I had the most unexpected experience earlier. I was out and about around the country lanes picking blackberries, and rose hips to make syrup ready for the winter (both have loads of vitamins). A welcome Autumn sun shone on my back as I walked and searched and stretched to reach the berries.
Each time I hit a spot with an abundance of big juicy fruit, I was touched by a strong, primeval sense of contentment - sort of like the kind of stillness one strives for in meditation or yoga. Maybe some ancient part of my brain recognised the moment more deeply than I expected. Sun, working in nature, getting supplies for my family, a bit of good luck. It was a very basic but fulfilling sensation. William Bloom I think calls it the inner smile, or the endorphin effect.
Nature just handed me this on a plate - I didn't have to stare at a candle or say mantras or achieve a difficult yoga posture.
Another thing, I looked at my watch thinking an hour must have passed and in fact only 10 minutes had passed. Time was slowing down. It was wonderful not to have to rush for a change.
Oh yes, yet another thing too - I spotted a gorgeous bright orange ornate butterfly with chiseled wings.
Eco-fitness was also going on of course. I was stretching up high, strolling in nature, balancing to pick difficult blackberries and not sting myself on nettles or thorns. I was nice and warm generating my own heat - saving on the fuel I would have consumed if I had stayed at home, or driven to the shops.
There are many fruits and a few nuts to be harvested at this time of year in the UK, although the season is nearly at an end. A word of warning though - if you decide to enjoy this form of eco-fitness for yourself, make sure you know exactly what you are picking - ask someone who knows or look it up on line.
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