Tag Archives: outdoors

Last week, while removing some dead stumps from the yard, I was struck by the paradox of how strenuous physical exertion was calming my mind and clearing my head. I tend to delegate tasks that involve shovels, saws, hoes and backbreaking physical exertion these days, and focus instead on the mentally demanding tasks that generally are the substance of my work days.  My work involves solving problems, analyzing complex design issues, thinking strategically, managing staff, satisfying clients, and ensuring adequate cash flow for my two businesses. It is hard work, for sure. This kind of work can often tie you up in knots – and drain you just as much as any physical exertion. Still rarely does it occur to me to untie these knots with more work, albeit a different type of work. Continue Reading

A Book of Verses underneath the Bough, A Jug of Wine, a Loaf of Bread—and Thou…

From The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
Translated by Edward Fitzgerald

A jug of wine, a loaf of bread, a book of verse… and good friend(s).  Such simple pleasures seem pretty quaint today. The pace of life for most of us in the 21st century is fast and frenetic. And simple things, like taking long aimless walks; indulging in Saturday afternoon naps; savoring long, bracing showers; and going on picnics seem incongruous to our fast-paced lifestyles. Continue Reading