The Details Are In The Journey

I admit if I'm walking, I want to be headed to a destination.  Recently that viewpoint has changed as I'm learning to slow down and enjoy nature and the outdoors in general.

While visiting a cousin in Seattle, we walked at a pretty good pace and would be in the middle of talking when she would stop suddenly to take a picture of the smallest of details that she had noticed.  It may be a flower, the shadows playing on a surface, a cool car or motorcycle, the birds, street art of some sort, or something else.  She modeled for me the art of being mindful of the beauty in the details that surrounds us.

Since returning from Seattle, I have been taking daily walks with my dogs in the early morning.  The park where we walk is off leash so the dogs can enjoy all the scents they desire and I can practice my mindfulness.  I enjoy watching the sunrise unfold each morning; the subtle details in the sky's coloring as the sun emerges over the horizon.  It is a great way to start my day.

I've made friends during our time at the park.  Early morning walkers are a faithful breed, dedicated not only to their dogs but seem to share the same need for a bit of grounding before starting the day's dealings with the world at large.  Funny enough, as we walk and talk, it is now me that stops and points out a detail or takes a picture or comments on an animal's morning song.

In my minimalist journey I am freeing up the physical clutter which has freed up some mental clutter as well.  I no longer wish to collect things but rather memories and I wish to experience life to the fullest.  I've had a goal to entertain more and I'm meeting that goal because of my progress.  My house is more open, easier to keep up, welcoming, and I can focus on interactions with my guests.  I guess it boils down to acknowledging the positives in paying attention to the details during the journey.