As part of my downshifting for this week I am walking the dog. My labrador, Alfie, has plenty of exercise now he’s over a year old, but these walks are part of his on going training too. The walks will continue and not just for this week. John takes Alfie for long walks and I take him on short walks to the shops. He has plenty of exercise around here and in the garden. The real issue is I need the exercise. Good, steady walking. It will build up my stamina and make me less prone to injury. In the summer months, this is much easier as we visit the caravan often and take many walks as a family.

I rise at 7:00 am every morning, apart from maybe the odd weekend. It is rare though. I usually feed all the animals, make myself a cuppa, write in my journal and get the boys up. Then my day really starts.

Both my younger sisters have been badgering me to join the gym. I refused…I wavered…I refused again and then I began to consider it. I was sent a guest invitation to visit for the day and use the gym’s facilities. I don’t drive so that creates a getting-there-and-back situation in time to pick Harry up from nursery. I could go in the evenings, but the mere thought of going at peak times, at a higher cost, just isn’t an option for me.

John takes the boys to school and I usually work in the mornings. Then, of course, Harry is with me for the rest of the day when we do all of our usual daily activities. I am trying to make the most of him before he starts school in September, *wail* so I try to do things that we both like – together. So, you see, visiting the gym isn’t something that’s at the top of my list. Yes, I could find the time if I wanted to. But, I don’t want to. I love nature and would much rather be outdoors. However, I need to exercise more. Going the allotment twice a week – more often in summer – just isn’t enough. The cost of a gym membership causes me to feel flushed. A bit like Whoopi Goldberg, in the movie Ghost, aka Oda Mae Brown, as she’s forced to hand over that cheque for millions of $$, to a couple nuns on the sidewalk?

But why do that when I have everything at my disposal? Fresh air, long walks, power walking if I wish. Along with even more strenuous runs around my local field. I took Alfie out this morning before this part of the world was experiencing their REM sleep. I noticed the bird song, the trees, the glistening rooftops in the rain and the huge expanse of the sky. I did it slowly and surely and soaked in every single moment. I didn’t realise there was so much pleasure in listening and noticing Mother Nature’s beauty that surrounds me – every single moment. Right here, right now…

Yes, I do walk the dog. Yes, I do walk everywhere. Just not in this fashion. I am either going from A to B, or I have to get over with as quickly as possible in order to get on with my day. Just crazy.

I was tired initially, when I first started out. When I got home, I felt refreshed and invigorated. Alfie was happy too, so that was added bonus. I walked my other dog, Reeve, on my own before my children were born, but it all got lost in the busy-ness of life. I’ve always enjoyed walking anyway but it became more of a necessity, rather than a pleasure.

Walking, for walking’s sake. With or without a dog. To be in the moment and enjoy the experience. All part of the downshifting for me and my family. Less expense, more beauty, better exercise and absolutely good for me. All part of what nature intended for all of us. Children do this naturally and need no instruction to enjoy everything around them. Just like nature intended.