Today was a slow day. I woke up late, putzed around on the internet, cleaned a bit, discussed life with DH. It was a beautiful day with bright blue skies, crisp air, and the sound of birds. I meant to go out, but after a few hours of cleaning, I gave up and settled for sitting in my backyard.
A bit after 5:00, I noticed my friend had texted a link, and as soon as I opened it, my heart cracked just a bit. NJ would close the parks at 8:00 p.m.
So I ditched my DH and Munchkin and promised to bring dinner home as I dashed to my car to drive the mile to my favorite park’s entrance. I found one of the few remaining spots, seems like I’m not the only one horrified that it will be closed, grabbed my phone, keys, and Skull Candy, which I shoved into my ears as I crossed the wooden bridge into my Soul Space.
I haven’t felt the Stay At Home mandate as much as others because of my frequent trips to these trails. There are three to chose from. One is paved and meanders a ways into a larger park in the next town over. The paved path has trees, shrubs, and flowers on both sides. But on the left there is a river whose gurgling noise brings me peace. Two are hiking paths that go along a canal.
For the longest time the paths were nearly empty. Then the advent of Covid 19 made it suddenly popular. For that hour that I would walk, I didn’t feel the pandemic’s shadow. People would nod at one another. Some would smile or say hello. A few would wear masks made of different things. Many walked dogs.
As I walked, I would talk with a close friend who is not leaving the house. Often I would send her pictures. Or I might listen to a podcast, or music. Either way, the hour out of the house was soothing.
Being told I can’t go to my sacred space triggered a bit of fear, and resentment.
Today I took lots of pictures. I have been tracking how Spring has sprung into green golds and given birth to little white and yellow flowers in the woods. Now, I won’t see what happens next. But I know that Nature will flourish in our absence.
And I can always walk around my neighborhood.
Even though it won’t be the same.
Namaste
Meandering Through Midlife 
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