Why I Stopped at 2.5km Walk?

I was with my wife and son, walking 5.5 km at Lysterfield Lake.

It would take about 90 minutes with standard pace.

We were near the halfway point on our quest, and a thought struck my mind.

Am I going to complete the journey without a break? Or should I stop and take a break?

I stopped near the bench.

I pull out my mini philosophy journal and expand the thought.

Why are we always on the move?

Or the important question is, why do we always have to be stimulated with some sort of action?

Why can’t we stop for a moment?

Or maybe for at least 15 minutes.

Do nothing.

Just be aware of your breath.

Listening to the surroundings is like listening to the wind or a chirping bird.

Observer nature. I noticed that even a subtle breeze moves many of the tree’s leaves.

Two Magpies influence each other to make a sound. They are in harmony.

I realised that, in the end, we seek a moment that is present.

The present moment does not depend on material things. It demands attention from within.

I can build the big house, but I only need a small place and a moment to read and write.

I can buy an electric car with a great sound system, but I need a silent one with an open window to see moving trees.

I can make as many friends as I can, but I need to spend time with myself, eyes closed, to reflect.

I can take a hundred photos, but I need a few photos to time-travel memories and nostalgia.

I can buy fancy furniture, but I  need people I admire and care about to have a meaningful conversation.

Why do we always keep hustling and never appreciate what we already have?

Why do we always feel empty?

Why do we never stop and look back to realise how far we have come?

In order to appreciate and be content with what you have today, look at what you had ten years ago.

 

I sat on that bench for a while.

Looking at the trees.

Observing people passing by.

Some were brisk walking.

Some were running.

I stopped the time for that moment.

I looked back and realised that I had come halfway.

It feels great.

If I have come so far, I can go and complete the circuit.

“It’s time to walk,” I said to myself.

I was back on track with myself, mind and spirit.