Monday seminar reflection

Hello class and professor,
I wanted to share my thoughts on the class last night. Professor, I really enjoyed the walking meditation reading. It is funny because I have always made time to take a walk during the day either with my dog or with out even of it is just for a short 20 min walk.  Even thought I run there is nothing like the feeling of a peacful walk.  I live across the street from a beach here in town so, I am very fortunate to have access to it.  I walk along the sea wall which is about a half mile.  While I am walking, I try to clear my thoughts and put all my focus on what is around me such as, the big wind turbine in the distance with it big white blades slowing turning, the houses across the way that sit on the water front each with docks and some with boats attached and some without.  I see the boats gently swaying along with the ripples of the water that are attached to bouyes.  When It is low tide, I see all of the sea weed left behind, shells, rocks and sand that is still wet from the water.  I notice the bushes that grow bright pink flowers just on the other side of the cement seawall, there are bees buzzin around all the pink blossoms and they smell like the scent of summer.  As I keep walking I watch all of the seagulls diving for the small fish in shallow water. They are also circling overhead looking for any food left behind at the claim shack where people are lined up to enjoy clam cakes and chowder.   I can smell the scent of french fries and fish in the air. I then, glance across the street and see all of the tall green and brown feathery stalks also known as cat tales growing.  The sun is very warm and shining on my shoulders as I begin to feel a trickle of sweat run down my back.  The side walk has just a little sand on it from the beach and I can hear it scuffle under my shoes as I walk.  The green, antique tall  lamp posts are in perfect uniform along my path with a bird sitting proudly on top of one.  I say hello to a passerby who is enjoying the same route.  There is a couple sitting on the old maroon metal benches eating clam cakes and watching the water roll onto the sand on the other side of the wall.  I notice every little thing around me and it brings me peace, calmness and happiness.   I do this often when I want to get away from the business in my life that we are all familiar with. So I guess in a sense this is walking meditation. I simply walk this half mile a couple of times to clear my head.  I think that everyone should find a favorate place to walk and actually see everylittle thing around them.

I hope everyone has a great week 8!

Cheryl