I’m surrounded by trees, a clear sky, the waterway, and wildlife. I notice how green it is—wow look at all the cattails— a red-winged blackbird must have heard me as it sang out. I see him sitting on one of the cattails as I run past.
Five miles in my right leg begins to speak up a bit. I take a deep breath and shift my mind to a white butterfly then two, then three. Before I know it, I’m counting the white butterflies as I run— my right leg softens.
I'm at number 21 when a walker is heading my way. I couldn’t wait to share with her all the butterflies out today and if she has noticed them too. I wave, smile good morning, and look at her face as I pass.
She is looking down at her phone, earbuds in, eyes locked to the screen—I'm hoping she will look up—she doesn't. She continues on with no awareness of my presence. Oh well—I turn my head to the water—run on.
To my surprise, I spot two baby turtles swimming in the water. I stop my watch and stand on the bank to get a closer look. One of the turtles swims up to the surface and pokes its head up out of the water. I'm thrilled! It froze there looking at me as if to say—I see you.
I smile. Nature has my back—birds, trees, butterflies, and turtles—they see me and I see them. Connection on the trail and why I keep coming back.
What will you notice on your run or walk?
Poem of the day
HEALING TRAIL Living trees gather Minty scent is her shelter Unshakeable roots Run the trail was her breakthrough Nature to soften her pain
Why I Keep Coming Back...