Today I Went Stopping....

Today I decided I was taking my dog stopping, instead of walking. I took the time to stop and listen to the babbling brook, stop and watch the huge white sycamore swaying against the blue sky, stop and see my shadow stretching out in front of me in the afternoon winter sun. 

The walking/doing is wonderful exercise, energizing in its own way. And the constant motion tends to blur the passing landscape/day. When I stop, I can take in the beauty, let it wash over me, and feel its richness. Each moment became the present moment as I stopped and grounded right here, right now. Stopping was my focus, and walking got me to my stops.