I know I need to work out at least 20 minutes three times a week.  I've

been planning to start tomorrow for months now.  But, today I'm going to just

do it!

     Walking has been the most effective way for me to overcome the physical

and emotional challenges I've had.  And, it's easy because I can do it without

equipment and it can be done just about anywhere.  Walking has great

aerobic benefits and a slower meditative walk has even greater mental and

spiritual benefits.  Walking is an easy way to take care of my need for

exercise and solitude and doesn't add another burden to my already

challenging lifestyle.

     I enjoy walking alone because it brings me a genuine sense of purpose and

is a wonderful meditative experience.  It is during those sacred moments while

walking in solitude that I truly feel free and fully alive; energy begins to

course through my body and my mind becomes clear and alert.  Talking to God

flows easily out of that quietness.  After a prayer-walk my mind and body are

rejuvenated for the important things in my day.

     "Walking" is a perfect example of our spiritual lives.  We have a choice

each day whether or not we will make the effort to "walk".  Will we put aside

the pressures and demands of the day to seek God?  Or, will we tell ourselves

that we'll get started tomorrow?     

     If you find yourself tired and a little stressed, consider the joys of

walking.  Walking is pure pleasure.  There are beaches, forests, hills and

valleys to enjoy.  A walk down the street of an old town can be especially

pleasurable.  Or, take a walk in your own neighborhood and get reacquainted

with your world.  Walking could do wonders for you as it has for me.  Get on a

pair of walking shoes and step our of your office, your home or wherever you

are.  Let's take a walk!

Here's a couple of great walking sites to check out on the Web:

http://walking.about.com/

http://www.thewalkingsite.com/

FOR YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY:  While walking alone consider carrying pepper spray for your personal safety.  Walk in daylight, know the area you're walking in and change course from time to time.  Remember your intuition is a gift from God and is your best defense; so don't forget to listen to it.

"Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did."  1 John 2:6  NIV

"Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord."  Ephesians 5:8-10 NKJV

All pages copyright Leslie Shaw Holzmann