Ama provides me an "anchor" to navigate an ever changing world

I have learned many things in my 14 years living abroad. I think the most important thing I have learned is that while we may have different languages, customs, and mannerisms all people have the same basic priorities... health, family, safety, etc. Regardless of region or country there is a commonality in the hopes and fears of people that reinforces my belief that we are more similar than we are different.... despite what some politicians tell us.

As I connect with people all around the world, I continue to hear us all speaking the same "language" in terms of the constant uncertainty we feel. We are all concerned about our own health, the health of loved ones, about our jobs, and the well being of our children. Added to this turmoil is the daily news reports on civil rights abuses, COVID 19 infection rates, threats to the worldwide economy, environmental concerns, and of course the latest misguided tweet from "45". Each day we all are feeling more like a boat cast adrift in very turbulent seas. Everyone is looking for answers on how to best manage this constant churn and uncertainty.

Last spring (March 9th to be exact) was the last day I was at school when everything seemed somewhat normal. Every single day since then has been unpredictable and almost completely void of simple answers... it is just different shades of gray when it comes to decision making. As I seek to be effective in this environment, I have been very purposeful in identifying some "anchors" in my daily life that are completely predictable and are a constant.

To face this period of uncertainty I need to have plenty of energy and a clear mind. As a result I am committed to a consistent pattern of exercise and dedicated time for reflection that allows me to get my mind "still".

Around 530am every morning I get up, put the leash on our dog "Ama", and head off into the neighbourhood here in Even Yehuda, Israel. Our walk is usually anywhere from 30-60 minutes in length and rarely do we take the same route. We start in the dark and usually finish just as the sun is rising. I have embraced this "anchor" as every bit as important to my well being as getting enough sleep and proper diet.

The research is overwhelming on how just a regular practice of some form of exercise can help with everything from heart disease, dementia, mental stress, cholesterol, and blood pressure to name just a few. What does this "anchor" provide me outside of the obvious health benefits of regular exercise?

For me it also provides a couple other important benefits:

• Reflection: I know that I am a deep thinker, but I am not a quick thinker. As a High School Principal I face a daily schedule that produces a number of ever changing challenges and situations. This time in the morning to be alone and quiet, presents me with a purposeful way to get my mind "still" as well as an opportunity see the issues in front of me in a new light. Over the course of many of these mornings I have come up with a number of new ideas / solutions while wandering the paths of my neighborhood as the sun rises in east.
  

• Learn something new: As I walk I am also using that time to listen to one of my favorite podcasts that has nothing to do with education or my job specifically. It could be a podcast designed purely for entertainment, or something thought provoking, or a historical topic that is of personal interest. It is hard in a busy life to find purposeful time to learn just for the sake of learning. I am grateful that these morning walks provide that opportunity for me.
  

• Pure Joy: In a challenging period of time sometimes we can feel like there is only bad news everywhere we look. If you are a "dog person" you will understand the pure joy that is exhibited by a dog when you simply say... "ready to go for a walk?". The tail wags, the jumping around, the excitement in their eyes!! In a time where you can become inundated with unhappiness, frustration, and even anger, it is a real pleasure to start the day with such an expression of joy.

With the current pandemic continuing with no end in sight and a divisive presidential election coming up in less than two months we will all need something to help us keep balanced and stop us from drifting aimlessly off into uncertain seas.

My "anchor" will continue to be early morning walks with a 7 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback from Ghana by the name of "Ama"!

Be safe... be healthy... be well... and don't be silent!.

====================================================================== “When you don't need an answer there'll be days like this

When you don't meet a chancer there'll be days like this

When all the parts of the puzzle start to look like they fit it

Then I must remember there'll be days like this"

-Van Morrison

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I would be interested in your thoughts on this post. You can reach me on Twitter @JJEller.