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Do Walk: Navigate earth, mind and body. Step by step.

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One morning in 2011, Libby DeLana stepped outside her New England home for a walk. She did the same thing the next day, and the next. It became a daily habit that has culminated in her walking over 25,000 miles – the equivalent of the earth’s circumference.

In Do Walk , Libby shares the transformative nature of this simple yet powerful practice. She reveals how walking each day provides the time and space to reconnect with the world around us; process thoughts; improve our physical wellbeing; and unlock creativity. It is the ultimate navigational tool that helps us to see who we are – beyond titles and labels, and where we want to go.

With stunning photography, this inspiring and reflective guide is an invitation to step outside, and see where the path takes us.

128 pages, Paperback

Published July 13, 2021

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Libby DeLana

3 books20 followers

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5 stars
319 (38%)
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147 (17%)
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28 (3%)
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11 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
Profile Image for Deborah Harkness.
Author 45 books34.3k followers
July 30, 2021
Excited to get this book, just published by my Mount Holyoke sister Libby DeLana. I've been walking more and more and more and the more I do it the more I want to walk.
Profile Image for Taeryn Rose.
40 reviews3 followers
January 5, 2023
I will touch on what I liked about the book later- there were good elements. But it felt mostly like one long article. Not a writing style I connected to.

This book also made no mention of people with disabilities or those living in poor or marginalized communities who may not have the privilege or ability to get up at 5am and walk for two hours every day. I know the author mentions that it doesn’t matter the distance you go, just that you go as an everyday practice; but when you mainly just hear her talking about how she’s never ever missed a day in ten years… well in that sense it feels like she’s in a privileged position.

Okay, now for what I liked: I appreciated the author’s commitment to walking everyday no matter what. The message of one foot in front of the other. Being present to yourself and the world around you which in turns helps you be more present with others.

I personally struggle with saying I’m going to do an activity everyday, full stop- for me that pressure can easily become *not* life-giving, rather a recipe for feelings of failure. But I also recognize the power of walking to clear my head, connect with God or simply let my thoughts wander. Right now in my life that’s not a daily, intentional thing though I think I could walk more often than I do. Maybe in the future when I’m not in my early twenties and already doing high intensity exercise I will walk more frequently.
Profile Image for Maureen Forys.
745 reviews14 followers
February 4, 2023
I feel bad…. Nice pictures and some inspirational and helpful stuff but this really didn’t need to be a book :( I’m sorry.
Profile Image for Andrew Mcentyre.
49 reviews2 followers
January 29, 2024

In September 2023, I initiated a daily evening walk with my dog, accompanied by Sufjan Stevens' latest album, Javelin. This routine served as a brief escape, allowing me to release daily frustrations while being immersed in Sufjan's emotional masterpiece through my headphones. Gradually, this habit evolved into a crucial part of my day, instilling a sense of pride in maintaining consistency. Despite colder weather and a few setbacks due to illness or storms, I persevered. This positive routine not only contributed to physical well-being but also influenced healthier eating habits and improved organization.

However, after the loss of one of our dogs after Christmas, I struggled to maintain this simple act. This grief disrupted my established routines, leading to a downward spiral in various aspects of my life. Despite numerous attempts to "get my life together," I often found myself navigating through ups and downs akin to a roller coaster. It was during this challenging period that I discovered Libby DeLana's book, "Do Walk," at a local bookstore. A quick skim revealed shared ideals and principles, aligning with the positive habits I had cultivated during my daily walks.

Reading a chapter every few days, DeLana's words became a source of motivation, urging me not to succumb to despair. Despite grieving the loss of my dog, I was determined not to let it hinder my progress. The final chapter, aptly titled "Keep Going," emphasized that “walking is building resilience, loving your body, committing to your wellbeing, and taking action.” This reminder was precisely what I needed, prompting me to resume my daily walks.

