Set it Aside, At Least Temporarily
Thoreau writes in “Walking,” “ I am alarmed when it happens that I have walked a mile into the woods bodily, without getting there in spirit. In my afternoon walk I would fain forget all my morning occupations and my obligations to society. But it sometimes happens that I cannot easily shake off the village. The thought of some work will run in my head and I am not where my body is—I am out of my senses.” P. 740
Walking is available online and gutenberg.org under the Harvard Classics.
NOTE: I can relate to what Thoreau is saying here. If I am beset with an issue, I can carry it with me and ruminate on it throughout an entire workout at the gym. I can carry it with me when i go to church and wonder when the church service is over what the sermon was all about. And, it’s happened to me when I go for a walk. If we can become aware of our issues or problems and set them aside on a metaphoric table before we commence going on with something else we will feel much better. Pope Francis referred to this as being awake. Am I awake to what I am feeling, thinking, and doing? If I am, it changes everything. I can make a decision that is more physically, emotionally, and spiritually healthy for me. Here’s hoping you can set aside your problems and challenges on your metaphoric table.