A Walk with My Dad
A slide show of memories played continuously throughout this morning’s walk. And yet, there was an awareness of the vision of everything along the path, observing, listening to the sounds, feeling the textures of nature, the feel of the air, the magnificence of that moment in the still, warm, gentle early morning hour. There was so much to experience.
The walk began with the inspiration of Eckhart Tolle and Byron Katie, who suggest taking a walk in nature, in silence, observing without labels, judgement, or distractions, and being still.
As I walked, the presence of my Dad was with me. He passed away in 1994, too early in both his opinion and mine.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I allowed myself to be still, to be aware, to absorb the outstanding life that I am a part of.
This morning I recognized how my Dad taught me this awareness, this spiritual connection, by teaching me to feel deeper, in my heart and soul, and that there is a constant of love, kindness, peace, and the connection with all as one.
When we feel the heaviness of life, it’s time to explore. Removing our labels, our expectations, our stories, is vital to our survival. I didn’t always know this peace and the fact that it is always there.
Growing up in California had its natural wild side. My Dad loved clearing our property himself, in our “meadow” (acres filled with oak trees, wild sage, weeds, and sumac) with the creek that would run after a hard rain. I now understand that those hours in nature were integral to his health; the well being of his mind, body, and spirit.
My Dad and I walked together today, in spirit and heart, and I understood him in his perfection.
Be still. Listen, smell, and see what we are a part of and relax. Be gentle with yourselves. Be gentle with others and be gentle with our surroundings and everything it contains.
As we breathe and feel contentment, if even for a single moment, we relax into everything that is FOR us. Our constant that we always have is love, kindness, and peace.
Breathe.
And take a walk.