Summer

I walked out of work today at five and into a downpour. Four hours earlier, less by other accounts, the sky was clear. I knew the rain was coming, my weather app had told me so earlier in the week. There is always the question of how much I believe it though.

The rain was good. The water was warm. Every other rain we have  had so far has been cold; the change in pressures have a cold front usually pushing from behind. I was out of my office for most of the day today and I think I needed that. I’ve been trying to get more outdoor time on the weekend, but it isn’t enough. Today I had business in two other buildings. The trips allowed me to walk so me and bike some. I bike in the morning, but I’m usually to asleep to appreciate it. The afternoons have been a mismatch of number of bikes to riders. I deliberately got lunch out and lingered. Then I stopped, despite the prerain heat, and enjoyed the shade with my book. When my concentration drifted, I watched the people go their ways.

I’m on my evening train now. The atmosphere is slightly damp from everyone being caught in the rain. We are safely out of the elements now, and I can see the clouds passing by to the south. I won’t be rained on again today it seems.

I need the outdoors more than I ever admit to. Being outside automatically calms me. Walking and watching others, even from the close crowded taco stand I had lunch in, resets my default actions slower and more calm.

Of course I lost that the moment that I got into the office. But having seen that, perhaps I should plan on being out of the office more. Perhaps one day a week, take my lunch somewhere else. I have taken the proactive step of blocking out my mornings to get work done. I leave the afternoons open for meetings and other spontaneous work that ends up being scheduled for me. In addition to office hours, perhaps I need to schedule out of office time as well. I like the idea of lunch once a month too.

I had intended to not talk about work today, but the contrast between my work life and my environment was too large to ignore. Despite the fact that I travel more and have more outdoor time in walking and waiting for trains/buses, I don’t feel that I am outside any more. My mental state is heavily influenced by being outside. It’s best if I make being outside a priority.