Unpunished Steps

The day began lazily, even though it started at five. A gentle training session at dawn, unhurried and quiet. The silence at that hour has a way of rinsing the mind, making space for the day to arrive without resistance.

The morning passed on the couch, working through some photographs. Nothing urgent. Nothing heavy. Just enough engagement to feel present without being pulled into effort.

I know I’ll need to take photography more seriously again soon. Commit to it properly. But today didn’t ask for that. Today felt like it wanted very little.

There are moments when that stillness stirs a faint sense of guilt — the old feeling that I should be doing more. I recognise it now for what it is. A habit, not a truth. It passes if I don’t feed it.

Later came lunch, coffee, and a visit to look at running shoes. I’ve been thinking about adding running back into my routine. The question isn’t whether — just when. Early mornings seem to make the most sense. A short run before qigong. Simple. Clean. Something to test rather than decide.

Other options drifted through my head — running after training, or before the evening session — but none of it needed solving today.

The rest of the day moved quietly. Moments passing without asking to be held. I noticed how unfamiliar that still feels at times.

I don’t know where I’m going. That hasn’t changed. What feels clear is smaller than a plan — I want to train better Kung Fu and Tai Chi. That’s it.

I left the running shoes in the box, paid for my coffee, and walked home slowly, watching the light change on the pavement.