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I was depressed.  I could not get myself to do what I knew would help me.

If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking.  Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk.  ~Raymond Inmon

I knew that a good brisk walk would give me energy and lift my spirits, but as  stated, “I could not get myself to do the very thing I needed to do.”

Then a friend called and said, “Let’s walk and talk.” We did.  In fact, she started showing up 4 mornings a week with her walking shoes and saying “Let’s walk and talk.”

It is really true: Exercise releases the body’s “feel good” chemicals, which will help a person feel more positive.  It was true for me.

As we walked we talked.  Often my friend would ask me questions which invited me to talk.  Some of the questions were:

So invite a person who is depressed or grieving or angry or frustrated to walk and talk.  To walk and talk is great therapy for the mind, body, and soul of both the suffering person and the caring friend who walks alongside.

• How are you today?
• What worries you the most?
• What are you thinking or feeling today?
• What do you feel like talking about today?

St. Jerome was fond of saying. “To solve a problem, walk around.”

I also read, “A vigorous five-mile walk will do more good for an unhappy but otherwise healthy adult than all the medicine and psychology in the world.” ~Paul Dudley White