If you have read my blog for
any amount of time, you'll know that goal setting has been something
I have taken seriously. Some would say obsessively.
The trash pick-up element of my
daily walks began to feel a little obsessive. There's just so much
trash to be picked up! I seem to be the only one who cares! The only
one who bends down to pick it up!
I am learning that when I feel
the presence of too many exclamation marks in my internal monologues
it's time to breathe and examine what's up.
I am learning that some days
the walk is enough. There are days that I do not need to save every
sidewalk I encounter from litter. I can simply walk, notice the
litter, and keep walking. Since I walk the same route every day, I
have a chance to clear the path another day if that particular piece
of litter is still waiting for me. In this way, the walking and
de-littering become a game and the obsession eases.
This part of the walking
routine is a form of meditation. On the walk, the litter symbolizes
the thoughts that meditation instructs us to let pass by like clouds.
It's hard to do. To let things pass. To not get obsessed.
It's hard. And then I practice.
And the days pile up and it gets easier.
I definitely saw the potential for litter OCD!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is so good. I always notice the litter when I'm out walking. I like how you likened that to distractions. They certainly show up to steer us off the path. Have a blessed week.
ReplyDeleteThis is so good. I always notice the litter when I'm out walking. I like how you likened that to distractions. They certainly show up to steer us off the path. Have a blessed week.
ReplyDeleteLove that perspective and the thought that sometimes there are too many exclamation points!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is good, Julie! I love the analogy here "On the walk, the litter symbolizes the thoughts that meditation instructs us to let pass by like clouds." Blessings!
ReplyDeleteOh, this is a great post. The topic is great all by itself, but it's a great analogy for so many things in life.
ReplyDelete