Friday Check-in
Photograph ©2006 David Bivins
It was raining and cold this morning (Thursday). I half-jokingly suggested to my partner that she walk the dog instead of me, but I knew it was my turn and that I should do my duty. As soon as I was outside, getting wet, getting cold, I knew I had made the right choice. The crisp air invigorated me and the rain… I don’t know what it is about rain, but it makes me feel alive like nothing else. I sometimes order ahead to a coffee shop that’s out of the way to make sure I give the dog a better walk. I usually make my own coffee and breakfast, but I got a latte and a fancy pastry this morning instead.
It’s easy to get stuck inside in front of my computer. Some days I’m here at my desk until late, and when I finally walk the dog some time after 9pm, I realize I haven’t been outside at all.
Sometimes meditation and flossing aren’t enough–sometimes I have to get off my ass and walk around. One time during an eye exam, an optometrist reminded me that my distant ancestors had to scan the horizon for predators. That looking at things far away is something we were designed to do.
Being outside, scanning the horizon (well, OK, not so much in the middle of Brooklyn), walking, being, seeing other people, saying “good morning” (one in two reply), all of these are good.
These small, mundane acts settle me and set me up for a better day. Sometimes big things, big changes, are difficult to do. But they’re made up of small things.
I hope you can do some small things that feel good. They don’t have to add up to anything, do they? They can just feel right.
I love you,
David
