Flight cancelled…another opportunity to explore the beauty of nature

This is the time of year that I fly a lot to the beautiful state of Delaware. I typically fly in and out of Philadelphia Airport. Due to the government shutdown, I received a message yesterday that my 8 am flight had been cancelled and I was rebooked to a 1:30 pm flight. Rather than get upset, I took advantage of the situation and was able to explore another beautiful part of the Delaware Greenway system – Brandywine State Park. As a coincidence, I attended the Caesar Rodney Rotary Club meeting Friday morning and the speaker was Mary Roth, the Executive Director of Delaware Greenways. With the uncertainty of flying, I wanted to get to the airport extra early. So I decided to head to Brandywine State Park early, get a walk in and head to the airport early.

I am so glad I did! It was beautiful. I stayed on the paved path because it rained the night before and the leaves were too slippery to walk on the trails. I tried and then decided against it. Check out one photo where I caught a picture of a deer jumping across the path. His partner and child had crossed just before him just ahead of me.

I enjoyed talking to Mary at Rotary. Like minded people who know the affects of just being present in nature, breathing in fresh air and getting exercise. Anyone can walk or stroll along. Being in the presence of nature relieves stress. I thought it was interesting when Mary asked me if I listened to anything when I walked. I told her no, that is my brain’s “white” time, processing, creative brain storming time. By the time I get back in my car, I am refreshed and re-energized. Even more so if I am walking in the presence of water.

My challenge to each and everyone of you and your loved ones, get out and walk in nature. Don’t put the earbuds or headphones in. Let nature be your background noise. Give your brain a break from processing “information.” Start small…walk just 1/4 mile or 15 minutes for a week. Slowly add on time or distance. Pretty soon you will be looking for longer and longer paths because it can get addicting and you body will tell you when it needs the reset.

So I hope you enjoy these pictures from Brandywine State Park in Delaware outside of Wilmington. Don’t forget to look for the picture with the deer jumping across the path.