My husband and I saw the film "A Walk in the Woods" today, and it reminded me of how much a walk with a friend can open up conversation. The physical exercise, as with walking meditation, can loosen the body enough to relax the communication process. There is time for digression and confession and inconsequential give and take. The defenses tend to come down and spontennaity goes up. There is also the pause/silence thing, because of heavy breathing or slugs of water or needing to stop with your hands on your hips. And how much less often I walk with friends nowadays, though I did walk with my friend last Friday morning, and it was fun and comforting and meaningful to me, as it is every time we walk. I take the dogs, so there is lots of stopping for pooping and peeing, sniffing other dogs, dog talk with owners, and the like. Although her dog is dead, she has the dog lover's tolerance for all this rigamarole.
What a simple gift walking is, and how we do take it for granted, until we get sick, or break a foot, or the weather prohibits it. All the great joys are that simple: a hug, the beauty of a flower, a child's laughter, splashing in puddles. I came out of the movie theater resolved to walk more, and with my brand new walking sticks from REI!!
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