Sometimes, you have to stop and smell the roses. Or in my case, stop and smell the pine needles, trees, and other things found along walking trails.
I love to walk, but found that walking around a city during my lunch hour and through my neighborhood on the weekends was getting much too routine and boring. Therefore, I decided to go online and look for some walking trails.
This opened up a whole new world to me. I was able to combine my exercise routine with my love of nature. There’s something so peaceful about walking through the woods, that it not only does my body good, but my mind as well. Seeing the birds soar overhead, observing how the sunlight slants through the trees, and watching the chipmunks and squirrels gather food, all take my mind away from everyday worries. I especially love to find trails along canals or bodies of waters. The sound of water tumbling over rocks, and being able to spot a turtle sunning itself on a fallen log adds a whole other dimension to my treks. I can actually forget that I’m exercising.
Every season brings new delights, even if I walk the same trails often. In the spring there are bulbs blooming and leaves sprouting on the trees all around me. In the summer, on hot days, it is often cool in the woods under the canopy of trees. And in the fall, my favorite time of year, I am surrounded by a riot of colors as the foliage changes from green to orange, red, and yellow. Even the winter, with its bare bones cover, allows me to see farther into the woods than any other season.
Walking trails is a year-round activity that the whole family can enjoy. There are flat trails, steep trails, smooth and rocky trails. You can take a fifteen minute trail, or choose one that is a few hours long. Whatever your level or goals, there is a trail for you. All that is needed is a good pair of sneakers, and the willingness to open your mind and your eyes to the beauty around you.

Copyright © 2014 [Susan Baldani]. All Rights Reserved.