Oh the Joy of a Simple Walk/Jog!
A story about sweating by choice...
(Click below for the audio file…)
Oh my goodness if I died now, I would die happy!
Those were the legit active thoughts that came out of my internal dialogue. As my entire body absorbed the cool breeze, my face was flooded with sun dashing through the various scientifically labeled trees.
Along the paved path of the arboretum, I jogged for most of three miles and then walked for an another two. And I did NOT look at my phone once! I mean truly—usually after the first mile- actually 15 minutes into exercise, I’m scrolling through my phone as my feet continue stepping- looking for a conversation to engage in, a podcast to listen to, or a friend to talk to.
But this time, wow- I was enveloped in ALL of my senses! Even my legs were super aware of the total cozy it felt from my new leggings!
(Side note: Gosh leggings have changed SO much in the last few years! They’re no longer just like a spandex glove made for your legs! They’re thick enough to be cozy, but light enough not to feel bulky! They’re comfortable AND flattering! What?! AND they come with these awesome sleek (again not bulky) side pockets that are perrrrfect for what you need to take with you! I mean— old exercise leggings- be gone! At least there’s one thing to easily let go of in my wardrobe!)
Anyways, so this particular walk/jog felt particularly exhilarating because it was the first time in over 2 years living in Hawaii, that I got to experience body movement that also felt aligned with my environment. Kind of like drinking iced coffee when it’s warm out, or hot coffee when it’s cold out. Instead, though, when we lived in Hawaii and I exercised/went on walks or jogs, it was like I was drinking hot coffee while it was 80 degrees outside!
Actually, I took a hot yoga class when we lived there—which I really have no idea what possessed me to do that! But anyway, I digress!
So there I was on this lovely wooded path. As I took in the wonderful moment- I felt SO grateful remembering my walks/jogs in Hawaii when the physical competition of my internal heat regulation going up against the unrelenting heat and humidity of the tropics really felt truly unjust!
And so now I was sweating because my internal heat was releasing its metabolic synthesis (or whatever), instead of the hot humid air releasing its own precipitation on me! This was sweat because I was actually exercising; I was choosing to activate its synthesis (or whatever)!
Also, I’m very much a “make -sure-you-stop-to-smell-the-flowers” type of gal, and I’m committed to the practice no matter the environment. The foliage in tropical island land is truly beautiful- just like the postcards- I definitely won’t deny that! But when my face would be tomato-red, red and my clothes full of sweat, and my sunglasses falling down my face from sweat and the sun beaming down on me, it was hard to fully appreciate those island flowers.
But this time as I practically skipped down the tree lined path, without having to battle all those ridiculous heat dynamics, I was able to just breathe! I admired the trees, even without flowers, to still draw me in like a butterfly! I looked at the leaves, their scientific names, the way the branches swayed in the breeze, and everything was right in the world. The sun shone through as a welcomed visitor instead of an imposing guest! I was super overjoyed to feel at home in my body AND in my environment again!
Yes, there is a Heaven here on Earth!
And it is like 2 miles from my house! :)