Keep Walking

Recently, the picture selected for the printed program for Reflective Prayer showed a close-up of the Buddhist monks walking across the United States in 2025. Specifically, it was a photograph of some booted and some bandaged bare feet, the bottom of a hiking stick,  the spice colored  hems of the monks’ garments, a couple of unworn hats, long shadows, and a white stripe painted on an asphalt-paved road. To me, the image was striking because just those elements were enough to recall the entire story. And, as I found myself resonating with that visual detail, the words “keep walking” came to mind and clung to me.

Keep walking. Where else has that wisdom been endorsed? Out of curiosity I did a Google search and the first thing that came up was an ad campaign for Johnny Walker whiskey. I wasn’t expecting that. Actually, the video associated with it is attractive and motivational. Check it out! Despite my Irish heritage, whiskey was not going to satisfy my quest.

Then I remembered the musical, Carousel. This 1945 Rodgers and Hammerstein creation includes the song, “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” I have no doubt that it is familiar to most people on its own without the storyline. Here are the lyrics:

When you walk through a storm

Hold your head up high

And don’t be afraid of the dark

At the end of a storm

There’s a golden sky

And the sweet silver song of a lark

Walk on through the wind

Walk on through the rain

For your dreams be tossed and blown

Walk on, walk on

With hope in your heart

And you’ll never walk alone

You’ll never walk alone

Walk on, walk on

With hope in your heart

And you’ll never walk alone

You’ll never walk alone

This song has been covered widely outside of the musical soundtrack. Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Jerry and the Pacemakers, Josh Groban, Susan Boyle, and Marcus Mumford have all recorded it. I’m sure that others have as well. Take your pick.

That image of the monks united with the song is a new meditation for me when I feel fear taking hold. I close my eyes, control my breathing, recall the image, and hear the lyrics in my head (usually sung by Marcus Mumford but I like to change it up at times). This practice soothes me and bolsters my resilience to metaphorically keep walking.

I am grateful for Reflective Prayer at Centering Space. I never know what will touch my soul when I gather with others and participate. It’s an adventure to discover where my soul will wander. My journey continues. ~Ann Duchez