take a walk and get distracted

pink magnolias; so beautiful, so fleeting

Take a walk and get distracted.

Slightly contradicting my past suggestions I know, but bear with me. Both my children have taught me the beauty of walking slowly and meandering. There is no need to rush in their world and so they take their time; often distracted by the cracks in the pavement, fallen leaves or a trail of ants. Regardless of how “big” they think they are, their world is still the minutiae – for now but not for long.

When we walk I’m the one that hurries them along, often needing to get home and see to work or chores or general to-dos. But sometimes I give in and the ten minute walks takes an entire hour – I surrender to a slow pace and an open mind and I’m all the better for it. It’s an entirely rejuvenating way to start or end the day; when I follow their lead we all return home contented and calm.

So: open the door, step outside and start walking. Look up and down and all around (and leave your phone at home).

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Showing 14 comments
  • THERESA S
    Reply

    As always, you have a way of saying things so wonderfully. I'm feeling this way about Mason this week too. He is so little and everything is so new to him. I'd love to see the world through his eyes, to experience everything like it was the first time.

  • mel @ loved handmade
    Reply

    This is such good advice, I'm going to do it..x

  • Rebecca Alexis
    Reply

    perfect! xo

  • jo
    Reply

    Beautifully said! I too find it so calming when I slow down while out walking with my little one. Not always easy to do but I always feel so much better for it x

  • Reply

    Oh, this sounds lovely, but we have the opposite – cooper only knows how to run and run faster! hehe

  • Maxabella
    Reply

    Walking is really the only time I find it easy to live in the moment. x

  • lydia
    Reply

    I love this image. Magnolia in bloom always appear to me like a flock of birds, with brilliant plumage, have landed on the bare branches.. and are about to take off again – such is the fleeting nature. Thank you for your posts Jodi.

  • Briseidy
    Reply

    I love nature's beauty! the best things in life are for free…like this…

  • lili nfolks
    Reply

    the importance of respecting their rhythm … thanks for reminding me. I love to walk under trees, I feel they can give me their power and make me peaceful.

  • Jesi Yvonne Langdale
    Reply

    Wonderful. Children can always teach us so much about opening our minds and hearts.

  • little beds
    Reply

    So very true. One sure way to calm and soothe a soul, little or big. I wrote about this same thing (kinda) a while ago here… http://thelittlebeds.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/looking-up-and-looking-down.html

  • Sharolyn Newington
    Reply

    beautiful magnolias

  • Luisa Brimble
    Reply

    It goes back to how I met you.

  • look see (naomi)
    Reply

    I love that magnolia 🙂

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