Long walks

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There is something about autumn that makes me want to take long walks. Perhaps it's the cooler air, the angle of the sun, and the colorful leaves. I walked through Central Park yesterday and snapped the above photo from the north side of the reservoir looking south. Amaze-balls. I often forget how pretty the city can be, and remarkably quiet. In the park there were birds chirping, crickets singing, and stillness. It's more peaceful the farther north you are in the park. Fewer tourists wonder up there. As you get closer the the edge of the park you begin to hear traffic, sirens, etc. The calm is gone. Back to the fast paced race of life in the city.

Today I walked along the East River, about 40 blocks. Again, a bit more peaceful, and really no tourists at all. Lots of dogs, moms with kids and babies. People on benches reading and sunning themselves. A few joggers. The current is very fast in the river, and in parts there are actually rapids. I would not want to swim in the river, ever.

I encourage you to get out and go for a long walk. Try somewhere new and explore. Pay attention to everything that is around you. Be present in the moment and enjoy yourself. No music. Listen to what's happening then and there. Perhaps, find a calm spot and stop and meditate or simply reflect on the now. Slow down and be.

Where are your favorite spots to walk? In Minneapolis I enjoyed the lakes and the trails along the river. In Neenah, Kimberly Point and Riverside Park. High Cliff too. Beaver Creek Valley State Park in SE Minnesota has great trails. The possibilities are almost endless!

The Flower of Life

I recently stumbled across a series on You Tube, and this particular video caught my attention. It discusses the above image, the Flower of Life. When you learn about this image and realize that all things in the universe can be derived from it, your mind will be blown, or expanded, I guess is a better way to say it.

We all studied geometry at some point. I do not remember discussing and learning about sacred geometry. I am sure it was covered, but I was not interested in it at the time. Now that I am older and a bit wiser, sacred geometry is freaking awesome.

I will be turning 40 this December, and I said I would get a tattoo. I'm thinking the flower of life would make a pretty great one!

This past week I have had an A-ha moment of sorts. Stumbling across a series of videos, and watching them with an opened mind, has ignited a spark in me. One that inspires me to be more in tune with my mind, body, and spirit. I am not a religious person at all. I have described myself as an atheist. I do not necessarily believe in God, per se, but I do believe in myself, and the energy, or "spirit" we all have.

When time allows, and you are at a point in your day when you can relax your body, open your mind and spirit, I would encourage you to watch the videos and check out the Web site. Some of the topics and ideas are a bit out there. Do not simply dismiss them as not possible or untrue. Allow yourself to listen, and then perhaps research and study a bit yourself. We are bombarded daily with information that tells us how to think and what to believe. Challenge yourself to question everything. You create your own reality. Do not allow others to create it for you! Meditate often, and allow yourself to be come one with the universe.

Yes, this all seems a bit new age-y, and "out there". Religion is full of the unbelievable. What moves and inspires me, is when science, and fact, can back ideas up! What inspires and moves you? Do you meditate?