Wonder. Wander.

If the past couple years has taught me anything, it has been to slow my pace, set my focus and notice my surroundings. Oh, and I’m not in control. Anyone else have that sense? However, with the trauma that we all have experienced on a variety of levels in these recent times of uncertainty, I have learned the value of space and time.

Recently I have read a book called, ‘The Wander Society,’ by Keri Smith. One concept that I was reminded of, is if an activity is good for you, it will give you energy. You will feel excited, charged, electric! If it is not good for you, you will feel lethargic, depleted, drained, atrophied. Smith also quotes Leo Tolstoy: ‘The more we live by our intellect, the less we understand the meaning of life.’ To pause and check in with oneself is an important practice of presence and self assessment. So with that, I am learning to wander.

When I wander, I look at my surroundings. I hear animals, I see nature. Even if I simply wander in my thoughts without moving, I experience possibility that can be clouded by the rigors of routine of the daily wheel.

To be a person who is in constant motion, either because of necessity (duty, responsibility, expectation) or because they know no other way, is a simple reality. I encourage a shift; mix it up. Take a breath. Look up. Just try to slow down. It takes practice. But oh, is it worth it! Wander and wonder. I am hopeful it stirs something in you.