"Do Walk" seamlessly connects with my personal principles, emphasizing the importance of being in nature and paying attention to my senses. As Charles Duhigg details in "The Power of Habit," a Keystone Habit, such as daily walking, directly influences various aspects of thinking, acting, and feeling. They can also lead to a cascade of other positive habits. Grateful for Libby's simple yet insightful book, it served as a timely reminder of the profound impact a single action, like daily walking, can have on our overall well-being.

A quote that Libby references in the book, and I will share, “I will arise and go now. (William Butler Yeats).” I will soon head out for my walk and am excited to continue this daily ritual!

Profile Image for Cali.
25 reviews4 followers
January 23, 2023
I loved this beautiful little book. The pictures and design were as gorgeous as the words. I love walking-- so this book was magical for me. I found it inspiring and a true pleasure to read. It's short and sweet. I also listened to it, and found Libby's voice to be very pleasant and enjoyable.
Profile Image for Kate McGhee.
148 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2023
I love walking and already appreciate the therapeutic benefits, but I didn’t find this book particularly insightful or relatable, I’m afraid.
Profile Image for Chris.
612 reviews184 followers
February 4, 2024
Inspiring, but a bit repetitive.
Profile Image for Kassidy Veness.
52 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up. Quick little read from Libby. Picked up this book because they mentioned it on We Can Do Hard Things and I love my walks. Loved the way she described the beauty of mindful walking and the positive impact it’s had on her life! And she gave some quick tips to starting a walking practice or really implementing any new routine/habit.
Profile Image for Bethany Parker.
391 reviews19 followers
March 5, 2025
Very sweet and inspiring. Reminded me a lot of Morning Pages!
1 review
February 18, 2022
A very simple and short read that details are why we should cultivate a practice of daily walking and how to go about doing so. The information contained in this book isn’t necessarily new and the writer draws mainly upon anecdotal experiences. (some studies into walking are mentioned but never in depth) However, I really enjoyed reading this book and it gave me the nudge that I needed to start my own walking practice.
119 reviews
March 7, 2023
The author is obviously committed to her 5 A.M. walking habit, & that is about all I gleaned from this myopic book. I listened to the audiobook, and tried to return it earlier on but Audible wouldn’t let me. The fact that it took me a week to force myself to finish this short read says a lot; the narrative voice was grating for me personally. I am already a walker and hoped for more inspiration, but will keep walking regardless.
Profile Image for Sandra Heinzman.
657 reviews38 followers
August 17, 2023
I really liked this book. I’m into walking and almost every paragraph spoke to me. I loved the photos and the quotes. I am now following the author on Instagram. I don’t walk 8-10 miles every day, like she does, but I’m shooting for 3+ right now. Last September and October, 2022, I did walk, by myself, the 500 mile Camino Francés across Spain, to celebrate turning 70! Next May, 2024, a friend and I are going to walk the Camino Portugués from Porto to Santiago de Compostela!!
57 reviews2 followers
October 6, 2025
If you have never gone on a walk before you may enjoy this how to book but I was wanting more personal insights and less what kind of shoes to wear. It reads more of a long blog post or article.
101 reviews
January 30, 2023
A collection of thoughts about the benefits of walking. Quite inspiring - will definitely encourage me to walk more - probably not the 8-10 miles every day for ten years the author has though!
Profile Image for Chandni.
66 reviews14 followers
May 22, 2023
A short, repetitive essay on walking.
1 review1 follower
December 20, 2024
A good mix of personal experience, statistics, and quotes. The authors voice is very easy to listen to (audiobook) and, most important, she wasn’t preachy!
Profile Image for Melody.
166 reviews1 follower
January 2, 2025
This was delightful. A great read to kick off the new year.
Profile Image for Alana.
210 reviews
January 25, 2025
As someone who also walks everyday I loved it so much!
Profile Image for Jung.
1,939 reviews45 followers
February 25, 2025
Libby DeLana’s book "Do Walk: Navigate Earth, Mind and Body. Step by Step" offers a compelling exploration of the benefits of daily walking. It isn’t just about exercise; it’s a transformative practice that connects the body, mind, and spirit. Walking provides a sense of clarity and presence, allowing people to experience the world in a more mindful and intentional way. The book encourages readers to make walking a daily habit, demonstrating how something as simple as stepping outside can bring balance, focus, and renewed energy.

