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Aug 21, 2014

Slower Steps {Learning to Take the Long Way Around}



Taking shorter steps, slower steps, allows the early morning breeze to be savored, its banking, soft approach is noticed, its reoccurring wisps of cooler threads do not escape attention and are a welcome surprise this deep into the August summer. Freedom to take the long-way-around offers the most shaded canopy branching wide, ladened with the season’s full foliage. 

Passing the homes along each block ...
I’m aware that they’re likely empty on a weekday morning, just as my own was during the years of scheduled and contracted productivity. Occupants are at their office, at their desks, on their computers, attending to agendas, checking off lists, collaborating, reaching for goals, gaining information, experience, livlihoods...globally, homes are empty and work is moving history along.

Still walking, slowly... 
I recall the physical pace of those productive years. From the moment of leaving bed in the predawn of each day, the work day steps were accumulated with only occasional interruption, until back at home, end of day dishes were done, bath and stories were done, and all needs for the next morning’s departure were collected at the door. Steps were rarely short and certainly not slow. On arrival to campus, those steps were purposefully taken in a circuitous route, calculated to complete efficiently as many tasks as possible along the way, often in the company of twenty or so young students and the coral-ing of their many steps.

Crossing the street to follow the shade and the bend of the tree lined curb                                                                    I ponder the process that took place to step out of that pace of daily living, to mentally step back from the persistent multitasking drive that accomplishes a never ending magnitude of responsibilities in the finite hours of a day. It was a process of gradual recalibrating of the priorities of time that allowed the external race walker to convert to walker seeking internal peace. Intentionally, it has become acceptable to take shorter steps and move at a slower pace. Not because I’m incapable of that meteoric pace, but because the value of attention to the bounty of this world, the bounty of  this fleeting life, can only be captured when its not being raced past in a blur. 
                                                       * * *

Transitions take so many forms and all are challenging. What motivates you to engage in the process, to 'slow your steps' or 'take the long way around'?

Linking with TellHisStory and Weekend Brew. Enjoy the photos and thoughts of these fellow writers by clicking on the links below.

8 comments:

  1. LOVE the photo. Makes me smile and rejoice. Thank you.

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  2. Thank you for linking up at The Weekend Brew. I need to slow down my steps so I don't miss God's goodness.

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    1. Yes Barbie, hope you are able to find that moderate pace that allows HIS daily gifts to be seen in better focus.

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  3. It is so true --> "the bounty of this fleeting life can only be captured when its not being raced past in a blur." May I remember to slow down & experience the bounty to be found in each day! Beautiful photo too! So glad to have linked after you at Unforced Rhythms! Blessings!

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    1. Thank you for your visit here and gift of blessings. When we can be attentive time slows and joy brims!

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  4. Beautiful reminders. Thank you for linking with Unforced Rhythms.

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  5. "because the value of attention to the bounty of this world, the bounty of this fleeting life, can only be captured when its not being raced past in a blur." Yes, a lesson we need to learn and put into practice. It is good for the soul to take time to slow, to be still. Visiting from chatting at the sky today. Have a great week!

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