Last weekend we were at my son's place by Brooklyn waterfront, situated to the southeast of Manhattan, separated by a body of water.
In the morning we walked along the waterfront in Brooklyn Bridge Park, where we saw plenty of young people running. They looked energetic and athletic, like the rising sun.
It was so contagious that we could breathe the youth in the air and instantly feel like jogging along. A Chinese saying describes them as "身轻如燕" (shēn qīng rú yàn), meaning "their bodies feel as light as a swallow." It is used metaphorically to describe someone who is physically light and agile, and move swiftly and effortlessly like a swallow, the opposite of fat and slow.
The young people provide a sharp contrast to the senior folks that we often encounter strolling in Bayside Alley Pond Park. They are like right out of a rehab center, making me feel depleted, like energy draining away, dragging me down to their level. I think of those working with seniors all day long. I have to extol the virtues of these healthcare workers.
Meanwhile, if you want to move effortlessly and swiftly as a swallow, spend time among the young and bask in their healthy atmosphere, because they do have the power to rejuvenate you and make you feel that way.