Yesterday I decided to walk home from the bookstore. It is a fast 7 minute drive to the store from home. It is a much slower 50 minute walk - all up hill - back home. And it was wonderful. It took 40 of those 50 minutes to re-sync my mind back into my body. My thoughts began to take a back seat to the rhythm of my footsteps. I noticed the layered explosion of greenery and purple flowers hanging just to the left of my head. I was surprised by the full bush growing through a central opening of a drain cover. The noise, speed, and size of cars rushing by struck me as invasive. I noticed a driveway of charcoal stones to nowhere. Thanks to, rather than despite of the extra time it took to get home, I was energized. I took a pile of art supplies out to the back patio and began drawing.
On Wednesday, a customer purchased A Philosophy of Walking. As I was ringing out her purchase she said “walking saved my life.” I wish I would have asked her more about that powerful statement. But yesterday, I understood a glimpse of what she meant. Walking put me in the rhythm of reality. It centered me and it heightened my awareness of the world. Drawing does the same for me. They are both tools that are right there, ready for me to use at anytime.
In honor of walking and drawing more, I am taking a vacation from Friday Letters for about a month. I’ll return mid to late August as the school year begins and we start to move into fall. Until then, I encourage you also to walk and draw. I’d love to hear what you notice!
Until a few Friday’s from now ;-)!
Be well, breathe, read, and make some art!
Jen