Recently I started walking for my health. It has become an unimaginable gift for me. The places and things that you drive by everyday in a car only give you a “far away” perspective. Walking now allows me to see up close all the delights that really exist in people’s gardens, pets that they may have, particular architectural styles or personal places of sanctuary. It has made me more aware and observant. It has allowed me to give and receive smiles from others who walk. It gives me that sense of slowing down, looking closely at things and moving with purpose. It got me thinking that “walk” is an important word in our language and used in expressions to describe all kinds of moments in our lives. People tell us that they will “walk us through instructions.” We “walk away” from bad relationships or poor habits. We “walk the talk”. We “walk” into situations with our eyes wide open. Television shows always refer to “walking towards the light’ for spirits searching peace. I had a friend who used to describe walking as her way of dealing with bad times. She would say that when she was troubled, she would place the trouble in her back pocket and keep walking. She spoke of putting one foot ahead of the other and moving forward. At some point she would come back to what was the difficult problem but saw it differently after she had time to “walk” through it. How many songs can you name about walking? There are too many to name. “I’m Walking” by Fats Domino or “You’ll Never Walk Alone” by Rodgers and Hammerstein, “the old religious song, “Just A Closer Walk With Thee”, just to mention a few. There is no doubt about it. Walking is a great way to exercise, relax, reflect, pray and get you where you want to go, literally and beyond. Walking takes us somewhere. During these “walk” times , we can firmly resolve to take the next step in our lives, come to conclusions, make plans for change and clear our minds of the junk that often has settled within us.
If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking. Angels whisper to us when we go for a walk.” (Raymond Inmon)
Some of you may remember Pierre Elliot Trudeau’s famous walk in the snowstorm? His retirement from politics came shortly after. Walking combines body and soul, spirit and self discipline. It keeps us fit and improves our total well being. It changes us.
What makes you walk? Do you walk? Is walking something that might be good for you? If you cannot physically walk well, what other ways can you “walk” to get where you want to go? As Donna Summer reminded us in her 1996 song release, “Walk On” (Keep on Movin”) You will be better for it!
James (Jim) Dunn
Blessèd Blending
August 9, 2017