An elderly woman walks down my street every evening. If I had to guess her age, I would say she’s at least 90 years old, and more likely north of 95. She walks with a cane at her own pace.
It’s not just my street she walks down. She walks down the street beside mine and the street over from that and the next and the next. She covers at least a half mile to a mile every day.
I find her inspiring, particularly on days when I’m feeling particularly uninspired and lethargic. One foot in front of the next. Slow and steady. No excuses. I imagine her mental health and cardiovascular health are top notch, probably sounder than many a generation twenty years her younger.
Does she walk for her heart? Her head? Does she walk for those her age who no longer can? Was this once an activity she took part in with a spouse who is no longer here? Whatever the reason, she does so at her own pace.
The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green Earth in the present moment, to appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now.
Thich Nhat Hanh, How to Walk
2 replies on “Her Own Pace”
I hope I’m fortunate enough to walk like her when I’m her age. Quite inspiring.
I love the message. One foot in front of the other. Seems easy enough, right? We are always looking so far ahead. And also what an amazing woman.