Spiritual Nordic Walking and Ski Walking in Sicily: Walking with Poles and Praying

Walking with poles is a simple way to move the whole body, ease the knees and find a steady rhythm. That rhythm can become prayer. During the walks on the spiritual days near Taormina, anyone who wishes can walk Nordic walking style, which many also call ski walking: we agree it together when you write to me.

What Nordic walking is

Nordic walking was born in Finland as summer training for cross-country skiers. You walk pushing with two special poles, which work together with the legs as in cross-country skiing. In Italy it is a recognised discipline practised by a great many people of all ages.

Nordic walking, ski walking, pole walking, fitwalking: the differences

• Nordic walking: the most widespread name, with a precise technique of pushing the poles backwards.
• Ski walking or skiwalking: many use this name for walking with poles inspired by the skiing movement, often more dynamic and suited to climbs and trails.
• Pole walking: a general term for walking with poles, including simpler forms.
• Trekking with poles: poles are used for support on climbs and descents, without a specific technique.
• Fitwalking: a sporting walk without poles, developed in Italy.

The benefits according to research

Several scientific reviews indicate that Nordic walking improves cardiorespiratory capacity, fitness and quality of life in adults, and can also help people with respiratory diseases. Compared with ordinary walking it involves the arms and trunk more. Poles also reduce the load on knees and ankles when descending. Anyone with health problems should still consult their doctor before starting.

Walking with poles and praying

The steady pace of Nordic walking lends itself well to prayer. Many accompany the rhythm of the poles with the prayer of the heart: one part of the invocation at each step, or at each push. Others pray the rosary, or walk in silence contemplating creation. Jesus himself withdrew to lonely places to pray (Lk 5:16): walking is one of the oldest ways of standing before God.

Where to walk near Taormina

• The trails of the Peloritani, through woods and ridges with views of two seas.
• The Alcantara valley, along the River Park.
• The northern slope of Etna, among pine forests and ancient lava flows.
• The seafront promenades of the Ionian coast, for those who prefer a flat route.

Destinations are chosen together according to the season and those taking part. Other places are described in Places to meditate near Taormina and Messina.

Practical tips

• Poles suited to your height, walking shoes, water and a hat.
• Warm up before and stretch after the walk.
• In the hot months, early morning or late afternoon is best.
• Beginners can learn the technique from a qualified instructor.

A day that unites body and soul

On the spiritual days near Taormina walking is only one part: there is common prayer, a meal prepared and shared, time together and silence. They are reserved for Catholic and Orthodox Christians, with no overnight stay and entirely free. If you would like to walk with poles, mention it when you write to me. For a walk of several days there are the pilgrimage walking routes in Sicily.

How to take part

The days take place near Taormina, in Sicily. The places to visit are agreed together each time. There is no overnight stay: we share one day, and in the evening everyone returns to their own home. Hospitality has no price and does not depend on any offering: whoever comes is welcomed for who they are. Everyone contributes as they can: anyone who cannot leave anything is welcomed like everyone else, and takes part by giving a little of their time.

The days are reserved for Catholic and Orthodox Christians, because they are lived in shared prayer. To ask for a date, simply write to me on WhatsApp. The spirit of the days is told in the manifesto of hospitality.

If you would like to know what makes this mission possible, read The circle of love.

Explore the other pages

The days: Christian spiritual days in Sicily · The Philoxenia of Abraham · Spiritual search and finding yourself · Day retreat, silent retreat and pilgrimage: the international names

Spiritual travel in Sicily: Spiritual tourism in Sicily: the guide · Pilgrimage walking routes in Sicily · Holy Week and Easter in Sicily · Religious festivals in Sicily: the calendar · Orthodox pilgrimage in Sicily

Nature and places: Spiritual Taormina · Spiritual walks in nature · Christian meditation in nature in Sicily · Places to meditate near Taormina and Messina · Places to meditate in Sicily

Prayer: Christian asceticism: the spiritual struggle · The prayer of the heart or Jesus Prayer · Hesychasm: the prayer of stillness · The Philokalia: the Neptic Fathers

The saints of Sicily: Byzantine Sicily and the Italo-Greek saints · Saint Hilarion the Great in Sicily · Saint Methodios of Syracuse · Saint Joseph the Hymnographer · Saint Elias the Younger of Enna · Saint Agatha of Catania · Saint Lucy of Syracuse · Saint Pancras of Taormina

Sources

• Journal of Education, Health and Sport – The effects of Nordic Walking on health in adults: a systematic review (2022)
• PubMed Central – Nordic walking in people with respiratory diseases: systematic review and meta-analysis
• UIAA – Recommendations on the use of trekking poles (PDF, Italian)
• Mark 6:31 and Luke 5:16 (Bible Gateway, RSV)
• Alcantara River Park (official site, Italian)
• UNESCO – Mount Etna