When my mother wanted to describe a troublesome, complicated situation, she would say “All the circumstances got involved.” It sounded funny at the time, but as I have dealt with life’s challenges I can see how often “all the circumstances get involved.”
To clear up involved circumstances, Aborigines do walkabouts. Essentially they walk until they find a solution or peace with a problem.
Native Americans do a vision quest in search of a guiding star for their lives. They can be on a walking quest for days or even weeks. Any kind of inner stagnation can become the object of a vision quest. They may be searching for a life goal, clarity on a relationship, or a vision containing the power to deal with a recurring life problem.
Whatever you prefer to call it, walking can serve all these purposes and more. I do walks to write songs when I get a little stumped. It has never failed to help with the writing.
I also like to do “walking affirmations.” Take a short statement you wish to implant in your subconscious mind and repeat it throughout the walk — not in a grit-the-teeth determined way but in a relaxed, pleasant way. I find slow walks are best for this kind of practice.
Walking meditations have become popular. A walk to simply explore and find wonders to relish is always a joy. A walk to unfocus the mind when it has become too attached to a problem or situation, like illness or the death of a loved one, can bring thoughts of comfort.
We are mostly shallow breathers in our automated, non-exercising society. A short walk to simply take in deep breaths of fresh air will oxygenate the entire body. Just make sure you don’t do this on or near a highway where there is a lot of carbon monoxide. I prefer the lake area near my home or several public walkways through dense woods.
Cease viewing walks as a burden. Realize they are special treats for you to add to your life for pure pleasure. See them as wings for your soul, for that’s exactly what they are.
Beautiful words by Dalton Roberts
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