Out With the Old, In With the New

Out With the Old, In With the New
            We turn toward a new year. Anticipation looking forward, reflection looking back. Expectations are tinged with lighter or darker shades for each of us, depending on what life has dropped in our laps at the moment.
            “Breathe out the bad, breathe in the good.” This concept pops up in all sorts of practices for improving our well being.
            On a recent visit to the Labyrinth, above San Francisco’s Mile Rock Beach, a companion suggested we walk the labyrinth inward and then back outward from the center, discarding the things we don’t need or want on our inward path, and soaking up and accepting the things we do want on our outward path.
            I gave it a try. Bordering on hoarder house status, both literally in my house and figuratively in my mind, I had a hard time focusing on what to discard as I wound my way to the center of the labyrinth.
            My only step toward the goal was acknowledging the pressure I put on myself for everything. I pushed away self-criticism for not accomplishing the discarding goal. On the outward walk, I gave myself credit for making the attempt, and enjoyed the simple pleasure of being in a beautiful place, touched by fresh cool air and late afternoon sun.
            My son on the autism spectrum not only didn’t focus on the discard-and-welcome tasks, he also wasn’t particularly careful about walking through the labyrinth, and that was fine, too!
            A stop at the beach, watching ever-changing waves crash in and back out, was nature’s added reminder of how things come in and out of our lives, no two moments the same.
            We don’t have to wait until the New Year or a trip to a labyrinth to allow ourselves to declutter our brains, hearts or houses. We can also welcome positive, good things in our lives at any place and any time. Give it a try whenever the spirit moves you!
            ​ This week’s Hike Notes take us to the Labyrinth at Lands End. The Labyrinth is an extension of the previously posted Lands End Lookout to Mile Rock Beach walk in San Francisco. Absorb the vibes of the stone labyrinth pattern at your feet while soaking up a glorious view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands!
            Please feel free to share. If you’re not able to take one of these Northern California hikes, hopefully you can enjoy the photos!
            The list of hikes is getting long! Please check the Quick View Hike List or scroll down the main Hikes page to see the current list of hike notes.
New this week:
Hike Notes 43: Labyrinth at Lands End