I am not aware of my feet touching the earth, but am always looking ahead surveying the ground and intuitively place my feet where necessary. I look at all my surroundings, the hedges, trees, flowers and stop and observe the birds and animals that cross my path.
I see the wren calling in the hedgerows. I see the wild flowers growing throughout the seasons. I hear the call of a green woodpecker that sweeps ahead of me across the field. I near a scratching squirrel and call to it and watch him watching me briefly, before running and leaping effortless to a tree and up its bark. I follow and watch him hiding and ascending the tree, before swinging off onto another tree branch. I surprise a pheasant, who surprises us both and shrieks taking to the air urgently. I stop and admire a bee orchid growing alone on the field edge, knowing it is rare and must not be picked, for it will die.
I follow the path down to a brook and cross the footbridge and stop and gaze at the water to see if anything moves here or along the banks. Sometimes I see a fish, a water vole and occasionally a kingfisher - a mere flash of blue, but nevertheless a wondrous sight. I walk further and as I round a bend in the path in woodland, I surprise six roe deer who prick their ears, snort, and run away only to stop moments later to look again at this intruder in their world.
I marvel at these sights and sounds, which make me both joyful and humble at seeing the living unspoilt world, of which we all connected.
I walk beside a barbed wire fence and notice the sheep's wool caught on the barbs, as they either squeezed through or reached for a succulent piece of grass.
I watch the trees sway in the light breeze, the leaves flutter gently. I gaze at the fluffy clouds that glide across the sky. I walk in the cool damp air, but all is enjoyable and serene. Then suddenly the sun appears, and for a brief moment, illuminates my world and can see everything in its vibrant colours. As though showing me what is there and be patient. The clouds roll in and I am left with the magic of those priceless seconds. My heart is full of love for sharing this moment.
I walk on just looking and admiring all that my eyes see. I know I am guided and watched over, for I never put a foot wrong. I just walk with no preconceived ideas and no expectations. I just let it all happened in its own good time, which makes me very blessed at what has occurred.
I visit a church and are humbled at the workmanship and the story of the woodwork, stone and memorials. I touch the font and feel its story and energy.
As I walk though woodland and stop and rest by an oak tree and feel its trunk against my back. I feel its energy and wisdom, and say a prayer and touch it gently with my hand.
As I near the end of the walk I turn and raise my hand and say good-bye and thanks for allowing me to visit and enjoy your surroundings. It has meant much and I shall return to explore further and watch the unfolding kaleidoscope of life that exists there.
I walk and give thanks that I am able to do so with my body and mind. It is all a deep and profound experience without end.
Copyright - John Merrill- 9/2/2010
"May you go in peace, with joy in your heart and may the divine be always at your side."
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