Appreciating Where You Are

There are without doubt days that I absolutely cannot stand where I live. This weekend did not feature that feeling. 

I tend to need a lot of sleep to function well. My husband on the other hand doesn't. He can train in the morning with ease but not late at night whereas I am usually the opposite. I've been trying to change this as I tend to be somewhat tired and hungry after work and then the training doesn't always happen. So, I set an alarm for Saturday morning and woke an hour before it went off only to discover my husband still asleep. He was easily persuaded to join me for an early run. 

We were out before 7am and running through 3 different parks near our apartment. It was wonderful seeing the life in these parks so early in the day. Even before leaving our complex we saw a man dressed in white traditional clothes practising Tai Chi. We then passed 3 groups doing Tai Chi in the park, a group salsa dancing, 2 groups doing what I refer to as "Chinese line dancing", a group performing tricks with diablos and a group working out using the metal framed equipment provided for toning. It appeared that every corner we turned there was someone else out starting their day with movement amongst nature rather than in a gym. I struggled to keep running as I was so mesmerised by the collective energy.

I love that the locals have reclaimed the space and that they use it. I love that they arrange to meet in groups rather than being solitary. I love the range of activities that they do. It is inspiring. I can't help but think that more communities should follow their example and exercise together in their public spaces.