I like walking the beach. It’s good for the mind, body, and soul – and refreshing on my feet.
Never a run – very seldom a stroll – but a walk – a good exercise – and as we age, walking keep us moving. My wife and I walk at home. We walk on vacation. We walk on the ship’s deck when cruising. We like to walk.
As we walk, conversations can be short or long – the topics deep or shallow – important or trivial. In times of silence, my mind keeps going – to think – to ponder the world. Thinking is also good exercise. Like the body, the mind must keep moving as we get older.
We walked a lot in January – yes – on the beach as this was our first attempt at being snowbirds from the north who went south for the winter. Walking on the beach as snowbirds facing the difficult daily questions of wondering about the temperatures at home – wondering what’s for dinner – wondering about the day of the week or the date because we aren’t sure. Be
As I walk the beach my contemplations are mental dictations on imaginary paper. Oh the blog post I have created my walking. Yes – the perfect words of never-to-be published gems that never make it outside my mind. Sometimes poetic in the rhythms of Frost, Keats, or Poe – well, at least in my mind.
My thoughts can be simple or complex. Some about wonder – some leading to awe. Others start with awe and lead to wonder. Some are personal, others professional, and others in wide-ranging topic – but fiction is a rare occurrence. All this as water refreshes my feet.
Sometimes after walking I attempt to recreate those insightful words. Usually in a notebook – but it’s never the same as the perfect string of words while walking the beach – yet future posts they will probably be – simple reflections from my mind as I walk on the packed sand along the water’s edge where water retreats to the sea.
There will be more walks in the weeks ahead because we were in the south for 27 days. More walks because I like walking the beach. It is good for the mind, body, and soul – and refreshing my feet.
Do you like walking the beach? Long distances or short? Do you contemplate or just try to chill?
I love walking on the beach, or anywhere near water. Like you I write in my mind. But often I work out problems, or think great thoughts. I love to walk. It brings me peace.
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Elyse,
A wonderful addition because walking can do many things … and each of us use it different ways. … and peace is a great accomplishment!
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Peace…a great accomplishment. Indeed! More please, Sir.
Xoxo RRR
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Raye,
Many thanks! … and the good news is I have more thoughts from beach walks to come. Some are already drafted and ready to post! 🙂
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Yes! Isn’t it annoying that those precious (seeming) moments of epiphany occur when we are least able to record them?
But, by way of compensation, you’re getting some amazing beach time, and during the winter!
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Gabe,
Oh yes … even in the shower without paper around! 🙂 … Besides, I imagine you have experienced that while hiking.
We had amazing beach time. Unfortunately it’s over because this walks happened in January. At least I have seen accumulating snow since returning to Cincinnati.
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hehehe you know I carried my iPad with me throughout this 6 month hike, so I could jot down notes as they arose? I ended up using it more for watching Kung Fu Panda and sketching 😉
Never spent a winter in Cincinnati, but I seem to recall some pretty bitter Feb’s in Dayton. Hope you get to witness the dregs of winter from the warmth of your living room.
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Ah ha … you must have been at Wright-Pat … interesting place. Winter there is similar to Cincinnati’s but sometimes more snow.
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Exactly, is was doing a few of my medical and surgical sub-internships at Wright-Pat. Those were the good ol’ days 😉
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🙂
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What a wonderful post on walking… and thinking…
It seems walking is totally related to your creative process, hence I´d say to your writing too
I liked this sentence in particular: “As I walk the beach my contemplations are mental dictations on imaginary paper” 😉 Beautifully penned post, dear Frank… sending best wishes! ⭐
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Maria,
Wow … many thanks for the kind words. Regarding that one sentence, it just happened to come to me.
I have more walking posts, but this one sets up the others.
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Frank, take a small notebook and pencil with you when you walk! That is the advice we are given in my university course, so those elusive, yet extremely insightful thoughts, when they appear, will not disappear into the mist of forgotten memories. I really should spend more time talking walks along the beach, I only live about ten minutes drive away from the Pacific Ocean and love taking long walks with my camera in hand. Sunset often turns the water bright orange – an incredible sight to see – and it’s one of my favourite photographic subjects. 🙂
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Joanne,
If I had a notebook, I would be stopping too often … thus the long walk would cause me to miss lunch and dinner. 😉 … but that is a good idea. Also why I tried to jot a few notes as soon as possible.
Oh my … you have the beach and the water so close … awesome! … Meanwhile, we drove 12-13 hours to get there!
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That’s my problem too, I get so caught up in the moment and take photos to preserve the memory, thinking I will write all my thoughts down later. But later arrives and the story just doesn’t hold the same urgency it did in the moment – hence why many wonderful blog posts go unwritten, as you said.
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🙂 … but I know I was able to capture many of the thoughts!
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About seven years ago we moved house so that we could be closer to the sea. It wasnt the only reason for moving but walking by the sea never fails to envigorate and often thrills.
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Phillip,
Invigorate is a great word for beach walks … which seems contrary to relaxing – but I agree!!! Seems the move was a good one!
