Prayer-walking is a winning combination for caregivers who want to enhance their fitness and spirituality. Physical activity is important to reduce mental stress and fatigue. It helps counter the detrimental effects of stress chemicals associated with the fight or flight response. In fact, prayer-walking evokes the Relaxation Response, which not only lowers stress, but has beneficial cardiovascular effects.
Prayer-walking is simple and low-tech. It requires little in the way of special gear or instruction. A good pair of walking shoes is recommended. Some people may also choose to use a pedometer, depending on their exercise goals and how they are monitoring those outcomes. Like any other form of exercise, we see more benefit when we schedule and practice it regularly.
Walking can be done solo, with a partner, or a group. Each option offers its own richness. The setting may vary based on what’s available and safe, the weather and time of day. Taking in the scenery, sounds and aromas when prayer-walking outdoors, can be an extra special experience. So far this week I enjoyed seeing flowering trees, watching an eagle soar in the sky, smelling the aroma of lilacs and honeysuckle, hearing frogs croak in the pond and birds singing their hearts out.
When we engage in this activity, we should bring a prayerful intention to it, making it holy. Even though we are physically walking, it is very much an interior journey–taking steps of faith. Prayer-walking is suitable for individuals from diverse faith traditions. It is appropriate for spiritual novices, as well as, those whose faith is more mature.
There are many ways to pray on our walks. Prayers may be silent or aloud, spontaneous or rote. Sometimes we intercede on behalf of others and make petitions for ourselves. We may choose to reflect on a word, phrase or verse from the scripture or another sacred text. Prayer-walking can even include singing a song of praise. Whatever is on our heart at a given time, is offered and released. It may be our hopes and dreams; or feelings, worries or concerns. Regardless, God is with us each step of the journey.
Prayer can be thought of as having a conversation with our Higher Power. It isn’t meant to just be a monologue. Our listening is an essential part of communication. Prayer-walking may also include stopping for reflection.
What might happen on our prayer-walks? Well, it has certainly heightened my self-awareness. It is a “now” experience for me, being fully present and open to Spirit. I have been given solutions to challenges and creative new ideas. Some of my feelings include gratitude, joy and peace. When I prayer-walk, I notice that I not only shed pounds, but cares and concerns as well. From time to time, I journal about my prayer-walk experience and explore some of the insights I have gained. Prayer-walking is a practice that I want to continue for physical and spiritual fitness.
Today, I told my 89 year-old mother that I was writing about prayer-walking. She surprised me by saying, “Oh, I prayer-walked for years. I always paused when the cars drove by so they wouldn’t think I was just talking to myself.” But now her physical activity is limited, so she “prayer-rocks” instead. Rock on, mom!
Caregiving Solutions 
