Walking for Health, Creativity, and Spiritual Well-Being

In this 2024 conversation with Justine Willis Toms, MIchael Gelb, Ph.D. explains that we never truly stand on our feet; rather we stand on the Earth and it's important to feel the support of the Earth with every step. This dialogue highlights the benefits and dynamics of walking well, including comfort, vitality, and inspiration. Gelb introduces the benefits of walking for enhancing creativity and problem-solving. He shares examples of the benefits of walking including how it has helped him in writing his books and avoiding writer's block. Gelb says walking can also lead to moments of genius and creative inspiration by allowing the mind to wander and make connections. He makes a distinction between transportational walking (to the kitchen or supermarket) and transformational walking (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. He is the author of:


- Innovate Like Edison: The Success System of America’s Greatest Inventor (co-author Sarah Miller Caldicott) (Dutton 2007)
- How To Think Like Leonardo da Vinci (Dell 2000)
- Brain Power: Improve Your Mind as You Age (co-author Kelly Howell) (New World Library 2012)
- Creativity On Demand: How to Ignite and Sustain the Fire of Genius (Sounds True 2014)
- Walking Well: A New Approach for Comfort, Vitality, and Inspiration In Every Step (co-author Bruce Fertman) (New World Library 2024)

Interview Date: 8/30/2024    Tags: Michael Gelb, walking, Mary Oliver, John Forney, improv, creativity, physical balance, Julie Brock poem, standing meditation, Abraham Path Initiative, Camino de Santiago, Elizabeth Lesser, Health & Healing, Personal Transformation, Philosophy, Psychology