In the midst of our weekly routine, between the hustle and bustle of work and daily responsibilities, we all need to find a reset button. For me, that button is located in a small green corner, a well-kept secret in the Jorge Coll area. It's my sacred afternoon ritual, an unwritten pact I have with my dog Luna and, above all, with myself.
Every time I show her the leash, Luna knows what's coming. Her joyful jumps are the perfect prelude to our little adventure. We don't go to a crowded park, full of people and distractions. Our destination is an almost hidden place, a space that, for some magical reason, is always empty. That solitude is precisely what I value most. The tranquility and safety of the area allow us to let our guard down completely.
When we arrive, the ritual is almost always the same. While I look for the perfect place to spread out a blanket, Luna sets off on her own expedition. Seeing her run free, sniffing every corner with endless curiosity, is the first sign that I've made the right decision. Her happiness is contagious. She takes it upon herself to explore the terrain, chase an unsuspecting butterfly, and simply enjoy being a dog in her ideal habitat.
While she is distracted, my part of the ritual begins. The first thing is to disconnect. I put my phone aside and spend a few minutes meditating, or simply breathing deeply. The air here feels different, cleaner. It's as if I can inhale calm and exhale all my accumulated stress. Listening only to the sound of the wind in the trees and Luna's distant scampering is the best therapy.
Then I take out my book. Immersing myself in a good story while feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin is one of the simplest and most rewarding pleasures there is. I don't need anything else. I look up from time to time and see her, happy, rolling around on the grass or bringing me a twig as if it were the greatest treasure. It's in those little moments that everything makes sense: her freedom gives me peace, and my calmness gives her security.
These afternoons aren't just for walking the dog. They're an investment in well-being, a way to connect with nature without straying too far from home, and a reminder of the importance of taking breaks. It's a space where Luna can be a dog and I can just be me, without pressure or expectations. Our secret park by Jorge Coll is more than just a piece of land with trees; it's our personal sanctuary.
For the best experience view this post on Liketu