Take a Walk
written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“For we walk by faith, not by sight. ”
During the pandemic, I took more walks than at any other point in my life. I know I am not alone. Walking was a form of freedom from the prison walls of the house we felt hold up inside. It was more than just freedom, but also a sense of calm and a release from anxiety. Walking gives one time to think, reflect, and relax. While the physical excursion tires the body; mind and spirit relax, and becomes more energized.
Walking stimulates memory. Walk through the woods, smelling the ground, the trees, the bed of needles, and it takes you back to different adventures in different states, at other times, with different people. Walk down a city street, past restaurants, and the smells of the pizza, the Indian Cuisine, the fresh bread, and other flavors take one back to different moments. Even just a difference between walking on gravel instead of pavement can bring a different feeling to light.
Sadiya Ansari encourages taking an intentional walk, in her article, “Go for an awe walk. It’s easier than it sounds and way, way better for your brain.” An awe walk occurs when one walks with an intentional search for “wonder.” Ansari describes different academic studies on awe walking and its positive impact on mental health. As people of faith, these walks can also include prayer. Then, a walk in the woods brings back awe-inspired memories of prayer moments with God. Walking with and talking to God becomes a time where the five senses and the Holy Spirit weave into a sacred moment of awe.
This week, schedule a specific time each day to take a walk. Intentionally choose a different place each day. Make each walk a different experience. For example, walk downtown, walk in the woods, walk your street. Walk near a park with laughing children. Walk in a place with older adults. During your trek, invite God along. Fill your mind with many sensations and your soul with the Spirit’s presence. As you set out, you will begin to appreciate your awe walks because God will bring your senses to life, and your soul will lighten.
