Walking to work is a pleasurable way to start the day. Five times a week, I exercise my legs and get a mild 45-minute cardiovascular workout. By the time I get to my office, I've meditated a bit and have gotten rid of the cobwebs of sleep from my brain, readying it for the tasks ahead.
I love the changing of seasons.
Winter winds can be painful on my face and exposed skin but there is always a sense of accomplishment after every foray out in the cold. I love stamping my foot on the snowy ground and seeing my footprints behind me. On days when flurries come, I'm there with my boots in ankle-deep snow, enjoying the winter wonderland and delighting in the impromptu snowman. Traffic comes to a standstill and people come in late because of buses that can't climb hills. Who's at work on time? I am! After a fun romp in the snow, too.
I know spring's here when the dead tree branch tips balloon into buds. Wait a few days and boom! they've burst into leaves and blossoms. Little button-sized flowers pop out of the previously dormant apartment building lawns. Tulips and hyacinths that have been planted by some green-thumbed soul bloom to give passers-by a bit of color in their day. Birds sing. The air smells sweeter from the newly-mown grass. I sometimes see horses romping in the fields behind the International Labor Office headquarters. Walking to the office gives me that "glad-to-be-alive" spirit.
Summer brings the sun and and sweat. Even the early morning light reflects upon the concrete pavement and bounces back the heat, baking me a bit. But it's all right. It's nothing that a few glasses of water and a face wash can't fix.
Come autumn, I'm treated to the turning of Color. The leaves are now gold, red and orange. The air turns crisp. (Sometimes, in the evenings, I think I smell wood smoke or apple pie, but it must be my imagination.)
I'm not a big animal lover but I am thrilled by those I see in the morning. So far I've seen live squirrels scampering over the grass and climbing trees, horses in a field, birds all around, dogs on leashes. And on the sidewalks, I have been surprised by a dead hedgehog, a dead pigeon and a dead quail.
I love walking to work. Though I'm in the city, I still get to commune with nature - the great fresh air, animals and plants. All these things while strengthening my legs and my heart. Plus, I don't shell out money on bus fare.
Photos:
Walking to work in the Spring - 23 April 2004
Link(s):
Why I'm walking to work
Walk to work day - Australia, 1 October 2004
Walk to work day - USA 2 April 2004