To Feel is to Heal

One day last week , I went to the ancient trail in Batelle-Darby metro park for solace. I walked barefooted the entire loop. It was slow, feeling my way through the complaints of my body and mind, attuning to natures’ insights specifically for me.

At the beginning, I committed to it, even if it took all day. I thought it would take all day. In the end it was only an hour long deep dive into reconnecting to the source, the Earth. One mile, one hour. No shoes on a grassy path.

I am recalling the sights and smells, the release of tension in my feet and ankles, the reverie in a new flower, insect, and baby snake crossing my path. (If the damselflies hadn’t drawn my attention, I never would have seen it!)

As I recall the memories and feelings of that hour, my body becomes heavier and I am more present to what is in front of me.

Now is the time for feeling. To feel is to heal.