Lockdown 36

Lockdown Day 36 - 1 May 2020

May. Oh what a wonderful start to the beginning of the end of Lockdown! Its going to take some doing but we can do this! Especially now that we are on outdoor exercise parole. Waking up was easy and the air filled with expectation. Even Roxy the dog knew something was up. When she saw her leash being lifted off its perch she was ready to go. Forgotten were all the 'what the?' days when we were walking around the car. And oh, the feeling when we turned the corner and set off down the road, Roxy did a little skipping, showing off her happiness. The air was fresh and cold on our skin and the buff (my regular winter walking attire) provided comfort around our faces. And of course, the other walkers, joggers and cyclists were also out there, everyone in their own head space. "I can do this a little longer", I thought.

Slowly I felt my body relax into a familiar rhythm and my breathing making the most of the freshness of the morning. Back at home, sitting in the sun with my coffee, feeling alive, I am reminded of the feeling of 'defrosting' in the sun after a 2 hour surf in 10°C sea. The

best feeling ever. I summarily decided tomorrow I will be out at 6 bells. Hardly a substitute for swimming, but comes close when the cold envelops my body. Somehow this energises me in a way I can't logically explain. Maybe I have a hidden ancient lineage of Finnish blood, but I have recently learned that their ice swinming started as early as the 17th century and actually aids winter resilience, lowers blood pressure and stress, improves circulation and actually prevents common illnesses and relieves pain. That is, if you love it and it's your thing. One of the reasons I love the cold is because it cools me down for the day. Literally. (Hot flushes is NO joke). It's the closest I can come to swimming. How's that for blondie logic! 

And of course, having my quiet time and seeing the sunrise is an added bonus. This is where my strength comes from, spending time with my Creator in the golden hour of His creation. Knowing that He's got this.