Strolling by God (from May 7th by Vicky Brown)
By Vicky Brown
Beloved Imago, this week I invite you into the practice of a prayer walk. My hope is that as the weather gets nicer and nicer, we will all find ways to be in creation, experiencing God in all we see there. While there are many ways to integrate the body and soul, this practice has found widespread enthusiasm throughout the centuries of our Christian history.
Below is a simple guide for going on a walk as a spiritual practice. This is not necessarily a walk for exercise. In fact, it would be counterproductive to pace oneself, time oneself, or count calories. Instead, this is like the stroll of two lovers with nowhere to go but simply delighting in the presence of the other.
As such, do not print this to take with you! Read some of the suggestions here, then set off and see what happens.
As you set out, be aware of your body. If walking barefoot, how does the ground feel? Are you cold? Hot? How does the sun feel to you? Are you winded? Try to stay connected with your body throughout the walk.
As an extension of being aware of your body, don’t forget to breathe. Breathe deep breaths, exhaling slowly. Just like entering into silence, slow yourself down and allow yourself to settle.
Invite God’s presence. For some, this may mean that the walk is an ongoing conversation with God. For others, it may be a silent walk. But in either case, we’re inviting God to be present with us as we walk.
Notice the world around you. Pay attention to the smells, the quality of the sunlight, the colors, and the temperature. Say prayers of thanks as you encounter beautiful things.
Remember, this is not a speed walk, but rather a stroll, in which we engage our bodies and connect them with our spirituality. So, let your body lead. If you are tired, take a break and sit on a bench, or lie down in the sun or shade. Slow down, speed up, follow a trail, forge a new one...let yourself participate without overthinking it.
As you complete your walk, thank God for walking with you as he walked with Adam & Eve in the cool of the garden, as he walked with Enoch (Genesis 5:24), as he walks with anyone who simply asks. Thank God for your body, the creation and anything else that you feel in this moment.
For reflection:
How was your prayer walk experience?
Is this something you would want to do again? Why or why not?
For another prayer walk practice, consider using the labyrinth by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church here in Peoria (recently updated - it’s beautiful!).
Kids’ Version
This month, let’s try to get outside! With the permission of or accompaniment of a parent/guardian, go outside and find a spot to start a walk. Before you start walking, think about how you are feeling at that moment. Are you happy? Sad? Tired? Energetic? Take 2 breaths, slowly, with your eyes closed, in and out. Open your eyes and take it all in, even if it feels familiar. Remember, familiar things are worth noticing in new ways, too.
Start walking on the path you choose/where your adult leads you. Try to notice the things you pass. Point them out to yourself or to your parent. You don’t need to say much about them, just acknowledge them and how they make you feel. Does anything make you curious? Does anything make you want to take a closer look? Do you shy away from anything? Keep walking.
Notice the things you can’t see or touch. What are some smells around you? Is the sun on you bright or shaded by clouds? Is it windy or calm? As you notice each thing, honor its place in our world as good and created by God. (A simple way to honor something is to say thanks for it.)
Don’t rush. Don’t feel like you have to come up with something to say. Sometimes the best walks are spent in silence. Don’t worry, God is with you, on the path, hearing your heart and your mind - even if it is restless, even if it is silent. It all belongs. You belong.
Remember, this walk is about noticing - the path, yourself, and God. As we work on our noticing, we will always see something new or delightful. I hope that the walk you take is full of noticing and a deep sense of God with you, always.