As I step out the door, I leave the baggage of the day behind

The PowerPoints and conference calls, emails and to-do lists

It’s just me and the ground beneath my feet

Tarmac, footpath, forest trail, mud

Dodging puddles and tree roots. Winter sunlight weaving through the russet leaves and bare branches overhead

Across ploughed fields, picking my way carefully between ankle-turning ruts

Spotting a buzzard high in the sky. Rabbits and other small furry creatures darting into the hedgerows as I approach

The only soundtrack the trilling of the birds, the snap of twigs underfoot and the rhythmic out and in of my breathing

Breathing out the petty frustrations and irritations

Breathing in peace, energy, inspiration

Feeling my monkey mind settle

Because running is my meditation