A Walking Meditation
July 21, 2017
Liz Sublett

On Tuesday morning, in the PBUMC Activities Center, a yoga class meets made up of young and old, men and women alike. Dressed in an array of workout clothes and colors, we stretch and bend and follow along as best we can. Anyone can join at any time and we love the camaraderie the Snow Birds bring. Becca, our yoga instructor, is a kindred spirit and is sensitive to our needs and will take our requests. Sometimes that consists of whatever joint or muscle we pulled in her last class.

Yoga by many definitions is a system of stretching and positional exercises derived from discipline to promote good health, fitness and control of the mind. Combined with controlled breathing exercises yoga completes the picture of a meditation, helping to quiet the mind, focus on the body and stop that noise that we all have in our heads. That’s the theory that we strive for.

On one Tuesday, Becca took her yoga class patrons down the path of The Way for a walking meditation and give a few narrations on points of interest. Our group started on the path listening to a poem written by a classmate to put us in the right state of mindfulness for our meaningful walk with our Creator. It was starting to work as I took my first steps on the boardwalk, feeling a slight warm breeze hit my face. I was reminded that God has provided for all of our needs.

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Oh what a beautiful planet is our Mother Earth! There under the trees with the smell of greens and salt air our minds become lost in the beauty of peaceful surroundings.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.  2 Thessalonians 3:16  For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.  Jeremiah 31:25   This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8

In my travels I have been told by many a history buff that several ancient tribes blessed this area of Northwest Florida as sacred ground. Had they found their own sacred way? Our lives can metaphorically be seen as this path moving through stages of life’s tribulations.

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9

Walking quietly to the last bench the class stopped to pause and rest, taking in the sounds of nature and hearing one more reflection.

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.  1 Corinthians 10:13

As the group nears the final end of the trail, voices liven and become a distant sound as they pick up the pace, passing a large but seemingly unnoticeable stone on edge of the trail. I lag behind to listen to the stillness and watch the stone start to quicken like a hare. Neck extended and eyes surprised the tortoise looks towards the departing crowd as if to say “Hey, what about me? Slow down, take time to enjoy the wonderful creations of our Lord.”

On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. Psalms 145:5

Liz Sublett