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​Time and motion

24/2/2022

12 Comments

 
PictureEtsuko: fear of deep water gives way to the
exhilaration of gliding over sparkling water.
By Etsuko Yasunaga

DAILY walks provide me with plenty of opportunities – time to think and reflect, feel the change of the weather and the season and notice a subtle difference in the air. I’m often delighted with stumbling upon koalas, echidnas and kangaroos on my path. I’m usually alone but sometimes I walk with a friend for a catch up. Another friend’s dog occasionally accompanies our walk, too. At times, I listen to music or a podcast and consolidate choreography learning for my gym class.

While running bestows on me focused energy to move forward to either the final destination or intended distance, the energy is more expansive when I walk. I often let my mind drift and observe what pops up in my mind with curiosity but without judging. Those thoughts sometimes surprise me and a tiny seed for my writing is often planted during my walks. I have more time to look up the sky, talk to a stranger or take pictures if I fancy.

There are quite a few favourite routes I take, but almost always a long beach walk at a low tide soothes my soul and clarifies my mind. To bring more variety, every so often I encourage myself to take a route I don’t usually take. That’s when I often bump into my running friends. A quick wave and smile, calling of each other’s name and greetings lift my feeling instantly. Sometimes they are willing to pause and have a quick chat. A short chat from the chance meeting like this certainly fills my heart. I love my solitude yet I openheartedly welcome a little conversation with a friend. It doesn’t take long at all to feel connected to others. I often think ‘If I hadn’t turned there, I wouldn’t have met them. I’m glad I chose this way today whatever the reason.’ It happens again and again. Every time I change my route, there is bound to be someone I know waiting just around the corner. I am blessed to have so many friends from our tight-knit running community.

I sometimes bump into strangers who inspire me. I don’t know their names but every time I meet them, I ride stronger and run with more vigour. There are two of them, a cyclist and a runner, and they each have a prosthetic leg. The first time I saw this runner fly past me, I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was struggling towards the end of my run. After seeing him running so fast with a prosthetic leg, I felt I had no excuse but try my best and finish strong. So I did. The cyclist with a prosthetic leg is also very strong. Sometimes we pass each other in an opposite direction on Cape Paterson Rd. We give ourselves quick nods of acknowledgment. Other times he rides past me with his strong stride as if he were a gust of wind. Every time this happens I pedal my bike resolutely although he is way ahead of me. A chance meeting with them all depends on my choice of the path, time and the mode of exercise. I feel very lucky to meet them every time to inspire and motivate me not to give up in any circumstances.

I have a fear of deep water. I’ve been trying to overcome this irrational fear whenever I have an opportunity. Then I don’t do water activities for a while, I slip back and I soon become gripped with fear again. I ventured out to challenge myself this summer by taking up kayaking. On one glorious summer day Rob and I paddled around Flat Rocks over the crystal clear water. I paddled over a few of my favourite ​snorkelling spots, and saw my familiar beach from a totally different perspective. It was so refreshing. My fear diminished in the first five minutes. Gliding over sparkling water was pure magic, and I felt exhilarated and totally carefree.

I love being outdoors doing any form of exercise. Running focuses me and walking expands me. Cycling provides me with a great sense of freedom and kayaking lets me see things from a different perspective. Snorkelling teaches me to flow gracefully and swimming teaches me patience. One thing is clear. I’ve never regretted exercising. I always feel rejuvenated and clear in my mind.
​
So, back to my walking. What sort of course and turns will I take this year, I wonder? What kind of people will I meet on the way? Where will I walk? Will I step on to the soil of my motherland this year? Will my mother’s footsteps be next to mine? I don’t know yet. Let’s hope my footsteps carry me down the same path my heart wants to go, and by doing so I can leave distinctive footprints of my life. 
12 Comments
Helen Patterson
24/2/2022 01:53:06 pm

Love this story Etsuko as I like you love exercising outdoors as it brings such clarity. I hope you get to walk on your motherland too. 😍

Reply
Etsuko Yasunaga
24/2/2022 08:25:42 pm

One day I'm going to join The Friday Chill group and Tuesday swim at the Yacht Club. Being able to smell the fresh air and feel the water - there is nothing like it. Thanks for your continued support and kind words.

Reply
Lois
24/2/2022 06:27:20 pm

You write so beautifully Etsuko. I’m always inspired by your words

Reply
Etsuko Yasunaga
24/2/2022 08:28:56 pm

Oh Lois, simple words of appreciation make my heart smile. What you wrote is exactly I would like to be membered by my friends and my readers. Thank you for taking time.

Reply
Miriam Strickland
25/2/2022 01:36:14 pm

So eloquent and delighful, Etsuko. The gratitude for life that fills your own heart overflows through your writing and fills the hearts of your readers.

Reply
Etsuko Yasunaga
25/2/2022 03:55:19 pm

Oh Miriam, I'm humbled by such beautiful insight. If my writing can fills the hearts of readers as you say, that is my long-cherished desire as a writer. Thank you for your kind words.

Reply
Anne McDonald
27/2/2022 05:06:47 pm

Beautiful inspirational writing - I can feel your peace and can almost hear your mind planning your writing .
Thanks for this beautiful gift Etsuko 🤗🤗🤗🤗

Reply
Etsuko Yasunaga
27/2/2022 08:01:15 pm

Thanks for your continued support on something I deeply love - to write and to share my feelings with my readers. Anyone who takes time to read my writing means a lot to me. I appreciate your kind words.

Reply
Verrena
1/3/2022 11:52:33 am

Your writing makes me smile and appreciate your life with your exercises and your loves.
One of them is particularly close to my feelings and that is seeing my Mum again. Who knows, I hope for you and for me

Reply
Etsuko Yasunaga
1/3/2022 01:15:15 pm

As we age, living away from your loved ones becomes emotionally taxing. I sincerely hope for you to reunite with your Mum this year. Thank you for your continued support, Verena. It makes me smile knowing that my writing can bring smile on your face.

Reply
Tess
23/3/2022 10:48:54 pm

Thank you Etsuko for sharing your thoughts so beautifully through this piece. Physical exercise can allow us to enter different mental and spiritual spaces, which is a wonderful and liberating feeling. You describe this so clearly, and I am sure everyone who exercises would enjoy reading this article and identify strongly with your words.

Reply
Etsuko Yasunaga
24/3/2022 08:43:41 pm

I totally agree with you, Tess. Physical exercise can guide us to better mental health and certainly broaden our horizons. I'm glad my piece resonated with you and hopefully my words could encourage anyone to get out in nature more often and to simply enjoy moving our bodies. Thank you for your continued support.

Reply



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