It is solved by walking. ~ St. Augustine
Above all, do not lose your desire to walk: every day I walk myself into a state of well-being and away from every illness; I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it. ~ Soren Kierkegaard
We’ve heard the term “talk it out” but I have never heard the term “walk it out.”
And yet, walking sometimes works better at solving problems than talking.
I’ve put “walking” in the spiritual discipline category because I think that it primarily works in that way—promotes spiritual health.
{ At least for me it does. }
But it could just as easily be put in the categories of emotional and physical health.
Studies have shown that walking can help with depression.
It is impossible to walk rapidly and be unhappy.” ~ Mother Teresa
There’s a physiological reason for that:
Walking mends the body/mind split by promoting the release of endorphins, tiny neural messengers of optimism. ~ Julia Cameron
And so perhaps that’s one of the reasons why everything starts looking better—or, at the least, we feel like we can handle what is before us.
Walking also improves blood flow, blood pressure regulation, digestion, brain function, balance, and muscle strength. I’m sure there’s much more…
Talk about a cure-all !
And it’s so easy !
It doesn’t require special equipment (other than a good pair of shoes and some comfortable clothing.)
It can be done just about anywhere—though in a beautiful nature setting it’s the most therapeutic.
I try to walk every day. I can feel out of sorts, tired, foggy in my thinking, depressed, confused, not quite awake, burdened by a problem, any number of emotions and circumstances of this human existence.
But by the time I finish my 45 minute walk, I’ve begun to have insight, clarity of thinking, ideas, and inspiration.
{ I really do begin to feel more optimistic. }
Note: If 45 minutes isn’t possible, as little as 15 can prove beneficial. And more than 45 is certainly wonderful, as well. I’ve read that 35 minutes should be the minimum goal, but getting started with any amount of time is a very good thing! Often we cheat ourselves out of great benefits because we can’t “do it all”. So we choose…nothing at all? Doesn’t even make sense but we all have that tendency.
On my walks, I usually start out talking to God. And it’s along the lines of: “Help me, today, God. I don’t feel so swift. I need You.”
I’ll also think about my schedule for the day and what I’ll do as soon as I finish walking.
Then my thoughts begin to balance out and I observe things like colors (flowers, leaves, sky, clouds), light patterns, the fresh air, bird sounds.
And I don’t know how else to describe it except that a kind of “sorting” takes place as I “walk it out.”
Knotty problems begin to loosen.
I often seem to just “know” what to do or say in certain situations.
And I’ll have creative inspiration for projects, writing, or a relationship situation.
After my walks (that are almost always early in the mornings) I usually go to my writing desk and jot things down before I lose them with the busyness of the day. If I’m lucky enough to have some hours stretched out before me, I’ll use that time to flesh out the ideas or I’ll write the letter, finish the details on a project, etc.
I feel more sensitive to the voice of God on my walks.
I frequently carry 3X5 cards on which I have written down scriptures that are applicable to whatever situation I may be facing in my life at that time. I will roll the scriptures around in my mind and also say them out loud. I eventually end up having the scripture memorized—rather effortlessly, I might add.
I also take an mp3 player on my walks that has worship music and some Bible studies. Sometimes I listen to it. Sometimes I don’t. Every day is different.
I confess I used to be almost rigid and repetitive about my routines, rarely deviating. As I grew older, I realized that every single day is different and so the needs and methodology will be different.
I love structure, order, and discipline, but within the broad categories of the spiritual disciplines—such as walking, journaling, prayer, studying the Bible and devotions, etc., I allow much more flexibility for being led by the Spirit as to what is right for that day and the circumstances for that time.
{ I have found much freedom and “success” in this adjustment. }
Oh, and if I wrote teen pop songs, my experience with walking could also prove walking to be a great help in my finances, too! I’m sure I could make a million dollars (or more) on a song called:
“Walk it Out–yeah, yeah–Walk it Out–yeah” (reference to Taylor Swift’s popular “Shake it Off”)
{ And if anyone writes a song like that after this blog has been posted I will INSIST on royalty commissions !! }
So…what’re you doing sitting there reading this?? Start WALKING!! 🙂