Walking Backward: No, not as in a Guiness-hopeful marathon or working muscles differently for fitness (although there are aspects of both of these in this adventure!), but more just an awareness that at times walking backward, instead of turning around and changing direction, is simpler and rather fun. In the kitchen while cooking, at the library while searching shelves for a specific book, shopping for groceries in crowded aisles, backtracking on a street to give in to curiosity as to what was just glimpsed in a garden, scooting around the office on the chair on wheels without using the swivel.
Eating Standing Up: A local deli could either have stools or tables so opted for two tall round tables which means we stand up if we eat there. The first reaction, of course, was irritation and resistance and a wonder at what silly bylaw brought this about. Acceptance is now creeping in, as it is apt to do; it could have been a resigned acceptance where irritation and resistance hover around the edges and keep one ‘closed’: but no, because the food and service is so good and welcoming, it is an ‘open’ acceptance with curiosity taking precedent. I am beginning to realize that my posture remains upright as I eat and this is beneficial to digestion: I tend to ‘stoop’ when seated. Being on eye-level with people not eating while one is eating is different and noteworthy. The ladies managing the deli tend to fuss nicely over the patrons eating, perhaps to compensate for the fact of the latter standing there. Maybe we are intimidating! In any case it has provided a worthwhile experience.