Spiritual Practices Part 4

October 2, 2026

Walking is an amazing way to maintain our health and vigor. Whether we walk outside or inside, our muscles stretch and our respiration and heart rate increase. Walking can become a spiritual practice as we combine our breaths and our steps in an intimate walk with the Divine. A sacred rhythm emerges as we develop a holy cadence. 

As we walk in divine rhythm, we can become one with the rhythm of the universe. On every in-breath as well as on every out-breath, we can say or silently repeat the words of any prayer, and they naturally combine with the rhythm of our movements. Our walking prayer can be holy scripture, or prayers from our religious tradition, or a prayer that arises from our heart that we pray spontaneously. 

Walking prayer brings the heart, mind, and body together, making it an especially powerful practice. When our body becomes a prayer, it brings deep peace into our bones, organs, and tissue. When our mind is bathed in words of prayer, it brings us a direct connection to the divine. When our heart feels the emotions of our prayer, we draw closer to the heart of the Creator of emotions. 

Walking prayer is not restricted to being a singular practice. At the Institute for Conscious Being, our own Roger Conville, whom I and many others believe is a gifted and knowledgeable naturalist, leads small groups on spiritual walks. So, just as there is group prayer, there is group walking prayer which carries its own power. When we walk together in this manner, our collective prayers form a moving sanctuary.

Just today, I was alone in walking prayer, in a public place. Lots of people were around me, but as I drifted into my prayers, I felt their activity, even though they were in the background. My heart opened to the prayer, and my words followed the rhythm of my breath. My legs gave the prayers footing and movement. My state shifted. I felt harmony between the strangers around me and me. After the walking prayer, the connection and state of consciousness continued into the day. 

Spiritual Practice

Try a walking prayer. Choose your prayer beforehand, and if you have it committed to memory, repeat it in rhythm with your respiration. If you wish, let the prayer come from your heart spontaneously. 

Inquiry

What changed in your body, attention, or awareness as your prayer joined the rhythm of your walking?

Prayer

Dear God, 

Let me walk with You.

Amen