Greetings!

When recently asked about WomenWalking, I found myself describing our community as a group of women from across the country who connect, network and walk together. A group of women who embrace what some may see as barriers to friendship - such as difference of opinions and background - and instead revel in diversity and opportunity to find commonality through sharing and exchanging ideas, thoughts, feelings. In reply, the listener remarked, "Oh, so this is about community!"  Yes! Of course! There it was. Our community that represents a little nugget of the world; the nugget I carry around with me everywhere I go, being reflected back to me by someone I was with who listened...  really grand.

WomenWalking evolved through my love of walking and my inquisitive nature to understand other points of view/perspective -different than my own; whether or not they are in accordance with mine. Finding common ground is what life is all about - in all circumstances; even the impossible ones. When we are unable to understand a point of view contrary to our own, we live in conflict and as far as I'm concerned, there is already way too much of that. Who needs more?  Life can be stressful enough; too often overshadowed by worries, struggles and sadness.  Walking creates and enhances an avenue where we can be together through a shared interest that is enjoyable, good for health and oh-so easy to do. Throw open the door, walk out into the sunshine, listen to the feeling and wisdom in the words of your walking partner and celebrate this time to see a different view.

In honor of our wonderful planet earth in this glorious month of June, I put this thought out for consideration... Bring with you on your walk a conscious awareness and presence of being.  Whether walking from the car to the store or taking a long hike in nature. When walking with a partner, a group or alone, consider our world as our neighborhood and our community.  We are linked together within the web of life where one action - no matter how large or small - is felt around the world. The wind blows and creates a ripple on the other side of the planet. A woman extends her hand in friendship to another and families are affected; and friends, and friends and friends - we are all the beneficiaries. The ring is one symbol of our life; around and around; in continuum. So take a moment now. Look around you. We are together. For our health and the health of our planet, walk in presence and pleasure.

In Community...