“Praying the Bear Trail” is a new addition to one of our favorite on-campus ways of exercising…the Bear Trail!

Thanks to a partnership between Campus Recreation and The Good Neighbor Project, you will now notice signs that direct your attention to prayer at each of the markers around the trail!

Walking prayer (and walking meditation) is a practice that helps connect our mind, heart, and body through intentional focus of our attention while performing a physical task.

Christian scriptures offer many examples of walking prayer, so next time you walk or run the Bear Trail, try this simple practice!

(Below are all the signs you will see around the Bear Trail)

As you begin, walking or running,
be conscious of…
your breath,
your movement,
your thoughts,
your feelings,
your surroundings. 

For the next portion of the trail,
as you inhale pray:  Let me be peace today…
and as you exhale:  … and practice compassion.

For the next portion of the trail,
as you inhale pray:  Let me share grace today…
and as you exhale:  … and practice mercy.

For the next portion of the trail,
as you inhale pray:  Let me practice justice today…
and as you exhale:  … and forgive.

For the next portion of the trail,
as you inhale pray:  Let me be humble …
and as you exhale:  … and forgive.

For the next portion of the trail,
as you inhale pray:  Let me trust in you, O God…
and as you exhale:  … with all my heart. 

For the next portion of the trail,
as you inhale pray:  Let me seek you, O God…
and as you exhale:  … with all my soul. 

For the next portion of the trail,
as you inhale pray:  Let me love my neighbor, O God…
and as you exhale:  … with all my strength. 

For the next portion of the trail,
as you inhale pray:  Let me serve you, O God…
and as you exhale:  … with all my mind. 

In my coming and in my going,
the peace of God. 
In my life and in my seeking,
the love of God.
At my end and new beginning,
the arms of God to welcome me home.