My barefoot, morning walk

I entered the park, one which has a patch of mud too, not just ornamental plants.

I removed my footwear at the platform, stepped down onto the mud floor, which was also the periphery of a tall, full-grown tree.

At first, I felt like a guest... which wasn't ever the case.

Every step was with caution, to see the ecosystem that existed there.

I saw various beautiful leaves, fallen and transformed in colors of yellow, dull green, or brown.

I saw tiny ant homes and wondered, what it would be like for them?

Do we humans look like giant species or a threat, who may just stomp on their homes or even them?

Do they live in fear, or are they blessed with minimalistic thinking?

I continued to walk around the tall tree.

When I came from behind it, the rising sun's bright, warm rays fell on me.

I loved that touch and presence; I then became more blind to the people around me.

The warmth made me smile.

I moved forward, step by step, and saw tiny white, five-petal flowers, appearing as if the stars have come down on the brown, muddy, wet earth.

I collected them one by one and adored the beauty of the Creator's creation.

I wanted to transform these tiny flowers into a signature decor for the tree, and I collected some leaves too.

That small piece of land near the tree looked as if a rangoli was created, and it kindled my heart.

I then took another round around and felt the earth lighten more in my heart.

I felt grounded and more tuned to my senses.

And I began to love those barefoot walks.