Stepping Forward: Move[d] to Understand

Stepping Forward: Move[d] to Understand is a virtual pilgrimage to various houses of worship throughout the Philadelphia region. Along this pilgrimage, you are invited to walk, run, bike, swim, or any other mode of movement that you prefer.

Walking meditation is deeply rooted in most spiritual traditions. Through walking, practitioners become aware of the connection between the spirit within that is connected to the divine or the collective consciousness of all humanity. Interfaith Philadelphia’s virtual walk provides the participants with the same benefits of a pilgrimage in nature, which has been shown to dramatically improve mood and feelings of wellbeing. Because this virtual journey is purposeful, like a walk in nature, it will also create a sense of inner peace, relaxation and calmness. 

Through this virtual journey, throughout September, participants can travel at their own pace and can reflect upon and reconnect with their own faith teachings. They will also be encouraged to visit the places of worship of different faith traditions.  Participants will learn about these traditions through various educational tools and materials that will be provided along the walk.  At this unprecedented time in America’s history, embarking on a spiritual journey alone or with others, going from one place of worship to another, can be a very uplifting experience. This pilgrimage can also lead to individual healing and has the potential to cascade into healing for entire communities as we support and connect with one another through dialogue.  

Why are we asking you to join us? It is so that we can talk and walk in harmony together.  Travelling this path together can be strong validation and reaffirmation of our lived experiences.  Let’s join one another in September to deepen our relationships.  Through walking and movement, let’s dare to understand the historical journeys of each other’s traditions.

NOTE: THIS IS A VIRTUAL WALK. DO NOT ACTUALLY VISIT THE SITES ON THE MAP BELOW. WE NEED TO MAINTAIN THE SAFETY OF OUR COMMUNITIES. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ARRANGE A VISIT, PLEASE BE IN TOUCH DIRECTLY WITH THE LOCATION AND DO NOT ARRIVE WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT. 

Track your journey on the map below, as though we are travelling together to: Circle of Hope, Mantra Lounge, Al Aqsa Islamic Society, Chenrezig Tibetan Buddhist Temple, Arch Street Friends Meetinghouse, South Philadelphia Shteibel, the Praise Center, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, First Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia, White Rock Baptist Church, Philadelphia Sikh Society, Masjid Quba, Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, Main Line Reform Temple, Baha'i Center of Philadelphia, Beth Shalom Congregation, and Won Buddhism of Philadelphia