I’ve recently rediscovered the joy of a brisk walk. Winter in Melbourne may not seem the obvious time for this but there’s a kind of magic in breathing in the crisp air and crunching the crisp leaves underfoot. It clears the mind, awakens the senses and rejuvenates the body. I get into a kind of trance and feel I could keep walking indefinitely. Like Tyler Durden says in “Fight Club” (but at more of a leisurely pace): “I ran. I ran until my muscles burned and my veins pumped battery acid. Then I ran some more.”
I’ve been wearing one of these tres chic fit-bit things and have become obsessive about achieving my goal number of steps daily (current goal 11, 800). This has meant I’ve foregone the couch of an evening and rugged up to take the air along the Merri Creek (the happiest place on earth) if it’s light and along High street if it’s not. Even though the couch initially looked more appealing, I always feel better after some fresh (very fresh) air and a few thou steps.
Many writers have extolled the virtues of a walk. “Nothing like a night time stroll to give you ideas,” said J.K. Rowling. Virginia Woolf walked London’s parks for inspiration. I like to pretend I’m tramping across the moors. Heathcliff, it’s me Cathy! There’s always endless inspiration in nature and even in my urban surrounds, greenery can be found in parks and leafy pockets. Hope and trees spring eternal.
I used to chortle about Jane Austen’s characters taking a ‘turn about the room’ but after a rainy night pacing around the living room, I admit it is a good way to get the steps up in a pinch! Plus gain some clarity on exactly how odious Mr Darcy is. Walking with a podcast is the next best thing to gossiping with a friend; I enjoy WTF with Marc Maron, The Tim Ferriss Show and the Love-life podcast.
Walking is a moving meditation. It’s brings you back to the present with every footfall. “I am walking. I am walking. I am walking.” I walk therefore I am. And now for walk in the black forest! (The Goodies reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w15kcCq5tfg)
Do you enjoy taking a turn across the room or taking the air on the moors dear reader?
Love and light and brisk walks x Yvette
Weave the Future Magical 
Love a not-so-brisk walk, especially with Bubbles – you can take her for a brisk one in October; & I remember watching The Goodies with you & your sisters! They’re still very funny!
Love from Dad + 2 humans, 1 animal. XO
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Thanks Dad! Love The Goodies. My walk is often more leisurely than brisk. A dog is a great reason for a daily walk! X
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The heather is calling me!!
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Heathcliff?! 😍
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I get to have my brisk walks in the dark at night and across icy paddocks in the morning to feed the horses each day. I warm up but sometimes my hands get very cold even with gloves.
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Hi Anne! They sound extremely brisk! Bet the horses 🐴 appreciate it and you appreciate a cuppa after! ❤️☕️x
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So pleased that you have discovered the joy of a brisk walk. I love having a fast 30 minute walk around our block as often as possible. I totally agree with you that it clears the mind and rejuvenates the body. I do take my old iPod loaded with Richard Fidler’s podcasts to listen to but often find that my mind is more focused on my surroundings and just enjoying being outdoors, the fresh air, and winding around different streets in the neighbourhood. I’m glad you like your fit-bit, my garmin needs to be reloaded, so I am not looking at the number of steps at the moment. We try to walk our two dogs as often as possible as well. Enjoy your walks!
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Hi Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. I agree that sometimes some peace is good to give your brain some quiet time while walking. With dogs I guess you need to get out regularly! My cat prefers to sleep! My Fitbit sets a target, it’s now 12,500 which is challenging some days. Walking is great x
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