Gelb explains that we never truly stand on our feet; rather we stand on the Earth and the importance of feeling the support of the Earth with every step. This dialogue highlights the benefits and dynamics of walking well, including comfort, vitality, and inspiration. He introduces the benefits of walking for enhancing creativity and problem-solving. He shares examples of the benefits of walking including it has helped him in writing his books, avoiding writer’s block. Walking can lead to moments of genius and creative inspiration by allowing the mind to wander and make connections. Walking is also good for business. For example, John Forney, a CEO, moved his offices from an urban setting to a location with walking trails in order to encourage his employees to get away from their desks. This had the added benefit of improving team dynamics. Gelb makes a distinction between transportational walking (e.g., to the kitchen or supermarket) and transformational walking (e.g., meditation, pilgrimage, or health walks). He suggests bringing a sense of reverence and sacredness to every step and that every walk can be a sacred pilgrimage, even mundane activities like walking to the bathroom. Walking will also connect us to nature that both opens our minds and opens our hearts.