The act of walking in the morning is particularly powerful. It serves as a ritual, a way to reset before the demands of the day take over. By slowing down and moving with purpose, individuals can develop a deeper awareness of their surroundings. Nature offers subtle lessons—watching the changing seasons, feeling the shift in the air, or noticing small details that might otherwise go overlooked. Walking in this way becomes meditative, a means of grounding oneself in the present. This shift in perspective helps people detach from stress and distractions, making space for inner peace.

Libby DeLana shares her personal experience of walking daily for years. She describes how this practice became a form of discipline and self-care, offering moments of stillness and insight. Her walks are not about speed or distance but about showing up consistently, regardless of the weather or how she feels. She reflects on encounters with nature, such as spotting coyotes at dawn, and how these moments of quiet observation deepen her appreciation for the world around her. This daily commitment has strengthened her both physically and mentally, reinforcing the idea that small, consistent actions can lead to profound change.

Walking has well-documented physical and mental benefits. It improves circulation, supports cardiovascular health, boosts energy, and enhances sleep quality. Additionally, it has psychological advantages, such as reducing stress, improving focus, and fostering creativity. DeLana emphasizes that walking is an accessible and simple practice—one that requires no special equipment or skills but can significantly improve one’s well-being. The book encourages readers to view walking not as a task but as a way to cultivate presence, resilience, and self-awareness.

By making walking a daily practice, people can develop a sense of rhythm that brings stability and clarity. The predictability of a routine offers comfort, allowing the mind to focus on the movement rather than external pressures. DeLana discusses how her background in athletics taught her the value of persistence and discipline, lessons that have translated into her walking practice. The act of stepping outside every day, no matter the circumstances, builds resilience and a deepened sense of commitment. Even on difficult days, the simple choice to walk forward instills a feeling of accomplishment.

Starting a walking habit can be as simple as setting an intention. Whether the goal is improving health, clearing the mind, or finding creative inspiration, having a reason to walk makes it easier to commit. DeLana advises starting small, making the habit manageable and sustainable. Preparing ahead—by laying out comfortable clothes or planning a route—helps remove barriers. Weather conditions, rather than being obstacles, can be opportunities to embrace different experiences. Rain, wind, or cold can bring their own lessons in patience and adaptability.

The book also highlights how walking can help reconnect people with their bodies. The way someone moves often reflects their emotional state—heavy steps might indicate stress, while a light pace could signal excitement. Becoming more aware of movement can offer insights into one’s thoughts and feelings. Walking also engages the senses in a unique way. The sights, sounds, and smells of the environment can evoke memories, inspire creativity, or bring comfort. Simply observing the shifting light, listening to birdsong, or feeling the ground beneath one’s feet can deepen the experience of being present.

An interesting concept DeLana explores is earthing—walking barefoot to connect directly with the ground. Research suggests that this practice may help reduce stress, improve sleep, and promote overall well-being. Even brief moments of physical connection with nature can have a calming effect. While barefoot walking isn’t necessary to reap the benefits of walking, it is one way to heighten awareness and feel more in tune with the natural world.

Walking can be seamlessly integrated into daily life in small, intentional ways. Choosing stairs instead of elevators, parking farther from a destination, or taking short walks during breaks are simple ways to incorporate movement. These small actions add up, creating a lifestyle that prioritizes walking as a tool for mindfulness and well-being. The goal is not to measure distance or speed but to cultivate a habit that brings clarity and calm.

The book explores the link between walking and creativity. Many great thinkers, including Steve Jobs, Virginia Woolf, and Albert Einstein, relied on walking to stimulate ideas and problem-solve. A study from Stanford University found that walking can boost creative thinking by up to 60%. The rhythmic, repetitive motion allows the brain to wander and make connections that might not emerge while sitting still. Walking provides a space for ideas to flow freely, making it a powerful tool for artists, writers, and innovators.

