Life is like a game of Jenga,
pushing you around:
You never know if, or when,
it will come crashing down.
Steady: Any Two will Do
Let’s go on a walk., I said - half inviting, half proclaiming.
It was clear to me. I needed some air.
A long day inside, with far too much screen time and heavy emotion had me yearning for a change.
Maybe you can relate, living during this time where days feel like weeks, and those drag on like months…
I’d love to tell you that we left the house holding hands, zipping up our coats like the Cleavers. While this story ends on a high note, it’s not exactly where it starts. Being cooped up with loved ones, and their habits as well, makes for some strain. As much as we love them, and feel incredibly grateful for our health and overall situation - it’s definitely a both/and.
As fresh as it was, the air felt heavy. My daughter walked behind me at first. I don’t blame her -heavy is heavy. Once it was just the two of us, though, she caught up to my quick clip - and somehow, the air began to lift. And with that lightness was born a game that I though you’d enjoy. Just about everyone I talk to tells me they’re walking more lately - maybe you’re no exception?
She named it ‘Steady’…and here’s how it works:
Head out on a walk.
Bring a friend - (distantly socializing, of course!), or a loved one. You can try it with your dog but I don’t expect the same results.
And as you’re walking, begin to match their cadence, or they yours — it doesn’t really matter which (that in itself is pretty fun, and was the true source of this new game we created…).
Once you’re walking in sync with one another, at a pace that feels comfortable, one of you starts saying two words in sync with your step, and keeps saying them - in rhythm- until the other person takes over. It doesn’t matter which two words - any two will do.
This born was game from our original marching orders (Left, right, left, right, left, right,left, right…), but seriously - any two will do.
The other person now gets to take over the word rhythm with 2 new words. Again, it doesn’t matter which two - any two will do.
“Red, blue, red, blue, red, blue…”
And so it continues, on and on, as you walk, arm in arm, hand in hand, side by side - however you prefer.
And if you’re into, you’ll start bending the rules, seeing what you can do to create laughter…
Butt-cheek.
Left-boob.
Park-bench.
Silly-people.
St-Johns.
Words, phrases, sentences, hilarity…bring it on.
Maybe there’s a theme.
Maybe they need to rhyme.
Maybe there’s an order.
And maybe, JUST maybe, you up the ante: when you make a mistake, you up the cadence.
It doesn’t really matter what you do, which rules you play by or don’t, because in the end, here’s the thing:
You’re moving! - and very likely getting some decent exercise, among other pros! (immune boost, anyone?!)
You’re outside!. Period. (the benefits are IMMENSE!)
You’re creating joy! - maybe even laughing!
You’re feeling connected to your play partner (and maybe even others in the world?!)
You’re in the moment! Nothing seems quite as bad - or even bad at all- when you can really be present to RIGHT NOW.
Tell me how it goes. Seriously. In the comments.
I can’t wait to hear!
Wander
Wander
by K Staton, 11 years old
Every time you’re feeling down,
Don’t sit inside - like a clown -
Go outside and breathe some air.
Feel the wind blow through your hair.
Wander, like you have no limits —
Don’t stop to ponder this or that,
Or to look at a peculiar cat…
Just let your legs carry you -
They have adventures to pursue.
