The value of a good walk

Most mornings I take a long walk. Sometimes I walk around the block and pray for the houses I pass. But most of the time I walk through the woods. I am blessed to live in a town that had the foresight 40 years ago to conserve 17 miles of walking trails inside the town. So even though we are a bustling suburb of Boston, I can take a walk that makes me feel like I’m back in my beloved Vermont. 

Though I am sure my doctor is happy with me walking 2-3 miles 4-5 days a week, I don’t take walks primarily for my physical well-being. I walk for my mental and spiritual well-being. I realized many years ago that there was both a relaxing and a spiritual aspect of a good walk. 

Even though I often walk the same trails, I am amazed almost every day to see a new flower, or a new rock outcropping, or some type of wildlife that wasn’t there the week before. These walks remind me regularly of the power of the Creator. When I am reminded of His power, it somehow seems to make my temporary struggles seem smaller. 

“These walks remind me regularly of the power of the Creator. When I am reminded of His power, it somehow seems to make my temporary struggles seem smaller.” 

I often find myself talking to Him as I walk (sometimes out loud, and I don’t know what my fellow travelers think of that!). And though I haven’t heard Him respond audibly (yet), He responds when He shows me that new flower, rock, or bird species that I hadn’t seen before. When I get done with a long walk, all seems well with my soul. Even though a pile of problems and paperwork may await me in the office later that morning, when I approach that pile with a calm soul and peaceful mind, I tend to get a lot more accomplished. That walk really makes a difference.

My advice to the weary soul is to take some time for a good long walk. You will be surprised how great it makes you feel, both inside and out.

Dr. Terry W. Dorsett serves as the executive director of the Baptist Convention of New England.