My husband and I went for a walk today, a much needed walk, to help us clear our mind as a unit. We put one foot in front of the other. We held hands. In Todd’s hand, I know that I’m safe. I know that I’m loved. Everything is okay.

We looked around at the beautiful butterflies, the fat wiener dog, and the rebellious skateboarder. Everything seemed to be exactly the way it should be, this morning. It was like we were all in on a secret.

“At Dawn, I have the potential of becoming a living morning praise. With my glance, I give praise. With my breath, I give praise. With my grateful heart, I give praise. In honoring the sorrows of life, I give praise. In celebrating the joy of the moment, I give praise. My desire to live this day well gives praise. With my voice, I give praise. With my silence, I give praise.”

-Macrina Wiederkehr

As a wife, as a householder, and as a yogi, my mission is to give praise. Breathing deeply, slowly, and satisfyingly, I am praising God for everything He has given me. Even the hard times. I am thankful for those, too.

When the walls start closing in, and I get caught up in a negative funk, I start walking. I find things to be thankful for like the fresh air, the beautiful trees, and the tranquil sounds of water running along the river trail. It is a practice of letting myself feel these negative emotions to their fullest without letting them take over that keeps me balanced and moving forward. Thankfulness is the best way to break free from despair. When I take a walk, I usually find myself in a much better mood by the time I get home.

We are designed to walk, so I’m sure that has a lot to do with it. But moving through space and time on two feet hits different when you’re in your feelings.

When Todd and I got home, we felt strong instead of scared. Sometimes, the winds of change blow so hard, you feel like running and hiding from their terrible gusts. But instead, get out there, go outside, and feel it. Let the breeze become a rushing wind that takes you to the edge of your emotions. Carrying the fragrance of growth, the air is accessible at all times. You just have to breathe.

You just have to praise.