Coming around a bend, the trail was blocked by a woman standing on a big tree root. Not just standing, but actively balancing on the root. She was barefoot with red toenails, and had white earbuds. Her hands were out, palms down, in that balancing position. Was someone taking a photo? I couldn't see around the tree, and didn't want to get too close as neither of us wore a mask. The toenails were an odd detail on a chilly morning. Finally I asked if someone was taking her picture, and could I sneak around. "Oh," she said, "I didn't mean to scare you. I'm balancing."
She went on to say she has poor balance, so whenever she comes to this particular root she stands on it as a strengthening exercise. It made as much sense as much of my physical therapy last summer. I did the friendly, not-too-close regal pandemic wave with nod, smiled, wished her a good day, and went on down the trail.
But really, aren't we all just working on our balance right now?
© 2014-2020 Nancy L. Ruder
1 comment:
That’s a great place to do physical therapy! Maybe I’ll open a “clinic in the woods”!
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