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The beach is just a block away from Anthony’s nursing home so I often think about doing that walk; it’s about time I actually did it! Thanks for the inspiration.
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Julie,
I imagine it would do you wonders! Go for it … you owe it to yourself!
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A nice post of walking and thinking. I often compose blog posts or poems while walking (or in spin class, riding in the car, taking a shower. . .) 🙂
I love to walk on the beach, or like Elyse, anywhere near the water.
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Merril,
Ah ha … we’re both perpetual thinkers. 🙂 … therefore I know you realize the power of the mental draft.
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Mental drafts are often amazing. It’s too bad they’re so easily erased. 😉
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Well stated!
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🙂
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Oh, this made me yearn for a beach walk. My husband hates walking. I don’t know why. Our second date was a long walk, which HE elongated because he didn’t want me to go back inside (haha, they say people change after marriage!). I usually walk in the country with my mother and father, I grew up walking with them so I would like to grow old walking with them too. This post is lovely, the thoughts you have shared so poignant. My favourite line from this post; ‘My thoughts can be simple or complex. Some about wonder – some leading to awe. Others start with awe and lead to wonder.’ – marks of a vivid mind, my friend. Good for the mind, body and soul, and refreshing for your feet! Do you walk on the beach barefoot? The photographs are very beautiful.
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Lenora,
Thank you for the kind words and for sharing your favorite line. Comments like that cause me to smile! BTW – I will have posts about my thoughts while walking … actually about 7 already drafted.
Yes – walked barefoot. Fortunately the water temperature was warm enough for the feet.
Regarding the images, the first one is from Getty Images … but the second one I took one early morning. It was great to catch the sun rising with one walker in the picture.
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It is a beautiful photograph – thank you for this detailed reply! I look forward to reading your thoughts whilst walking 🙂
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I imagine another one next week … either your Monday morning or Wednesday morning.
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You’ve sold me. My wife and I have always liked to walk, but your beach thing sounds and looks so fantastic we plan to discuss destinations immediately.
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Tim,
For us, this past January was very relaxing as we got used to doing nothing … so we highly recommend it!
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I love walking the beach. I do it every morning with my wife and two Boxers. There is nothing finer than meeting a new day and being open to the wonders there. We often comment that the beach looks different every time we walk. Enjoyed your post, Frank.
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John,
I have seen many of your beach views, plus you don’t seem to be getting tired of it! Cheers to your joys! I’m an early bird, and wow … I saw some beautiful sun rises. The bottom pic is one that I caught with the lone walker. Thanks for sharing your routine!
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That is a great shot.
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Well enjoy your time in the South Frank! A walk on the beach puts everything into perspective, doesn’t it? Happy walking and writing. :).
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Brigitte,
Our first time snowbirding was wonderful … That was January, so we are back now. BUT, the drafts are ready, so more thoughts while walking are on the way.
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Ahhh … YES … I adore walking on the beach. I’m sooo spoiled I can do it everyday.
I’m pleased you enjoyed your walk enough to write about it.
Isadora 😎
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Isadora,
Cheers to you being so close … so I hope you take advantage of it! Meanwhile, more posts about my thoughts while walking are on the way.
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Oh yes, aFrank, I go almost everyday. I live a short 15 minutes from a GREAT beach. There’s beach yoga offered by a local teacher. It’s wonderful. I’m looking forward to more of your beach posts. : )
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That a way! 😀
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I love to walk along the beach, dancing with the waves as they try to catch me. I try as best as I can to empty my mind and listen to the sound of the ocean. I find it so calming. The sound of the waves wraps around me and I feel one with everything that ever was, is and will be. I feel both insignificant and as if I am in the center of everything. And then my sweet little dog comes up to me and shakes his wet, sandy fur all over me and I am, once again, me: happy, present, calm, in need of a good brush-off! 🙂
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Lorna,
Using beach walks to free your mind from the clutter is a good idea and excellent point. That sound just keeps on going as nothing seems to stop it. Love your description of insignificance and being in the center. Well stated!
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I am envious. I can’t really think too much writing into my head at one time, because it tends to bunch up on me, and it goes all crazy train with voices. That might sound cool, but it’s not quite so convenient.
Love the post, Frank.
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Cayman,
I look at it this way … it takes a lot people to make the world go around … and we’re all different with different skillsets and strengths. Sure wished I would have had that mental recorder!
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That’s one of the many things I love about you Frank. You appreciate the differences.
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Plus I’m a natural contrarian.
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You too? 🙂
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We are rarities.
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I guess. 🙂
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A week or so ago I was walking a beach in Florida, thinking deep thoughts! I agree about having feet in water–ever step draws me into the next one. I like all walking and, yes, I really believe my best thinking (and ultimately my best blog posts) come from my walks. Walk on, my friend!
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Kerry,
Cheers to your love for walking the beach … and thinking at the same time! Where were you in Florida?
