Thursday, February 21, 2008

Taking a Walk


I don't know what it is, but taking a walk just makes me feel like a good person. Like I'm doing something great for the world, just getting out to explore and enjoy it's simple offerings. Tonight we took a 2 hour jaunt around our neighborhood and it's surroundings. It was in the high 70's with just enough of a breeze to offset the humidity. We found a hidden passageway between two neighborhoods, completely surrounded in trees, no cars or people in sight.

Going on a walk is time transporting. As we danced underneath the suspended power lines above, if I had closed my eyes, I swear I could've been 6 again. I was feeling the exact feelings of walking home from a friends house, a little worn out from a long day, huffing for breaths from the hill climbing (although there was much more huffing this time around). And then as I listened to the cicada's singing, I felt I could've been back on my mission. On one of those long country roads enjoying the (what seemed like) miles of walking between houses...the forced break from talking with people (much needed at times).

Going on a walk is Heavenly. There's something about walking away from the world for a bit. No phones, televisions, clocks, computers...away from your everyday surroundings...finding a place outside to meditate, reflect...to be Holy. Some of my greatest promptings and spiritual pleas have been outside the doors of my home. There is just something freeing about being outside, amid God's creations, that makes it easier to see Him and hear His voice.

Yes, that walk today was absolutely pleasant. In fact, if there were a interactive dictionary that could transport someone to an actual place, moment, or feeling to be able to catch the full description- and you looked up pleasant, you'd have joined us on our walk. It was enough to be a miracle for me today. Taking a walk...If you haven't in while, I strongly suggest it.

5 comments:

Rebecca said...

I know exactly what you mean about taking walks. What I love even better is hiking! Something about being surrounded by nature that makes you feel like you're walking with God himself. (I miss Oregon!) I often forget how soothing it is to my soul to take a walk or go on a hike until I do it. Thanks for reminding me again. A walk outside tommorow has my name all over it!

rachel said...

I need a walk now. What an inspiring post to get up and go!

Amanda said...

Last week, I got to take a nice, long walk up around the temple. It was a cold, but clear day and world seemed so alive! I love taking walks, too! It clears the mind and does the soul good.

Sister Tara Bowen said...

Ummm....snow...living in West Virginia...wish I knew what 70 degrees felt like...

Kelli W. said...

Uh, Yeah....I like walks too. I could use some of that 70 degree weather right now. We got more snow yesterday. Acutally, these last couple weeks have been amazingly beautiful so I did pull out the double stroller and hit the road...no sidewalks, covered in snow, and no trails, still to icey. The roads are covered in cinders but we braved them in my neighborhood and got some fresh air. It was nice but my boys always seem to add some element of stress to any situation, so I didn't get the europhic high of a beautiful walking experience. I may have to blog on my feeling on this matter! Sure love ya!