There are two kinds of people in the world—those who exercise, and those who pretend they were just about to start… next Monday. If you’re in the second camp, here’s a secret: the problem might just be the word exercise. It sounds like punishment. So let’s call it something else—play, movement, joy on two feet. Maybe we should just call it walking. Whatever feels less like a chore and more like a celebration. Because, truthfully, that’s what it should be.
Walking for the Soul (and Letting the Body Tag Along)
Henry David Thoreau once claimed that walking requires a direct dispensation from Heaven—and I tend to agree. I walk not to torch calories or chase step goals, but to nourish my soul. My body simply keeps pace, faithfully tagging along.
There are all kinds of walkers in the world. Some walk to get their heart rate up, build strength, or chase after fitness goals. Others walk to hatch brilliant ideas, rehearse arguments they’ll never win, or solve world problems one step at a time. Then there are those who walk to marvel at blooming flowers, greet birds and listen to their songs, or simply escape the chaos and breathe. I walk for all of that-but mostly, I walk for the fitness of the spirit.
I walk for the fitness of the spirit.
When I walk, I try to hush the boardroom meeting in my head. I stretch my legs, breathe with intention, and soak in the rhythm of each footstep like it’s a sacred chant. Sometimes nature joins in—birds sing, cyclists whizz past in spandex glory, dogs bark like they’ve just uncovered a great conspiracy, and the scent of a beautiful rose garden hijacks my senses. It’s beautiful chaos and I sometimes love to flow along, it reminds me I’m alive.
There are many reasons people walk—to build strength, crack a creative puzzle, rehearse arguments they’ll never actually have, or soak in nature’s beauty. For me, it’s mostly spiritual maintenance. A soul tune-up, if you will.
Coach Phil
Walking Without The Spirit.
Are there any days when you walk while mentally rewriting your to-do list or worrying about deadlines or replaying that awkward thing you said three years ago? That’s walking without the spirit, and yes—it’s a thing. But I’ve learned to gently reel myself back in. Back to the present. Back to the footfall. Because here, in the sacred now, step by step, I find peace. Real peace—the kind that doesn’t require Wi-Fi.
Consider Your Preferences.
So here’s an idea: try a walking meditation. No incense, no chanting—just you and your feet making friends with the earth. If mornings make you grumpy, skip them. Sneak in a walk while pretending to take a phone call at lunch break. No one needs to know it’s your secret form of meditation. Walk late afternoon, or even after dinner under the stars like a dreamy poet in sneakers. Take twenty minutes to an hour, whatever you’ve got. No one needs to know you’re having a deep spiritual moment while strolling past their hedge.
And while you’re at it, let go of the idea that movement has to be measured, tracked, or Instagrammed. Think of it as creative movement—a joyful, life-enhancing pastime. With a little alignment and self-awareness, we can recalibrate our whole selves. Move in new ways. Feed our bodies kindly. Connect our souls to the Almighty, the earth, and to one another.
Let Go of Expectations.
Walk and let go of expectations. Let the road unfold beneath your feet. And who knows? Your soul might just start dancing while your body keeps walking. Skip the gym guilt, the calorie count, and the fancy gear. Just move, breathe, be. One step at a time, you’ll find your rhythm. You’ll find your peace. And who knows? You might just stumble into joy… wearing sneakers.