Simple Pleasure of Walking

What do you write about when you don’t feel particularly inspired or creative?  Winter in Portland can certainly be a challenging season for many of us, I know it is for me.  It’s times like these I try to remind myself of the simple pleasures in life, those little details we often miss in our busy lives.  One of the best means for me to do this comes in the form of taking a walk.   I know it doesn’t sound very exciting, especially when we have more than one source of entertainment surrounding us. There are so many amazing places nearby to hike, bike, ski or snow board.  Don’t get me wrong, I love the mountains, the Gorge and the beach but there’s something to be said for just heading out the front door, perhaps with headphones in tow, and letting yourself wander the streets of your own neighborhood.  Sure, it’s scenery you’ve probably seen 1,000 times before, but I’ll bet you’ll notice something you never have when you’re taking a walk.  For me,  I engage the world around me in a different way. Whether it’s smiling at the mother walking her child in the stroller, kneeling down to pet the cat that scurried down the steps to greet you, or noticing the early signs of spring as the crocus begin to peak out of the soil.It’s when I slow down and take in the world around me that I’m often reconnected with inspiration and creativity.  Sure it may be raining outside, but that’s what raincoats and umbrellas are for.  So whether it’s day or night, take a quick stroll or long meandering walk, and soak in all the beautiful details.- Toni Stolze, Spa Director at Thurman