Finding the Sacred in Every Step

When I began an intentional relationship with God in middle school, I was taught that there were very specific ways to pray. These things were meant as tools and training wheels to help me, but over time they felt like stale formulas that lacked a way for me to engage my entire being. The church cultures I was a part of felt very masculine and driven by outcomes and performance. So much of my life was measured in what I was DOING, not in my BEING or connection with God. I was worn out and exhausted from this approach to faith, which focused so much on believing the "right" thing instead of the slow internal work of spiritual formation.

I longed for a way to use my body in prayer. I began practicing yoga in college, which became a form of prayer for me for many years. The asanas often reflected in my flesh the need of my spirit- surrender, openness, quiet reception, gratitude, offering. I still find that engaging my body in prayer helps to unlock something that words alone won't. When I feel stuck, overwhelmed, in need of calming Presence sometimes going for a walk is the only thing that helps.

Since then I’ve grown my repertoire of embodied spiritual practices, to include Celtic circling prayer, which I will wrote about later, breath prayer, praying in color, grounding, and many other ways of inviting my body into pmy prayer practice. For now I just want to introdcue you to this one simple practice.

It's too easy to move through our days, and therefore our lives, with one foot in front of the other, not present to ourselves, our bodies, the Divine, or the world around us. Walking is usually a means to an end- to help us accomplish a task, or exercise, or just get from here to there. Part of what Embodiment means is learning to be at home in our bodies, listening to them and being open to what they have to say. Before we can dive deeper into these practices, we need to learn how to pay attention. It's simple, but it's not easy.

WALKING IN MINDFULNESS

As we continue our journey of embodied reflection, let’s explore the sacred art of walking mindfully. Our bodies, with each step, create a dance with the Earth. St. Teresa of Ávila reminds us that “Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world." Today’s practice invites you to take a brief stroll with a mindful presence. Feel the connection between your feet and the Earth, recognizing each step as a sacred act. In this simple practice, the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the act of walking becomes a form of prayer.

Step outside and take a mindful walk. (LEAVE YOUR PHONE INSIDE!) Whether you have 5 minutes or 50 minutes, let this be a sacred pause in your day. Feel each step, connecting with the Earth beneath you. Let the rhythm of your footsteps become a dance of sacred communion.

If you'd like to expand this practice further, picture Jesus walking beside you. After spending some time becoming aware of your whole body and each step, try talking to him like you would talk to a friend. Listen to how he responds.