I do wrong?” “What if I missed X opportunity?” “What direction should I go?” “What can I do to do more?” Of course, thousands of years of spiritual practice reminds us to MEDITATE. As one who has been accustomed to such practices for the majority of her life, I’ve realized that this is at times, easy to do…and at others, simply not possible. During those more spastic times, I walk. Aimlessly. We’re lucky (thank you!!) to have nature preserves nearby, so when I’m in these moods I force myself outdoors, with my camera — even in the torrential heat of South Florida summers. If you have a park nearby, go to some trees; just sit near the natural elements. Nature, and by effect walking on the earth below, can be a magnificent grounding exercise when these wingy-dingy thoughts and moods take root in the psyche. And by meandering, observing the wildlife — by focusing on something other than worries, the mind *blanks* — something I would not achieve otherwise, sitting cross-legged calmly on a pillow. When the mind finally empties of the infuriating fear and self-doubt, the inner voice peeks through, and conservations flow unencumbered. Listen — these can be the best moments, akin to waking from a dream-state. By the end of the walk, I’m brimming with gratitude for the for the sheer relief of the shift of perspective. And if I’m lucky enough, I’ve come out of it with some interesting ideas. ☀

From oneindia living: The Tao Way of Journeying – Short Story

Tao means ‘the way’ A short Tao story reflects the truth.

A young man who wanted to take a look at the statue of Lao Tzu, the Tao master, set out one night on his embarkation. The statue was atop a hill, a hundred kilometers away and the path to it was rugged and risky to embark in the night. Hence after having gone a few kilometers he decided to wait until day break to pursue with his journey.

As the young man sat by the roadside, an old man came by and made enquiries. He then persuaded the young man to go along with him, to the hill, promising rest whenever he wanted to.

The young man agreed and the two set off on the journey. The path was beautiful and the old man readily agreed to rest whenever the young man wanted to. The two then reached the hilltop where the statue of Lao Tzu stood. A sense of utter fulfillment brimmed the young man’s heart on his mission being met.

The old man stoked, “Get up. What are you resting for? The journey is not over. It does not end with this. The path is beautiful. You will have to pursue it. There is nothing called the goal, but only the path!”

A short story that kindles the spirit of Tao in all spiritual seekers.

A most beautiful path in Riverbend (Jupiter, FL)