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We were on the Gulf Coast–the family is in Bradenton but we were walking further south at Venice Beach. Lovely, plus a tiki bar!
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Nice area … well done! … and I’m sure you are ready to return. 🙂
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Ah, you just sent me daydreaming! Nothing better than a beach walk, for me. No thinking. I simply enjoy being and being there. Seen as it’s no1, I anticipate more “On a Beach Walk”, Frank! 🙂 Happy Thursday, my friend!
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Marina,
Ahhh … a mental escape from the trials and tribulations of daily life. Seems it works well for you. As for me, yep … I escape by thinking … then again, I can see how that could be considered as a trap rather than an escape. (I know you didn’t call it a trap). Meanwhile, I have 7 more ready for posting and more in draft form – so there will be more in the future!
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Yay!!!….. more daydreaming on the way! Lucky me – lucky us!
ps: An escape is an escape no matter how one may …escape! 😉
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Wise words. …. the next when will be for either your next Monday or Wednesday … I’m not sure which.
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I’ve always loved to walk. I walk so seldom now that my lungs are failing. I wish I could. We miss what we once took for granted. Cherish your walking as it seems you do.
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Kim,
Cheers to your memories of good walks. Hopefully this post rekindled some of those memories. Meanwhile, hang in there and wishing you peace.
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Love walking! That’s how I find all the street art I’ve collected. My typical street art walks are 2 – 4 hours. Of course there are no street art walks in temperatures -2 C or below, or on icy sidewalks, or over +32C (+94F)
When I work, I walk a minimum of 10,000 steps a day, usually more, a lot more. My assistant, who is almost always with me, has an AP that counts steps.
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Resa,
Cheers to your love for walking! And oh yes – passing when it is cold outside is perfectly reasonable!
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Beautiful beach image, Frank. I really miss having the beach just at the bottom of my driveway.
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Sylvia,
Oh how I remember the images you shared from the South African paradise. In terms of the opening image, cheers to WordPress having an arrangement with Getty Images.
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We may be going over for a visit in a couple of months. Excited to see my lighthouse again. 🙂
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Being near the open water is possibly the most peaceful place to be– the infinite waters rolling in and out..pushing one’s mind with it. Tranquility and reflection..equals perfection. Nice post
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What a beautiful stretch of beach, Frank. And I, too, enjoy walking for exercise, but mostly for thinking time! It’s amazing what I can untangle on a good walk. I’m so glad you had a wonderful extended time at the beach and hope you’ll be able to repeat the experience another time. We spend a lot of time walking at the ocean’s edge–we have our favorite spots, but to me, any beach anywhere is amazing!
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Debra,
This stretch of beach is wonderful. NOTE – the opening pic isn’t Alabama … but the second one was.
Seems that beach walking to think is another thing we have in common! 🙂 … FYI: This first of a series of mental walks … actually the second is up right now.
I don’t know enough about California beaches to know how they compare to the Gulf beaches, but I think you would like this place.
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Aye, those fleeting thoughts of genius. Frank, when will they invent ear-buds with instantaneous thought recording capability, bundled with in-hack-able encryption of course. Though personally I would not use for walking. When I walk or hike I tend to disable thinking, preferring to switch on ‘absorb mode’. The mental or thinking is processed later.
When it comes to beach trolling, I vacate completely – total mental cleansing. No tunes. No talking, preferring ‘you go left and I’ll go right and we’ll meet back hear at some point’. Escapism in it’s purest form.
So, from this first post, I take it you and your wife took to snow-birding. It seems to have fit you very well indeed. Good shtufffs, Frank!
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Tonight is the night I catch up on your Beach walks.
I compose beautifully worded posts, I sing songs in my head, I reflect, I solve the problems of the world… I return home and. Nothing. Not two coherent words can be strung together. 🙂
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LOL … Now that’s funny, especially in light of what I wrote on this walk.
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Well… that’s why I wrote what I did… to tie it all in 😉
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The sea in so inspiring, peaceful and serene, or a roaring storm rushing in Frank, I love the beach. The Gulf beaches are wonderful, I am on the east coast of Fl. though, this is home for me. When one lives on the beach we must be prepared for the awesome power that can be ushered in by them. Those are fearful times, still I wouldn’t change places with anyone. Thank you describing the lovely experience of strolling the shores.
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Holly,
Thank you for going back to the beginning of this series. The rest of the posts focus around a single topic. Oh yes – the benefits of being near the beach comes with perils. But you accept that because the positives outweigh the negatives … plus you know how to react to the approaching beast. Thanks for sharing.
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Well, I survived Andrew but hope to never face anything like that again! June 1st. is the beginning of hurricane season. We make the best of it , it can get very frightening though!
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I can’t imagine how scary that must be.
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Have a lovely evening Frank! 🙂
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thanks … and you too!
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Thanks, so far so good!
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Walking is therapeutic and relaxes the mind and body. I jogged regularly a few years back but after having some knee issues I realized the value of walking. I couldn’t think much while running but walking seems to stimulate my brain. Walking on the beach is even better!
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