A walk in the Labyrinth
Last week I took a leadership team for a walk at the labyrinth on Rustenberg farm, close to Stellenbosch.
I was again struck by the power of walking together, walking slower, walking just for the sake of walking, and how, if we reflect while walking, we find deep connection. As one of the participants mentioned, “I became so aware of my feelings, I can’t believe it”. At the start of the exercise, I noticed that the team members walked at quite a pace, but, as they went along, they slowed down. In an age where most of us multitask – where we simultaneously focus on more than one thing or path to “get somewhere” – it is quite unique to be given the opportunity to only focus on the next step as you follow a laid-out path. Another participant mentioned that he usually struggled to concentrate and that he was surprised by his ability to stay focused on such a simple path.
I agree with Thich Nhat Hanh, the Vietnamese monk and peace activist, who said:
The real miracle is not to fly or walk on fire. The real miracle is to walk on the Earth, and you can
perform that miracle at any time. The miracle is to be present. Walk through life and remember
that it is all a miracle!
It is already a small miracle to be able to take a simple soulful walk. So, be aware of your steps, you might discover holy ground.
Take a soulful walk
Jon Kabat-Zinn, professor in medicine and creator of the Mindful Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programme, refers to walking as “stillness in motion”. Kabat-Zinn describes it as a walking meditation where you don’t walk to get somewhere – you walk to focus only on “this step” and “this breath”. The challenge, he says, is to take each step as it comes and be fully present in it. It is beautiful how he compares “watching your step” (pun intended) to an “inner watching”.
I truly believe in the interplay between action and contemplation. It is true that some people battle to access their contemplative mind by only sitting, however, when they move slowly and deliberately the action often ignites their contemplative consciousness. Think about how you reflect while you ride your mountain bike – this is a form of active contemplation. In a recent session with a couple, when talking about their ability to have deeper conversations, one of the partners said that it was easier to have a deep conversation while they were walking, whereas they would sometimes find it difficult (and awkward) to just sit and do the same – another example of active contemplation.
“Ultimately, walking is stillness in motion … you are here in your body.
Simply remind yourself to be in this moment, taking each step as it comes.”
Jon Kabat-Zinn
Keep walking
No, this is not a Johnnie Walker ad! But it is also a small idea that may grow into something huge.
The Camino de Santiago is a network of pilgrimage routes in Spain that leads to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela; it is also called ‘The way of St James’. Hikers and pilgrims from all over the world go to walk all or parts of these routes, which, in the Spanish part, can take anything between 6 to 8 weeks. In 2016 my wife walked about 240 km of this pilgrimage with her brother for 2 weeks. Upon her return, when I asked her what her main experience of walking a part of the Camino was, she said: “simplicity” and “time”. In life, to find simplicity and time, we must deliberately slow down. As Jon Kabat-Zinn said, because if you miss the “here” you are likely to also miss the “there”.
The Greek physician and philosopher, Hippocrates, was convinced that walking is man’s best medicine. So, as you move deeper into this year, don’t forget to walk; and don’t forget to explore your inner path.
I am realising a few simple things:
- We don’t always have to walk to get somewhere.
- Walking slowly and deliberately can be very meaningful and healthy.
- It is a small miracle to walk and be present.
- If I miss the “here” I might also miss the “there”.
REFLECT
When last did you walk, not to get somewhere, just to focus on each step with purpose? When you
walk, what do you experience? Are you anxious because you might be late? Do you experience
pain? Is it inconvenient? When you walk try to be consciously aware, even for a few moments, of
your inner walk. Deliberately try to practise action and contemplation.
RESPOND
Take 5 minutes and go for a slow deliberate walk. Be aware of each step, of each breath. Be open to
whatever you experience in that moment. Be open to your reflections. You could also try this when
doing other activities, like when you go fishing, or riding your mountain bike.
Try this:
Take a short walk now … without your phone …
Keep walking!
Let me know of your creative stories or soulful ideas at andre@besoulful.co.za.
If you want to schedule a retreat day for a small group, let me know!
Look out for our Soulful Leadership process and Leaders Retreats.