A Sunday Tradition

In my world of lots of activity and hurried schedules, a calm constant provides a welcome anchor.

Like my Sunday morning tradition: Each Sunday, Shane and I rise nice and early {Cody makes sure of it!}, head to Evergrain for coffee and pastries, and wander to the Chester River.

This tradition has many wonderful aspects: decadent pastries, reflection, and meditative conversation by the gleaming blue Chester River with my favorite ecological thinker.

We spend hours by the river–talking, watching, soaking up the sweet river sunlight. For the most part, the area is quiet, minus a few early morning walkers, dogs and trainers, and T’ai Chi exercises. 

Sometimes, in the broiling summer heat, we seek shade under the pavilion in Wilmer Park. We smile at dogs playing, birds swooping, and boats gliding on the river.

Some of my best ideas start here, teased out by the flowing river, blue sky, and bird songs. My happiness and productivity have flourished with the strength of this tradition.

I cannot imagine living away from the water. The water has become my home, my constant. I’ve learned to enjoy the slow revelations of the Eastern Shore waters, via kayaking, hiking, and seasons of discussion.

Although it’s my sanctuary, the grassy lawn feels like an imposition along the ageless rhythm of the river. It inspires dreams of more balanced places, in forests that shade the water’s edge. I can imagine enchanting ideas forming under a tree overlooking the water. And imagining unfolds layers of understanding, even if realized between daydreams and contemplations over sun buns.