Walking the Way

Jonathon Stalls' Sacred Pilgrimage Along the Oregon Coast Trail

Jonathon Stalls, author of the book "Walk: Slow Down, Wake Up, and Connect at 1-3 Miles Per Hour," embodies the Taoist ideal of moving in harmony with the natural flow of life, where each step becomes a meditation, and each journey a path to awakening.

In 2023, Jonathon embarked on a 7-week pilgrimage with his partner, Ben, traversing the coastline from Florence, OR to Vancouver, B.C. This journey was not just across physical terrain but also through the vast inner landscapes of the spirit, where the boundaries between the self and the world dissolve in the rhythm of mindful walking.

This year, the couple continued their pilgrimage, completing a sacred journey along the Oregon Coast Trail on August 4th. From July 18th to August 6th, they walked south from Florence to the California state line, embodying the Taoist principle of embracing the present moment, allowing the journey to unfold naturally, and moving with the subtle currents of the world.

For Jonathon, walking is more than a mere physical act; it is a spiritual practice, a creative process in motion. As he walks, he writes, draws, and tells stories—each step an act of creation, each breath a moment of inspiration, as he explores themes of connection, justice, and the deep interdependence between all beings.

Walking the Sacred Path

The Oregon Coast Trail is more than a route through stunning landscapes; it is a path imbued with sacred energy, echoing the footsteps of Native American communities who first traveled these lands. 

This trail, originally a conduit for trade and communication, carries the spiritual weight of history, evolving into the modern path through the natural world, shaped by the intention to preserve and honor the earth's beauty.

Walking this trail is to enter into a timeless flow, where past, present, and future merge, and where the walker becomes part of a greater story—one of connection, reverence, and the pursuit of balance between humanity and nature.

Walking with Humility

In his writings, Jonathon Stalls delves into walking as a practice of humility—a way of grounding oneself, both literally and spiritually, in the Earth. The Latin root of humility, “humilitas,” meaning "to the ground," reflects this profound connection between our steps and the sacred earth beneath us.

Stalls observes, “Each step, each roll, is an act of agency to live, to exist, to try, and ultimately, to survive one more moment.” 

Walking, for Stalls, is a practice of surrendering to the forces of nature, of accepting the pull of gravity, and of moving forward with grace and intention, despite the challenges that arise.

This humility invites us into a non-linear relationship with the world, where the journey is not about conquering but about yielding—about finding strength in vulnerability and power in the willingness to be present with what is. It is through this practice that we learn to embrace the complexities of existence and find balance within them.

A Call to Awaken

In "Walk: Slow Down, Wake Up, and Connect at 1-3 Miles Per Hour," Jonathon Stalls invites us into a sacred practice of awakening through walking. He shares how this practice has nourished his soul, deepening his connection to himself, his community, and the earth.

Through walking, he confronts the forces that divide us—systemic racism, classism, and ableism—and calls us to become awakened activists, to heal the rift between humanity and the natural world. Walking becomes a form of meditation, a ritual that connects us to the deeper truths of life and the interconnectedness of all beings.

With practices that encourage connecting to Earth stewardship, embracing vulnerability, and walking with intention, Stalls offers a powerful call to slow down and truly see the world around us. He reminds us that when we walk with awareness, we dissolve the barriers that keep us separate from each other and from the living earth.

Jonathon Stalls walks not just for himself, but for the collective soul of humanity. He urges us to join him in this slow, deliberate journey toward connection, justice, and profound inner peace. As he walks the sacred Oregon Coast Trail, he reminds us that each step is a step toward understanding, humility, and an awakened way of being.

---

Since 2022, The Chocolate Taoist has delivered uncommon nomadic wisdom to help you live a more interconnected and expansive life. 

If this publication has been a source of wisdom for you then please consider helping me sustain it by becoming a monthly or annual contributor. 

For just $6.00/month or $60.00/year, you’ll have the opportunity to share your lived experiences with fellow nomads, fueling fiery discussions that provoke, inspire, and challenge you to think differently. 

So I hope you will take the plunge today and contribute to my mission of helping human travelers on this life journey. 

Onward and Forward

Diamond Michael Scott aka The Chocolate Taoist