Walking with others can also foster deeper connections. Conversations often unfold more naturally while walking, free from the formal constraints of sitting face-to-face. Whether walking alone or with company, the practice encourages engagement with the world and the present moment. DeLana emphasizes the value of both solitary and shared walks, showing how they each contribute to emotional and mental well-being in different ways.

Facing challenging conditions—such as walking in the rain, snow, or extreme heat—can be an opportunity for growth. Choosing to walk despite discomfort builds mental toughness and confidence. There’s a sense of triumph in overcoming small obstacles, reinforcing the idea that consistency and perseverance matter more than perfection. No two walks are exactly the same, and even a familiar path can reveal something new each day. Paying attention to small details—the color of a leaf, the sound of footsteps on wet pavement—adds richness to the experience.

Walking is a powerful tool for processing emotions. Movement can help untangle complex thoughts, offering a space to reflect and gain perspective. When emotions feel overwhelming, stepping outside and engaging in physical motion can provide relief and a sense of clarity. Walking can serve as a moving meditation, a time to listen to inner thoughts without judgment.

To maintain a consistent walking practice, it helps to see it as part of one’s identity. Just as a runner identifies as a runner, viewing oneself as someone who walks makes the habit more ingrained. Simple adjustments—such as keeping walking shoes in a visible place—can make it easier to commit. Walking doesn’t have to be time-consuming; even short walks can be beneficial. Over time, the practice becomes something to look forward to rather than an obligation.

Being outdoors amplifies the benefits of walking. Time in nature has been shown to lower stress, improve focus, and boost mood. Even in urban environments, walking in a park or tree-lined street can provide a sense of peace. Many doctors now recommend walking as a natural remedy for anxiety and depression. Whether in the early morning or at dusk, the quiet moments spent walking can be profoundly healing.

Ultimately, "Do Walk" is about more than just putting one foot in front of the other. It’s a guide to finding calm, focus, and renewal through movement. Walking offers a way to navigate life’s challenges with patience and presence. It allows people to connect with their surroundings, process their emotions, and gain new insights. Whether walking a short distance or miles each day, the act itself carries value.

By making walking a daily practice, individuals can transform their mindset, energy, and overall well-being. Even a short walk can bring clarity, helping to shift perspective and refocus on what matters. Each step forward is a reminder that movement—both physical and mental—has the power to create positive change. Through walking, people can embrace life with a greater sense of balance and purpose.
Profile Image for Tina.
1,245 reviews47 followers
November 26, 2024
Mindful reflections and research on the benefits of regular walking with inspiring visuals and quotes.
Profile Image for Becky.
281 reviews
March 27, 2025
This book irritated me. I enjoyed the first bit but found it increasingly repetitive and preachy as it went on. It feels a lot like when an arrogant city person moves to a rural location and then tries to educate all the ignorant country folk on the wonders of nature and living a peaceful slower paced life.

The author worked in advertising and copyrighted the term MorningWalk. If this isn't an obvious cash grab then I don't know what is! A 'morning constitutional' is age old advice - but in typical city transplant fashion, only she has discovered the value of walking and graciously has brought this great wisdom to the masses! Hallelujah! Sprinkled in this book were other marketing terms such as 'nature bathing', 'forest bathing' and 'earthing' (going barefoot)... OMG GAG!!!

She takes a walk every day (usually starting at 5am) for hours (!) with a 'no days off' approach - which to me kills all of the enjoyment of an activity! Who has the luxury to walk for hours every day in the ocean breeze?!? Not to mention that rest days are very important. She is an athlete and doesn't know this!?!? Forcing yourself to complete an activity EVERY day NO MATTER WHAT is not healthy and not something I would ever strive to do.

I live in New England and would never consider myself hardy, but DAMN girl, you put on way too much for our winters. Her list includes: double wool socks, toe warmers, fleece leggings over tights, wool long sleeved shirt, heavy tech fabric top, down vest, down jacket, fleece neck gaiter... I hyperventilate just thinking about wearing all of that to walk 8 miles!! This is the Northeast, not the Arctic!!!

