Paul’s Practice

There is an older man named Paul who walks the trails near my work each morning. At 84 years old, he is a retired engineer of some sort, but that says less about him than what he currently does.

Paul walks.

He has spent his life going on backpacking trips and hikes with his family and friends, proudly sharing that he is now preparing for his "fifth 'final hike.'" Paul knows all the animals of the park, from the eagle that nests in the south side trees to the two families of geese to the duck with an injured left leg. Paul sees all of this because he has a practice.

Paul walks.

And when Paul walks, he pays attention to what's around him: no headphones and no looking at his phone (although he keeps his little red digital camera at the ready). He walks 2.1 miles each morning before returning home for breakfast, having bore witness to the early morning life of the lake.

What is your practice? What allows you to pay attention to the world around you?