The Solitary Walker

After much deliberation, I set out yesterday for a walk in the biting cold, my regular thing. As I opened the door to step out into the big bad world, there came the pressing urgency to run back into the comfort heating of my home. Thankfully I knew better and kept walking. The need to scurry survived just a few minutes. About ten minutes into my walk, I realized that getting out was the best decision of my day. 

As I battled my way against the strong winds, my hair flying in all directions, my nose Rudolf red, my lips pursed in silence, I felt as brave as a world war commander-in-chief. And yet, I meekly pulled up the cap of my jacket. I was wearing my glasses as opposed to contacts, since the last time I went out like this, my eyes had started to water in the cold breeze. My hands tucked into my pockets, I was fully covered except for the face. In due time torture transformed to near-normalcy as my body heated up from the walk. I soon had the upper hand. Finally my mind had an opportunity to think out-of-the-cold. 

I observed the complete lack of life around me, barring some school kids rushing back home from their school bus, and the cars swooshing by. Everyone was in a hurry to get back home (it was late afternoon by now). There was no chirping of birds, no swishing of trees, no hissing of insects, no shine of the sun (the sun was taking an afternoon power-nap somewhere behind the dark clouds). All I had for company were the naked trees, the salt-like snow, the snow-like salt, the wild breeze, and the nerve-numbing cold. Mr. Weatherman, this 'felt like' being one with nature. 

As I walked I made my own path through the unpaved walk-ways, crushing the soft snow beneath my sneakers. I left on it my footprints to stay, till they were erased by the next walker, or by the next snow pour. At first I was worried I might slip and fall, but I decided I shouldn't worry too much, since falling wouldn't be too bad anyways. With so much snow to cushion me, I wouldn't have hurt myself. So I marched on with a skip in my step and delight in my heart. 

On my return along the path to head home, I witnessed a most beautiful sight. The very sun that appeared all elusive and shy, was now flaunting his million orange-red rays right into my path, so I would notice. He probably wanted to say hello and goodbye at the same time. He was ostentatiously retiring after a hard day's work, and I think needed some appreciation for his unending toil. I graciously took in the breath-taking view.    

There were a few moments during my walk when I was thinking about nothing, I was just walking. And thereby was the purpose served.