There are stories of authors and artists who walk as part of their creativity.

In my research just now, I googled that and got lost in reading about George Washington Carver and his faith. Even ordered a book about him. He believed walking in nature was essential for learning.

For me, that’s the layer or foundation of my life (Well, Jesus is.). When I fell and broke my leg three years ago, I was robbed of that freedom.

When I’m struggling with a life situation, with a person, or with a scene in my book, I walk. The more difficult the situation, the longer I’m gone. The farther I walk.

When My mom was dying of lung cancer, I ran. Right.

If my pain or a decision I am pondering drives me outside, I don’t come back with a solution. I just space it off as I walk. I come back with peace.

When I open the door to go out for a walk, I leave my phone on the counter. Don’t get me wrong. I love to listen to podcasts and books. Music. I learn. I gain wisdom. I find new solutions to publishing.

But if I leave my phone behind, I see the clouds and sky. I hear the birds, the wind through the trees. I feel the Lord in those clouds, the sky. I hear Him in the birds as they chatter a song in praise of their Maker. I feel Him in the Wind through those trees.

When it’s just me walking, I focus intentionally on those things. On the beauty. On the sound of living things. On the language of nature. I sense the energy within the trees, the birds, the animals, the clouds.

I come home in God’s peace, ready to write that next scene, to tackle whatever is next.