I'm getting better

Have you ever spent time walking a labyrinth? I had my first experience at the Worship Fair held at Pulaski Heights a couple of weeks ago. The closing worship focused on reconciliation. We were invited to walk the labyrinth while focusing on how we have been reconciled to God. At the center we were asked to determine to whom we needed to be reconciled.
Later, on February 28, I was at Mt Eagle for a time of renewal or "recharging of the spiritual batteries," if you please. Again I had the opportunity to walk a labyrinth while repeating the "Jesus Prayer."
"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner."
It is this prayer that helps to center our thoughts and spirit upon Jesus. I am enjoying the labyrinth walk even though it does little for my physical fitness - the spiritual fitness is real good.
I have learned that not everyone will connect to God using the same practices that I use. That is okay! But if you would like to try a desktop "finger" version, then go to http://labyrinthsociety.org and look under Resources and then Downloads.
I have maintained my walking at the gym mostly. But like a labyrinth - some folks need something different. I like my indoor workout, but I took the opportunity to walk outdoors these past 2 weeks. Up on Mt Eagle is a couple of great trails that are not real hard, but one could twist an ankle if it is already weak. The trail includes a beautiful view of the Middle Fork of the Little Red River.
On March 5 I went to Subiaco Abbey (and High School) for a week of leadership training. I took the opportunity to walk down a steep hill then around the high school track. This was my chance to see how close I am to the Toad Suck 5K speed that I set several years ago (47-48 minutes). The flat, evenness of the track is very similar to the level course of the Toad Suck 5K. I am NOT ready. I can go at a good pace for 30 minutes but I do not have the stamina for 3.1 miles yet. That will be next week's practice.
The real challenge was the walk back up hill after walking the track for 30 minutes. I tried the stairs because they looked easier than the dirt terrain that was a possibility. I had seen the soccer players run up those stairs 3 times in a row - nearly nonstop. But they efforts were deceiving me. I had to stop and catch my breath before reaching the top!
Well, I got in several days of exercise over the past couple weeks. I am losing some weight but not very fast because I have not reduced enough how much I eat. I feel stronger. I have greater lung capacity even though I cannot climb those stairs in one go at it.
Spring is fully here! Trees and flowers are blooming. Where will you go for a walk?