Walk it Off
As a parent, I had all kinds of dad remedies to prescribe when my kids were dealing with some type of ailment. Stomach pain? Drink Sprite. Can’t sleep? Warm milk. Leg cramp? Walk it off. Most of my remedies were completely useless, however, walking it off makes more and more sense.
Any good therapist will tell you that walking has profound psychological benefits when dealing with depression or anxiety. There is something about being outside with the wind on your face and a big sky above you that helps reorient our perspective. Walking certainly has physical benefits as well, and my doctor seems to prescribe it with the same frequency as some of my own dad remedies.
The past few years I have started to experience walking as a spiritual practice. There were places where I felt stuck on my journey with Jesus, and couldn’t seem to move ahead just learning more. Prayer seems to connect more easily when there is movement involved. There is a pace and rhythm to walking that invites conversation with God. Walking also helps me move through my grief. Moving helps me let go and release wounds from the past. Walking develops an embodied faith that integrates my physical, emotional, and spiritual life.
The Old Testament prophet Micah gives this powerful summation of what God asks of us: “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly.” Walking isn’t just about getting somewhere it’s also a posture we take. Walking humbly means moving at God’s pace, surrendering our own agendas, and remaining present to His leading.
Songwriter David Wilcox puts it this way:
We make the way by walking. Our steps are the votes we cast
The crazy few that have seen this view, may not be the last.
The way that a pilgrim travels, is to set out for parts unknown.
So if history's kind we′re the ones who may find, the way we all come home
I’m curious what might be ailing you these days. Perhaps the remedy is to walk it off. As winter turns to spring, get out there and bring your hurts, confusion, and disappointments with you. Don’t overthink it, just walk it off. And if you need an excuse to rest, just say you're contemplating…works every time.
