June Threads:: Walk This Way

Monthly prayer practice to find ourselves in movement

One of my favorite food bloggers pushes out of bed each morning, straps on her hiking boots and begins a hike before she has even had coffee. One day, I might have such freedom but my first movements in the morning are dictated by my starving children who have somehow survived the whole night without food. Every. Morning.

I love to walk and as a long time New Yorker, I often choose to walk longer distances than hop on public transit or even drive. I would make this choice more often now if my children were a bit more eager to move to anything that isn't a playground.

I like the rhythm of my feet on the pavement and the simple gift of noticing the world around me. Moving slow enough to actually pay attention to the sights and sounds, it always seems like there is some kind of epiphany just because I’m moving.

Take this as an invitation to experience movement with me. That is this your prayer and not the worry of counting steps. Let this not be about fitness at all but a way to find God and ourselves.

Walk to run errands and notice what surprises you on the way.

Walk in the morning to greet the new day.

Walk to meet friends and pay extra attention to the people around you and the wonder of the relationships we share.

Walk in the rain and splash in every puddle like Gene Kelly.

Walk in the evening to give thanks for what has been.

Walk when nothing makes sense and you have no idea what to do.

Walk to feel the sun on your face and welcome a new season.

Walk with a dear friend and catch up on all of the wondrous details of life.

I hope and pray you find the way is made by walking this month. As you are inspired to do so, please share in the comments below your experience of walking.

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As you enter into this June practice, here are some questions for reflection and prayer.

• How many steps does it take until your to-do list evaporates and your heart turns to God?

• What path do you tread most often? What does it teach you?

• How does God walk with you?

I loved this essay recently in the New York Times entitled Whatever the Problem, It’s Probably Solved by Walking.

Prayer is so very hard to try to explain. I am still not sure I have words for it but I really like what Donna Schaper writes about prayer here.

I am so excited to release my new retreat materials which are finally available and ready for download. Head over to Dandelion Marketplace to create your own space for renewal. The first offerings in this series are for the beach and the garden but I’m also working on materials for the city, the woods and the mountains. Are there other places that are calling you? I’d love to hear it!

If you are interested in spiritual direction and are interested in a first conversation with me, please reach out or go ahead and book an appointment here. I am currently welcoming new directees and would be delighted to explore the holy threads of this life with you.