The Path Less Traveled

The Path

Daughter and I decided to get an early start on Sunday.  We had a storm the night before.  As we approached the park, we saw toppled trash cans, fallen trees and other debris which hinted at how powerful the storm was.  The sun was out but there was still a winter nip in the air that lingered our entire walk.  Due to the unusual weather, we had had several days of cold by Hawaii standards.  In our neck of the woods, if the temperature drops below sixty or seventy degrees it is officially cold.  Our mainland family and friends laugh but for us, it's pretty frigid.  There was no one on the path that morning, just the departure of a young man who had finished his walk and was getting in his car when we arrived.  The stretch was especially difficult due to the cold but it was wonderful to be able to steal away for a brief walk.

     As we started, an air of environmental responsibility descended and we felt it our civic duty to pick up debris and police the area that gave us so much pleasure.  We also thought of our good friend who cleaned the park on a daily basis.  We didn't want her to feel overwhelmed by what would greet her, her first day back to work, after the storm.  Something happens to you when you give yourself over to unselfish acts of kindness.  There was such of sense of responsibility as we strained to pick up as much trash as possible.  A kind of pay-it-forward attitude took over.  With every piece of rubbish I retrieved from the furthest reaches of our walking path, no matter how wet or disgusting it might be, I was doing heaven's work and someone would probably see it.  Witnessing these acts would be so contagious that it would literally change the world.  These are the kinds of mind games I indulge in while trying to get the all-important walk done.  It's usually not about laps or BPMs for me.  My primary goal  is about exploring the spiritual heights and depths of my own mind in a totally, unrelated (to exercise) thought patten.  This conscience practice, I believe, meets the needs of the intangible universe. The secondary effect on my own existence is an elevated heart rate, sweat and an ever-so-slight resistance effect on the large muscle groups in the lower extremities.  After being at the park, I always feel like I have in some way, benefited my whole being; or at least that's what I tell myself.

     Daughter and I had decided to do a forty minute walk because we had a sick little girl waiting for our return.  As we approached the car on our last lap, we realized that there were two  "newbies" on the path.  One of them approached as we commenced our stretching regime.  I looked up at the approaching fitness seeker and noticed she seemed very closed off as I was about to exchange pleasantries with her, which is my custom. I hesitated at first, but in that moment, thought it best as a veteran park user  to instruct her in the happy manners and practices employed by those who use this park almost daily.  I looked her in the eye and said a hearty " Good Morning " She immediately chimed in, "Good Morning….Let's get our move on!"  I then realized, the manner of her previous expression was not an accurate depiction of her true feelings.  As it is with all of us, we make a decision to connect or not.  She was so delightful, joyous and jubilant, I am so glad I didn't let my first impression of her keep me from greeting her. Lady-Love, as I will affectionately call her from now on, said she was just starting to use this park and would see us again.  Lady-Love will be such an encouragement on the path this year….I look forward to many cheerful exchanges with her.

Daughter and I left the park that day feeling good about our ability to help up-keep the grounds,  touch the universe and connect to one of God's Children.

Progress: 40 minutes, good deeds and a new friend.