Postcard 001 - Walking
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Walking has always been a regular activity in my family.
I'm not sure when it started, and it's probably something worth asking my parents about, but as far back as I can remember, we would walk. In Austin, I have fond memories of us walking around our neighborhood, and in Seattle — rain or shine — we'd take evening walks. As my sister and I got older, these became ways for us to share our days, collectively exhale from the world around us, and enjoy each other's company. Looking back, I think this habit also laid a foundation for my appreciation of running, and the way it helps me clear my mind and process thoughts.
The last year or so has been a chaotic one for me, even putting global events aside. I've described it as the best and worst year of my life to many people, one full of pain and abundance. In this last year, I've spent a lot of time reflecting and reacquainting myself with myself, trying to acknowledge my thoughts, question their origins, and unlearn things that no longer serve me. Walking has helped with much of that processing.
Recently, I moved and have been incredibly fortunate to have the view in the image above as my "backyard" (it's a public park, but within a few blocks of my house). This has become a regular part of my week, as I'll often wind down for the night with a sunset walk along the path. This walk in particular has been anchoring, as I'm confronted by the magnanimity of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains — and these past few weeks, some of the most beautiful sunsets.
Part of the joy for me with this project is sharing words and images that mean something, so a glimpse into these healing walks felt like the best place to start.