Even though this was a slim little book, I almost didn't finish. In my opinion, it has little value and shouldn't have been made. If you're curious just flip to the FAQ questions at the back. It sums up the whole book without all the mindnumbing filler.
Profile Image for ✧・゚:* ꧁ Isa Dias ꧂ *:・゚✧.
27 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2022
Evening walk work best for me on weekdays.
My small kids loves it. We all walk together every evening, we walk our dogs out.
Its our time to say thank you God for this day.

Morning walks work best on weekends. So nice to wake up earlier and feel the silence of the weekend streets.

I like this short book. A good reminder of what a simple task such as go for a walk can do to your mind and body.

For people with disability that can use wheelchair, also works too. “Dont need really to “walk” but just to go around, exploring the outside.

Of course, there is disabilities that will be way hard to get outside and explore. Maybe with some help?

I have anxiety/OCD/Depression and Walking helps my mind a whole lot ❤️
Profile Image for Nicola Wyllie.
125 reviews
March 1, 2023
A short but inspiring non-fiction book, that has got me walking more and not just for dog walks!!

Libby DeLana rises at 5am everyday and goes for her ‘Morning Walk’ no matter the weather, and for on average 8 miles. The book is about the physical and mental benefits of daily walking, without being prescriptive about how you the reader should walk, it is more like helpful suggestions.

Libby is great at describing the connection her morning walks gives her to the earth, the wildlife, and herself, whilst providing great practical tips for getting yourself out there. The book is also full of beautiful photos from Libby’s morning walks, which in truth made me very jealous that I don’t live in New England.
Profile Image for Tracey.
1,178 reviews15 followers
May 22, 2022
A quick read, but a really enjoyable, insightful, and informative book about my favorite form of meditation and/or exercise: walking. I have dropped off in my practice of daily walks for a variety of reasons, but intend to get back to it once summer break is upon me. I like the practical approach DeLana offers up and her dedication (she hasn't missed a daily walk in over 10 years). While I can't imagine committing to doing anything every day without fail for 10 years (maybe reading), I do see the value in that daily practice. Also, apparently this is a book in a series meant to teach readers new things...so, guess where I will be headed?!?!
Profile Image for Halli Morgan.
106 reviews
November 4, 2024
Very nice inspiration to get out there and take a walk to clear your head. In this stressful time, always nice to have that reminder.
Profile Image for Taryn Maddocks.
56 reviews2 followers
February 28, 2022
“I have come to realise that making a commitment and following through with it is what love looks like.” P. 22

“Movement prevents the challenging times from getting stuck in my body.” P. 17

“MorningWalk is the practice of commitment,
of breath, of attention, of trust, of humility, of generosity, of patience, of discipline, of discovery, of pure happiness, of hope and of love. A walk is building resilience, loving
your body, committing to your wellbeing and taking action. It's a radical act of self-care.” P. 101
Profile Image for Michelle.
180 reviews20 followers
April 27, 2022
I found Libby through Alex Elle’s Instagram and went down the rabbit hole of their morning walk tags. I’d never heard of the “Do” series books but I’d certainly checkout more! The images and layout was really lovely and I certainly wanted to commit to being a Walker after this and start a practice. I loved reading about the authors commitments and practicality for how she held herself accountable and seeing how he diary entries played into it. It’s really about the beauty and ease we can find in such a simple act.
Profile Image for Karen.
14 reviews2 followers
August 17, 2022
I found Libby on IG last year when I was looking for inspiration for my daily walks. I follow her blog, This Morning Walk, as well as her IG account. 2022 has been a rough year for me health wise. And my daily walking really suffered. I read this book on vacation and it reminded me why I started walking. It wasn't necessarily for the exercise but more as a way to get outside when the pandemic started. in 2021 I pushed myself to up my miles and the walking was no longer for fun or to clear my mind, but to hit a number.

I loved this book as it helped me reset my goals.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews

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