A couple of months ago, I felt stuck and my mind was clouded with so many emotions. I needed to escape. While vacationing is always an option, it is not the most feasible solution on short notice. Therefore, I decided to somewhat spontaneously go on a little walk alone and bring my camera and myself as company.
It's not that I was running away from my problems, or pushing them away, but I was pausing them so I could reassess. While walking along this unfamiliar path, the problems felt in the distance giving me hope that I could resolve them in the near future.
It's not that I was running away from my problems, or pushing them away, but I was pausing them so I could reassess. While walking along this unfamiliar path, the problems felt in the distance giving me hope that I could resolve them in the near future.
Enjoying Your Own CompanyWithout anyone else around, I didn't need to please (not in a bad way but the need to be attentive and accordingly respond or act outgoing to engage them in a conversation. I could have a conversation with myself and explore my thoughts without judgement. I can guarantee that I am being myself with no expectations. If you vacation with another or take walks with them, the focus is on one another and your surroundings leave you in the blink of an eye. Instead, try savoring it with just yourself. Even if you are married or think you've found the perfect partner or friend, you are the only person you will always have. And if you cannot keep yourself company, things could get quite dire during certain times. Hence, this is the perfect first step in enjoying your own company and creating memories only you truly know and can share accurately with the world. |
Distraction Free Experiences
Since no one was around, I brought my camera along to have some sort of involvement with my surroundings so I would not completely zone out. To keep myself busy. Little did I know that taking pictures alone would let my creativity flow without boundaries. I was appreciating the beauty around me than focusing on the dilemmas in my mind.
However, at some point, it is important to even put that occupation away. About halfway through my walk, I decided I'd rather enjoy my surroundings with just me and my eyes. I let go of the one thing that I was keeping myself busy with to truly be free of mind. It's honestly quite difficult to not keep myself busy, and I feel almost empty or agitated if I'm not working on something. But this was the perfect opportunity to genuinely pause.
However, at some point, it is important to even put that occupation away. About halfway through my walk, I decided I'd rather enjoy my surroundings with just me and my eyes. I let go of the one thing that I was keeping myself busy with to truly be free of mind. It's honestly quite difficult to not keep myself busy, and I feel almost empty or agitated if I'm not working on something. But this was the perfect opportunity to genuinely pause.
New Personal MemoriesUsually if you classify yourself as busy, you try to use the weekends or nights to hang out with friends and catch up. However, I decided to not reach out to anyone and let things go with the flow that weekend. I woke up that Saturday morning and just felt that taking a walk would feel accomplishing. After I finished my walk, I now had stories of how my walk went to tell these very friends. It's a way to group yourself without the need for others, reminding you that you exist even when you are not around the people you love. |
Every so often when things become overwhelming, or even before they do, take a walk. Escape to a new street you have not explored in your town, or take a different route home. Don't just rush around the block to call it a walk, but find a place you can connect with and create memories around. And who knows, you might just find your favorite place in your own city by wandering around. The goal is to not define a destination. Then your mind is not eyeing the gratification at the end and you are purely living in the moment.