Today is National Walking Day in the United States. The goal is to get people exercising; however, it’s a good opportunity to explore the spiritual benefits of the celebration. Let’s make a mini pilgrimage! Not everyone can make grand pilgrimages to legendary sites afar, but your local spiritual spots are well worth a mini pilgrimage.

Do you have a special site in nature, like a lake, a river, a botanical garden, or even a local monument to somebody you respect? These, too, are sacred sites. Find something walkable, within a few miles of your home, and set out, if you’re able, on a walking pilgrimage to the site. Pack a few ecofriendly offerings and some water to drink, lace up your walking shoes, and start walking.

On your journey to and from your site, you can engage in a walking meditation on what the journey and the destination mean to you. While at your site, make your offerings and pay your respects however you see fit. Blessings on your journey!