Lately I've been singing out loud while walking Buddy. Not the whole time. And not very loudly. And sometimes I whistle instead. But I never used to do that--sing out loud while walking the dog.
Maybe I'm doing it now because there are less people around, especially in the mornings. But I also sometimes do it a little during our 2nd walk of the day, when more people are out and about. This morning it was the Inspector Gadget theme song, thanks to watching a YouTube video last night full of 80's cartoon theme songs. Yesterday it was Back in the Day (Puff) by Erykah Badu. And I think it came to mind because the day before I charged up an old, retired, phone to listen to some music I hadn't heard in a long time. I don't recall this song playing, but it did have a bunch of Erykah Badu in it. And "Back in the day when things were cool," does go through my head from time to time anyway. And this seems like an appropriate time for those words, considering how things have changed... Even though I'm doing really well through this pandemic and the stay at home order, and my life actually hasn't changed all that much, thing have changed. Some changes are not so cool. But, to be quite honest, some changes are. I mean, I get to do my favorite thing--teach Sheng Zhen-- 5 days a week from the comfort of my living room AND I can reach more people that way (people who couldn't attend in person classes because of schedule or location). Nevertheless, "Back in the day when things were cool" goes through my head, and yesterday I was singing it out loud during our morning walk. I'd alternate between that and... get ready for this... this may shock some of you, but... "The Spirit of God is upon me. Whoa oh oh! The Spirit of God is upon me." I hadn't even heard this song since January or maybe February--whenever it was played in the Inward Journey class I'm taking at the Center for Spiritual Living. And, yes, someday I will be sharing more about my evolving relationship with the word (and concept) of "God", a word that used to make me feel uncomfortable, a word I used to avoid but now sometimes sing out loud as I walk down the street. But that's not what this blog post is about. So, back to the songs I sing... The day before yesterday, it was a song I must've heard on the radio last time I drove my car--almost 2 weeks ago. Not sure how else Doobie Ashtray got into my head, even though "back in the day" I used to listen to it a lot. And as I said in the Curiosity Walk, I don't even remember the last time I smoked, so it's weird that these weed-related songs are going through my head. Maybe it's nostalgia? I have been looking at old photos and talking to long-time friends a lot... So the day before yesterday, and the day before that, I'm walking around singing, "Whatcha gonna do when you're all alone And you wanna smoke weed But the reefer's all gone? Don't front." Actually, it's "What you gonna do when the people go home" but i've been singing it as "whatcha gonna do when you're all alone" since, you know... social distancing and being all alone (other than Buddy). And maybe that's one reason for the singing out loud--keeping myself company. Being playful with myself. Soothing myself. Entertaining myself. Uplifting myself... and possibly anyone who happens to hear me. The singing out loud started longer ago than just a few days ago. But that's tied into the story of the "G" word, so I'll save that for another time. In the meantime, when was the last time you sang out loud while doing something like walking down the street? Or do you miss singing in your car while commuting? Maybe it's time to go for a drive, even if just to sing. When I leave my phone at home, while walking my dog Buddy, I feel free! Lighter. More present.
When I leave my phone at home, sometimes I wish I had it! Like this morning... when I was just a block from home and felt a car slowing down and stopping near me, turned around, and saw it was a couple I know who lives several blocks away. Their dog loves Buddy. And pretty sure Buddy loves her too. Sometimes we'd walk together. Sometimes the dogs would play. But it's been a long time now. So when they pulled over to say hi, and rolled down the windows, with their dog in the back, I wish I had my phone. I wish I could have taken a picture. But I couldn't, because I didn't. And so now I'm writing about it instead. When I leave my phone at home, I have so many insights, so many ideas! Sometimes. Most of the time. But sometimes, just quiet. When I leave my phone at home, sometimes I wish I had it so I could record voice memos when those insights and ideas are flowing! But, oh, how good it feels to go walk without it. When I leave my phone at home, I see the coolest things! Like drawings of hearts posted around the neighborhood. Or flower buds about to blossom. Or a bunny rabbit running through a yard. Or this morning it was an almost hidden painted rock that said "spread love only." Or was it "just spread love"? I will see if it's still there the next time I walk and don't leave my phone at home.... When I leave my phone at home, I get to rest my voice. But sometimes I love talking with friends while walking the dog! Sometimes that's the best. When I leave my phone at home, I get to give my ears a rest, just taking in the ambient sounds. But sometimes listening to music while walking is just what I want and need. Sometimes it even makes me start singing and dancing while walking down the street! When I leave my phone at home, it's usually a conscious choice. And this morning I chose to go without it. Now I'm about to choose to take it along so that I can talk to a friend or listen to some uplifting songs. What about you? Do you ever leave your phone at home? When going for a walk or even somewhere else, like the store? What would it be like to leave it at home? Or at least put it in airplane mode? |
Author
Rebecca Clio Gould is a Certified Sheng Zhen Teacher and Holistic Wellness Coach. Her specialties include self-love, embodied joy, women's sexuality, spirituality, surgery preparation, and trauma recovery. She is also a Supreme Science Qigong Instructor, Essence vs Form Coach, and Award-winning Author of "The Multi-Orgasmic Diet: Embrace Your Sexual Energy and Awaken Your Senses for a Healthier, Happier, Sexier You." Archives
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