Walking Along The Way

Walking Along The Way, Pill Box Trail, Kailua-to-Lanikai, HI, April 2020, Nikon D600 with FX 18-300mm VR lens, 
135mm, 1/60 sec @ f10, ISO 200, -0.67 EV, no flash © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Have you been cooped up lately, while "sheltering in place."  Do you feel like getting outside and going for a walk?  Where shall you go?  Will you pick some destination?  I vote no!

After all, it's not about the destination ... it's about the journey ... it's about The Way.

Remember to pay attention each moment along your journey.  For that is your life.  And that is Life itself.  Can you sense it?  Tune into it?  Feel it?   Be it?

Be present.  Savor this moment.  Smell the fragrance of each flower.  Hear the call of each bird. Feel the texture of the tree bark and the unfurling leaves. 

This is holy presence.  Sacred awareness.  Can you feel it in your body?  Each step along the path. Really feel it.  Become one with the rhythm of your steps ... rhythm of your breath ... with the rhythm of Life. 

Then wherever you are is your current destination.  You are always right here, right now.  Never waiting to arrive, nor wanting something different from what is.  Again, that's Life you are witnessing.  But don’t worry, something different will present itself in due course. Then just be present for that.  

Look deeply inside and see what your heart's intention is. Open yourself to the splendor of Life. Be awed by its depth.  Notice the interdependence of all things.  Recognize both the impermanence and the continuity of Life.  See your role in this and Life’s role in you. 

May you dwell in the present moment and find peace and happiness in abundance. 

So depart with no destination.  Set no fixed pace.  Arrive every moment with each step. And be grateful for your blessings.  

And speaking of blessings, consider these words and images from Brother David Steindl-Rast: