World Wandering Musing Number 4: Walking Will Get You Everywhere

I must have walked as many hundred miles as countries I've visited in my travels around Southeast Asia and I've come to find that while it's been a grand adventure it's also been a grand metaphor.

Walking will get you everywhere.?

I've walked through lonely rice fields, along narrow twisting country roads, and through crowded cities with no real crosswalks.

Walking airs out the mind, moves the body, and helps you truly see the world around you.?

I've uncovered hidden magical trees, ancient gardens, quiet ruins, and a magic between the silence of things and the breeze that you wouldn't notice if you weren't on the ground walking.

I've walked through jungle trails and stood in the midst of a commune of monkeys, young mothers with infant babies hanging off their bellies. Suddenly I realize I'm a mother too - recognizing my own self in monkey spirit.

Sometimes I walked just to see what was around the corner.?

Often, I would be met with something delightful. Cool urban street art down a hidden alley, a wise old frangipani tree in the buddhist garden stretching its gnarled branches high to the sky. Or a cat napping in the sun who greeted me with a soft meow.

The world slows down when you walk.?

You notice the cadence of life all around you.?

The rustle of wind in the trees.?

Bird songs in the distance.

Most importantly, walking gets you from here to there in a way that nothing else can.

When life hands you something hard, I say keep walking. A long time ago it was a bitter cold rainy winter day in Northern California. I got in my car and started driving north. I got all the way to Mt Shasta before the clouds broke and the sun came streaming through.? I got out of my car and hiked amongst the trees shimmering in the sunlight.

Walking is like this - it breaks the spell.?

It generates a change of scenery.

It often initiates you into the realm of dreams.

One day I’m in the mountains of northernThailand. I turned the corner and there's a rainbow gleaming in the mists of a waterfall.

Keep walking and you'll break out of wherever you are. You'll begin to see the world in a way you never noticed before.?

You'll begin to walk away or toward something.

Away from a bad relationship. A disempowering job.? A misalignment with your true self.?

Toward yourself.

To a new beginning.

A new job.

A new career.

A new home.

A new life.

A mended heart.

A renewed love.

I didn't used to be a walker. In fact, I used to be a drinker. This of course, got me nowhere, but it seemed at the time the only way to cope.

Then I took up walking. Whenever I was stressed, I went for a walk. Whenever I felt emotionally overwhelmed, I went for a walk.

Whenever I felt traumatized, I went for a walk. Whenever I had restless energy I couldn't contain, I went for a walk.

Walking walked me into sobriety and helps keep me there. It gave me a new way to live my life.

Whenever you run into something in life that is discouraging or brings you sorrow, I say keep on walking away. Peace will find you.?

Whenever something arrives in life that sparks your joy, I say keep walking toward it and fully embrace what has arrived.

When life hands you lemons why stay desperately trying to make lemonade? I say keep on walking.

There you'll find your answer, and possibly yourself.

Coach Kerry

Did you know I’m a trained ICF coach?? If you’re looking for a private coach to support you toward transforming something in your life to positive change and self-empowering results, reach out.? I’m happy to do a complimentary coaching call with you, talk with you about my coaching experience and client outcomes, and discuss a plan toward helping you achieve what you’re looking for.

I'm a compassionate coach who has walked in the trenches. I'm here to support you in achieving breakthroughs in your life. Message me to get started.

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