Choosing to Run

One of our assignments this week asked us to take a walk in nature, away from the busy life. I actually went for a run instead. We're scheduled to run every Saturday morning and I knew that after that run I would not be willing to go for a walk or hike of any sort. For part of the run, I didn't listen to any music and I didn't get near anyone to talk to them as a distraction. During that time it was difficult because I am used to running with someone and having that support beside me. At the same time, it was quiet and I could listen to all the natural sounds coming from around me. I heard the usual birds and wind that everyone is going to mention. There were also car sounds and people on bikes. But what I noticed was that the people I passed were all doing something. No one was just sitting, enjoying life. People were driving, running, biking, walking dogs, etc. The point is they were all "going"...somewhere. Then I thought about how I was running. That's "going" too. I enjoyed the breeze and the natural sounds, but it wasn't relaxing, it wasn't getting close to nature. Everyone's lives are so filled with things to do, and places to go. I don't think anyone really stops to think or feel what is really going on around them, or what is going on with themselves. All the things I saw people doing could be stress relievers, but they were still going. I thought about how it seems as everyone runs  through life and doesn't take time to appreciate things. There are people who would love the opportunity to be able to walk or run, but they are physically incapable. Yet, they probably enjoy and appreciate life more than we do. It's a challenge in today's world to be able to take time and just enjoy life, but I think it's important for us to take that time in order to grasp that full meaning of life. :)