A “Wonder-full” Walk

Walking is fabulous, I love it and go often. There are shops near by so if something is needed it’s great because I can simply walk. On these walks I get to say hi to lots of people and I get to meet their pets too.

Recently I had the pleasure of meeting up with my neighbour and her two year old son as I walked home from the shop. All of a sudden a walk that would normally take me five minutes became an intriguing wonderland of fascination stretching out over the half an hour we spent walking home together.

First there was climbing the stairs over the railway crossing, I loved observing that every step was an absolute conscious decision to be with every movement, no skipping ahead or rushing forward — simply not possible, just one step at a time, observing the whole body commitment to climbing the steps.

Then there were the trains themselves — endless fascination here just watching something move in and move out brings intrigue and wonder.

The loveliest part was the waving to the passengers getting on and off, and mum mentioned that even the conductors offer a friendly wave. They must appreciate and remember how a child feels when they look at trains.

Then there was the opportunity to straddle large cracks in the pavement, observing one foot one side and one the other — endless fun for kids, and I remember doing similar many moons ago.

There were the fence posts to run hands along (that tap tap feeling), as we left the station behind.

There was crossing the road and checking out the cars before stepping off the side-walk, a beautiful moment to be fully present for a two year old and myself.

There were the lavender plants that might just have a bee to discover.

A little girl at her gate to connect with and spontaneously hug.

Charlie the dog to say hi to as he sits at the front gate.

Pine cones to pick-up and check out.

Weeds growing in the cracks on the pavement are a source of wonder and potential bees!

Even stones held court, — ‘wow’ they are all so different! Given the space kids will leave no stone unturned to really be with absolutely everything they observe, there’s no checking out and nothing is dismissed.

This has been one of the most “wonder — full” walks I’ve been on for a very long time and I couldn’t recommend more highly. Spend a bit of time with a two-year-old outside and let them lead the way in a way that reveals there is nowhere else to be but in the wonder of the moment.