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Pilgrimage Walking



The late Bishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa was a key figure in bringing about Forgiveness and Reconciliation in the Apartheid Movement.  He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 as a “leader to all individuals and groups in South Africa who, with their concern for human dignity, fraternity and democracy, incite the admiration of the world”.  When asked about his tenacity and strength, Bishop Tutu spoke of his pilgrimage walk every morning.  Every morning, the Bishop took a prayer walk.  These prayer walks provided Desmond Tutu purpose, focus, endurance and resilience for the good fight.
Physiologically speaking, walking is an excellent exercise.  After a proper warm-up which usually means walking slowly until one gets up to a brisk pace, typically between five to ten minutes, it provides many of the pulmonary and cardiovascular benefits including stimulating brain endorphin and serotonin without the wear and tear of the knees, hips and back of jogging and other strenuous exercises.  Proper hydration is essential for walks, for brief walks, be sure to drink before and after the walk.  For extended walking, it is important to carry water bottle for replenishing. 
Carrying a cell phone is an important safety device but can be a distraction.  Listening to music while walking or just enjoying whatever comes to your ear is a personal choice.  You may want to experience listening to the sounds in your surroundings during the walk.  You may be pleasantly surprised of the beauty of the silence, or that “inner quietness” among the “noises”.  Walking alone or with a friend is also a safety and personal choice, whatever you choose, remember one of the goal of the pilgrimage walk is to gain solitude and meditative.
Typical places to practice pilgrimage walking can be in your own neighborhood, a park, a green-belt area, beaches, wilderness……. Many people have pilgrimage walks in places of work, shopping malls, hospital halls, church buildings …….. etc. especially when walking outdoor is not practical.  When possible, plan for future pilgrimage walks in spectacular places e.g. National Parks, or why not the Camino de Santiago?

Comments

  1. JudiMarch 5, 2018 at 5:48 AM

    One of the most memorable walks our family took was in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Jay and I carried the tiny kids in backpacks and hiked to above the tree line to see the mountain goats in their natural habitat. It was a spectacular view and we truly felt the majesty of God's creation. There is nothing like seeing the vastness of creation to appreciate the awe and power of God and yet God cares for all of creation, even tiny little me.

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  2. Kena JoMarch 5, 2018 at 2:28 PM

    Aahh, walking. Now that is something I know I can do without hesitation! One of the best parts of living in the house we do is that Meadowbrook Park is within an easy walking distance. When our cairn terrier, Grommit, was with us, he and I would walk from our house to the park and then around the short loop and home almost every morning. Even during the winter! The two of use were among the very few serious walkers during the colder months. I loved it best when it was just me and my "son" on the walk, no other people. The quiet was nice, especially when it snowed in the morning. I would listen to the birds, the wind and of course, Grommit's snorting as he nosed for ground voles (his favorite prey). Most of the time is was peaceful and a time to unwind, appreciating the handicraft God used in nature. This was especially true when I take Grommit on an afternoon walk.
    It wasn't always relaxing though, which I regret. Seems like I have always been on a tight time schedule having to go to work, get things done at home, etc., etc., and I would get a little impatient with my short-legged friend who had to stop and smell absolutely everything, and challenge any large dog he saw. Then one day he was gone. Our 15 year old furry child developed health issues and couldn't make it anymore so we had to say goodbye. After that my walking/hiking stopped. Even though Grommit could be such a slow-poke and ornery as to which direction we were (and weren't) going, I found I couldn't go on my own.
    Ken, Kris and Kevin also missed our opinionated little Grommit, and 3 months later we adopted Obi-Wan, from a cairn rescue agency. While looking for a dog, I asked only that who ever we adopted had to be a male (neutered) and had to like walking.
    Does the man upstairs have a sense of humor? Yep, he does! This 10 year old laid-back gentleman is a powerhouse walker!! I think 4-5 times a day would still not be enough for him, even on those ridiculously cold days!
    My motivation is back and it doesn't matter which direction I and my new furry child go. I work at not being impatient and try to enjoy each minute with him. I have even tried talking to God on the walks during this time of Lent. Trying to listen is a wee bit more difficult, for I have to keep an eye on Obi-Wan. But at times I can sense something, if only for a brief moment.
    Ken and I both love to hike whenever we go camping at Fox Ridge, Tippecanoe and in western Michigan. Hopefully this spring/summer Obi-Wan has adjusted enough to come with us and enjoy the sights and sounds of a new place.
    Namaste

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