The Second or Next Step

Been thinking about my last essay – “Take a Step” – and realized that often the first step isn’t that hard. A person can psych her/him- self into thinking it’s just one off. Doesn’t really matter since it’s the first time and “first time” is a ready made excuse. And then later, one gets to can puff out their chest and say, “Yeah, I tried it. It doesn’t work for me and can’t we just move on.” In other words, an easy way to avoid future attempts to change or improve.

Which brings me to the NEXT step – the second step. I find it similar to a new workout. A new routine, the first step – sometimes a piece of cake, no pain the following day. So I repeat the routine next time out. Ouch. I’m stiff and sore after the second workout. (Now as an old guy, I’m always careful. Even younger people should be circumspect and check with their Doc before undertaking any radically new routine. We should always try to be smart.)

Physical lessons transfer to mental/emotional ones. Even though we’re talking about a simple walk, those steps aren’t done in a vacuum. There are subtle and not so subtle reasons we’re not doing things. It’s not that we’re always too busy. There can be deep reasons behind “I’d rather not.”

We’ve had a week to psych ourselves into taking that first step. We’ve done it. Invested 15 – 30 minutes taking a few steps outdoors. Maybe alone, maybe holding someone’s hand. Taken a moment to breathe deeply, see a little more of the world that’s out there. Trying to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us everyday without griping about politics or personal slights. Missed taking a deep breath and looking around? That’s OK. Then your first step was really a giant step – you had a lot to overcome doing something different.

How about we go out for a gold star on the first assignment. Try it again, but in slow motion now that we know what to look for – everything!

Here’s where less is more. Let’s try seeing and feeling with our whole being. Let’s go solo so that there’s no rushing. We’re always attempting to walk faster, see how far can we walk, pump the arms and breeze past those old tortoises. So our next step or gold star first step could be to do the opposite – become a contrarian. Nourish the brat in you (another reason I suggested walking alone.)

Do some preplanning. Don’t think it would be a good idea to plan a slow walk around Times Square in NYC almost anytime. Bound to be a lot of jostling. And this second walk is just for you. Going slow is one way to own it. Other’s are pushing you on the fast track and who needs that 24 x 7 x 365?

A quiet or pretty place at a nice time of the day. And if your immediate neighborhood isn’t suitable, see if you can find a place nearby. A nice time would be during the day when you’re not expecting a phone call or text message. If you need to take your phone along, remind yourself you’re powerful enough to turn it off for 30 minutes. And before you take the first step of this walk – turn it off. One Gold star!

This next walk is for you. Nobody else. Slow it down. Only goal is to put one foot in front of the other. Or maybe not. We can stand and listen, stop and smell, pause and hear. All three of these are big next steps, pumping heavy iron. Careful. They are activities we seldom do – sad when you think of it. Ah. How about opening up your whole body, you can keep your clothes on – yeh, please keep them on – I don’t want to get busted. Stop, open up, and see how much of your surroundings you can touch with your skin. The skin is the largest sense organ!

And as you walk along become aware how movement flows from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet. Even through your shoes or boots, feel the texture of the surface underneath your feet. Let it push back and lift you up as you step off going forward. (In the summer time a very slow walk barefoot on grass can be transformative with the blades tickling between your toes. Or a beach, or along the surf.)

Alas, all good things must come to an end, so too a slow walk. Plan it like a musical phrase, increasing in awareness and then coming back. Stop at the end. Breathe deeply. Smile and return to GO where you started your walk. You’ve taken the next step and collected your $200.

The next steps, are after all, the steps you’re taking for yourself to become more whole.

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Ken was a Professor of Mathematics, a ceramicist, a welder, and an IBMer until downsized in 2000. He taught yoga until COVID-19 decided otherwise. He continues writing, living with his wife and beagle in Shorewood, Wisconsin. He enjoys chamber music and mysteries. He’s a homebrewer and runs whitewater rivers. Ken is a writer and his literary works can be found at https://www.kmkbooks.com/

He welcomes feedback on his articles and can be reached at havokjournal@havokmedia.com.

As the Voice of the Veteran Community, The Havok Journal seeks to publish a variety of perspectives on a number of sensitive subjects. Unless specifically noted otherwise, nothing we publish is an official point of view of The Havok Journal or any part of the U.S. government.