This week I’ve been on vacation with my aunt Cathy at the Chautauqua Institution in western NY state. We saw several musical concerts, kayaked, meditated to the sound of a live gong, went to talks about important issues, hung out with friends, and walked everywhere. Today we’re going to Niagara Falls, and tomorrow we both go home– her to South Carolina and me back to Boston.
It’s been a great week, with lots of time together, which was our reason for the trip. We were active together, too, mostly with loads of walking all over the area. Cathy is almost 77 and in great physical shape; she and her friends walk 2.5 miles each morning Mon-Fri at 7am, converging on another friend’s house for coffee at 8. By 8:30 everyone departs to begin their day. What a lovely ritual, I think to myself.
My WOTY for 2024 is COLLECTIVE, so I’ve been thinking about my place in and participation as a member of a collective– friend groups, family groups, work groups, etc. In particular, I’ve been thinking about collective exercise– walking, swimming, kayaking, cycling, yoga.
There’s real joy for me in collective movement. Yoga in the studio feels so much more enjoyable than over Zoom in my living room. Exercising with others (and their dogs) provides entertainment, connection, and fun distraction.
Sometimes, however, I want to be solitary and experience physical activity just for myself. Instead of enjoying the (welcome) distraction of friendly chatter, I focus on the experience of the ride, the paddle, the swim, the walk. How does my body feel doing this or that?
There’s also the environment: noticing and reveling in the micro-changes of plants and flowers and trees during the season is a particular pleasure of mine. My friend Pata notes how much of a flower lady I am as I point out new blooms during our rides. We both appreciate the cycle of nature as we cycle along.
Sometimes, though, I want the simplicity of pedaling or swimming or walking alone; the license to pick my pace, route, and focus for that outing. Reading Cate’s blog posts about her solo cycling trips all over the world, we can see the richness and complexity (inner and outer) of a solitary physical endeavor. I’m intrigued.
COLLECTIVE is a good WOTY for me this year, and I’ve really enjoyed my collective trips and outings and physical activities. I’ve got another trip with and to visit friends planned for late August.
But I’m thinking: it would be fun to do an all-day (or even overnight!) outing with the COLLECTIVE of me, myself and I. Cycling, swimming, walking, or maybe all three. I don’t think I’ll go to Hungary this time. But maybe a day trip to Rhode Island? Hmmm. Stay tuned for updates.
Readers, what are your experiences of planning a day or overnight or weekend activity trip for you yourself? I’d love to get ideas and tips.