by Karla Perry

Created on: October 28, 2009

Evangelist Charles Finney often retreated for a walk in the woods to spend time with the Lord especially before preaching. He found that solitude of a walk in the serenity of nature helpful as a spiritual discipline. It was in the woods that he first encountered the Holy Spirit which is the event that began his powerful ministry.

Walking enables us to get away from technology of automobiles, cell phones, radios, televisions, and computers to enjoy the natural world. The ancients believed that God wrote two books, the Bible and nature. Too often, we get so consumed with our work and entertainment that we do not take time for the simple pleasures of life.

One of the best places to walk is on the beach taking in the breathtaking beauty of the ocean and resounding crashing waves. Another ideal walking location is in a park, wood, mountains, or gardens. Walk in a place that is full of natural life and beauty while reflecting on the goodness of and beauty of the Lord. All beauty in this earth; is but a mere shadow of the glories of God.

It is no wonder that poet Emily Dickenson was inspired in her poetry by nature. She saw nature as her church, a place where she met with the divine and found spirituality. It often takes the serenity of nature to engage the mind on the eternal rather than temporal reality.

If one does not have the luxury of walking along a beach, wood, or gardens, it is a good start to walk in your own neighborhood. Take in the beauty of well manicured lawns. Watch the squirrels bounding up a tree or the birds flitting about. Smile at neighbors out tending their lawn or sitting on their porch. Enjoy the fresh air. Think about the joys of childhood while watching children ride by on their bikes.

C.S. Lewis artfully notes in his book, The Screwtape Letters, that one ought not to walk out of a sense of duty for exercise or any other duty reason, for it will spoil the benefits of walking. Walk because you want to and you will enjoy it. Walk because you should, and you will resent it as a laborious task.

Walking gives one time to contemplate life more deeply and fully. To put it another way, philosopher Frederick Nietzsche asserts that "All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking." Artist, theologians, and philosophers all affirm, walking is stimulating to the mind and some of these believe it also stimulating spiritually for the soul.

However, you don't have to take their words for it, for it is an easy thing to try and see if these great communicators have merit regarding the value of walking. Just step out your door and take a walk, then you will know if you feel your life enhanced by the endeavor. Then share what you learn with others so that they can benefit too.

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