walks

The journey in between what you once were and who you are now
becoming is where the dance of life really takes place. Barbara De Angelis

I love walks. Long walks. Doesn’t matter where.

Along the beach, at the park, in the shopping mall, along the urban streets. I love long walks just as much as I love taking a long bus journey, or a long car ride.

I go on these journeys when I have many things on my mind. When I’m tired, when I’m stressed, when I’m depressed, when I’m happy and most especially when I’m in the reflective, thoughtful, melancholic mood.

To me, it is always the journey I treasure the most.

It’s not so much the destination that matters, though sometimes I do consciously think of where I want to end up at; “my” part of the beach, a quiet coffee joint, a special bench, etc. But I like the process of getting there. The sights I take in, the sounds around me; the scents; the wind; the people around me; the scenery, the environment, the changes.

There’s something surreal, a sense of quietness and solitude – not loneliness, but a comforting sense of peace about being in my little invisible bubble of thoughts. Occasionally, I do like sharing these moments with a special friend, but mostly, these private moments are mine, my time with God.

I remember all the walks I’ve had. All the people I’ve had those walks with. All the special moments I’ve experienced. Because those were my vulnerable moments. A time when there are no secrets, only openness and honest sharings. A time where I'm who I am, with all my weaknesses, pride, confusion and sadness. A time where I'm comforted, where I'm recharged with a renewed spirit within me.

I’m very tired.

I think I need to take a walk. A long one. And hear God say, “I’m walking with you, not only on this journey, but from now til forever.”

But somehow, I don’t know why, I seem to lack the strength and energy to do so.