Gazing up at bare maple branches on a cool November day, I’m reminded of the tributaries of a river, with little streams merging into larger and larger ones on their way to the sea. The same pattern is hidden inside of each of us, as the branches of our circulatory system deliver the heartbeat blood flow which gives us life.
We don’t tend to think about our blood vessels much, not unless our heart is pounding or maybe the nurse is trying to find a vein. I started paying more attention a while ago, after surgery caused damage to the arteries of my leg. Over time, amazing healing powers of the human body brought relief. I’m happy to say that discomfort is no longer an issue. But life events can direct our journey. It’s because at one point I had trouble standing or sitting for any amount of time that I became a dog walker.
I love walking dogs. I named my business Frolicsome Dog Walks because what I do is take dogs out to play. This is the best business in the world. My furry clients wiggle and dance with joy when I arrive! We pick a direction and head out. The dogs will stop and sniff at a huckleberry bush or the corner of a fence, and I’ll pick up a fallen leaf and admire the red veins in the golden yellow. Each day is a new adventure. And what better activity than walking could complement the lovely but sedentary art of writing? The happenstance of life has pointed me in a fortunate direction.
Most people enjoy a nice walk, but it can be tough to find the time. One reason some folks get a dog is in order to force themselves to go outside regularly. Ha, as I write this, my Pippa is staring at me. Okay, Pippa.
I'll be right back.
Hello again.
After all this time, I have yet to dread a dog walk, but there are days I would have stayed snug indoors if I didn't have the professional commitment. Once out, I am happy to walk. My neighborhood sits at the confluence of the branches of a river and has some great places to explore. Even better, though, the weekends allow walking along the seashore or in the mountains with Pippa. The Northwest Coast has astounding beauty.
My ancestors walked the forests of Denmark and England, yet for me a hike through these Pacific Northwest woods is like stepping back through time. When I look around, I can almost remember, somehow, the old growth forest of a hundred years ago. Among the trees the river tumbled in the same way over boulders, and the woodpeckers went after the snags with just as much gusto. When I’m out in the wilderness I can imagine what it must have been like for those who came up these rivers and streams to hunt or forage in those times long past.
I love a nice hot shower, a massage, or a session of yoga, and these or a good stroll reduce levels of the body's stress hormones. Walking also produces endorphins that both make me feel better and help me concentrate and feel mentally sharp. Exercise gets the blood flowing, which feeds more oxygen to my muscles and brain. A walk out in the fresh air opens the way for inspiration.
They say what goes around, comes around. This is true within one’s own personal sphere, too. I’ve found that when I do something nice for my health, it comes back to reward me. On a day filled with all sorts of maintenance and housekeeping, I may struggle to squeeze in some time to write, but I’ve found a way to consistently include taking a break and getting some exercise. Dog walking is fun in its own right, but it has also helped me build up strength for hiking in the mountains.
I love to go outside. In nature we see differently, away from mental patterns which can sometimes hold us back.
When we look at a beautiful scene, what reaches our eyes are patterns of light. And that’s what we are, ultimately. Patterns of light.
