I’m always teasing Beth about having OCD, but we are brother and sister, so genetics has the last laugh – I have a few places where compulsive behavior expresses itself in my life too. One of those places is on the sidewalk: I almost always avoid stepping on cracks. Years ago, it was about trying not to walk with a regular rhythm, because that would bring the Shai-Hulud – the sandworms. Then I discovered that avoiding cracks is a good way to walk without rhythm. Then it came to be just about avoiding the cracks.
On the walk back from the gym yesterday morning, I became aware of how much effort I was putting into avoiding cracks. It was really taking a lot of concentration.
Halfway back, I decided I would try not to look down at all. I did it! I actually stepped on cracks! For a while. So I guess it is possible to lay down this obsession, if even for a little while. Thank goodness my rhythmic walking didn’t summon any sandworms.
Yay! I love hearing stories of other people’s crazy, and am so proud of you for overcoming it. Teach me your secrets, Master…. I mean Usul.
Speaking of freaky sandworms and their gaping maws, I had a weird dream of giant moth-shaped bees that when you looked at one head on, its forehead had a hole where you could see inside, and it was lined with honeycomb and little bees. *jibble*
So glad the sandworms didn’t get you when you broke your unrhythmic walking.
But wasn’t it more dangerous walking with your head down? Weren’t you worried about crashing into another person or a pole?
Your picture reminded me of this. Maybe you could try this strut on your way to the gym one day. Maybe you could come up with a unique walk each time. Then you’d be exercising your body & your brain.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=okpCx87orOA