Summary

The author reflects on the transformative impact of a year-long daily walking routine on their perception of beauty and life.

Abstract

The article delves into the personal journey of the author who embarked on a 365-day walking challenge, dedicating 60 minutes each day to walk. Initially focused on the physical aspect of the challenge, the author soon discovered a deeper connection with nature and the beauty surrounding them. Through the changing seasons and the deliberate act of being present, the author learned to appreciate the simple yet profound moments of life, such as a snowfall or the sounds of nature. The routine not only improved the author's self-esteem and physical limits but also provided valuable insights into the importance of mindfulness and the enrichment of daily experiences. The author encourages readers to find beauty in the mundane and to live more consciously, suggesting that a shift in perspective can lead to a more fulfilling life.

Opinions

The author believes that people often overlook the beauty in their immediate environment, emphasizing the need to be present and mindful.
They suggest that engaging with nature and changing routines can lead to more inspiring experiences.
The article posits that living consciously and appreciating everyday moments can significantly enhance one's quality of life.
The author recommends reading "Pearls Before Breakfast" to understand how easily beauty can be ignored in everyday life.
They advocate for the importance of self-awareness and the role it plays in recognizing and enjoying the beauty around us.
The author values the act of writing down impressions as a way to capture and reflect on meaningful experiences.
They encourage readers to support their work by following them and considering a Medium membership through their affiliate link.

What My 1-Year Walking Routine Taught Me About Beauty

No need to repeat it. Read the article and make your own conclusions

I started a challenge to walk for 60 minutes 365 days in a row. Impressive, how did it change my life and habits. I moved my own limits and boosted my self-esteem. You can find more details here.

In this article, I want to accent the beauty of nature.

Usually, we take for granted the world around us. To be honest, how often do you take a moment and enjoy a wonderful sunset or birds singing in the park?

I don’t think too often. It was proved again in the article “Pearls Before Breakfast”. That’s why it won the Pulitzer. And I strongly recommend reading it.

Let’s move back to the Beauty around us. It exists in every moment of our life. All you need is to be aware of yourself at the moment. Pay attention to simple things in life.

How to Find Beauty

I started my way to a deeper understanding of nature in the winter. It was the very beginning of my walking challenge. My focus was on not dying of fatigue and cold. There was no time to look around and spot something curious.

Luckily, it didn’t last for long. Soon my body adapted to cold temperature and everyday exercise. Then another world opened for me.

At first, it was really boring to move the same route every day. So I changed it. On each crossroad, I picked a random direction to discover new edges of the same old park. It worked.

Being curious and looking for new experiences changed my walks. They became bright and inspiring.

Once I was insightful and emotional enough to write down my impressions from the morning walk.

Impressions

It’s snowing. The first time this year. The first time in the last couple of years.

I almost forgot how it looks like. The feeling of snowflakes melting on the face. Clouds of steam burst out of the mouth.

A veil of falling snow obscures the vision. But I keep walking. Nobody canceled my morning routine. In this case, snowfall isn’t an obstacle. It is a pleasant addition to my rites.

Fresh snow is crunching underfoot. The cold air reaches the depths of my lungs. My blood is pumping through the whole body. Face and arms are red from frost.

It’s a really magical morning.

Simple insight but still valuable — catch such magical moments and enjoy them.

Final Thoughts

Compare the text higher with the simple “I walked in the park.” There is no life and emotions in that sentence. You can’t feel how beautiful it really was.

Your attitude to life matters more than anything else.

Only by being present in the moment, it is possible to catch the Beauty.

So do not waste your everyday opportunities. Live a conscious and better life.

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