How to Get Started on The Path

Picture, if you will, a simple scene unfolding on a quiet morning. Two friends meet at a corner coffee shop, paper cups warming their hands as they begin to walk. There’s no grand ceremony, no formal declaration – just two people choosing to move forward together, both literally and metaphorically. This is how The Path often begins, not with thunderous revelations, but with quiet steps and open hearts.

I’ve watched this scene repeat itself in neighborhoods across the world. Marina and James started their Walking Assembly one Tuesday morning, sharing their struggles with finding meaning in a world that seemed increasingly fragmented. Sarah and David began theirs on weekend afternoons, discussing how to build ethical lives without religion. What these pairs discovered, as countless others have, is that wisdom doesn’t require temple walls – sometimes it flourishes best under open skies.

Consider the natural wisdom in this approach. When we walk side-by-side, something remarkable happens in our brains. The rhythm of footsteps synchronizes, anxiety levels drop, and conversations flow with an ease that’s harder to find across a table. Research shows that physical movement literally helps us think more clearly, process emotions more effectively, and connect more authentically.

But here’s what’s truly fascinating – the simplicity of this practice is precisely what makes it powerful. There’s no membership fee, no special attire required, no hierarchy to navigate. Just two fundamental elements that humans have always used to grow: movement and conversation. I’ve seen Walking Assemblies start before dawn with early risers, during lunch breaks in busy cities, and in evening twilight as neighbors process their days together.

The conversations often begin with a shared recognition: that many of us hunger for ethical framework and meaningful community but can’t accept supernatural claims such as heaven, hell or virgin births. “I miss the sense of purpose,” one walker told me, “but I can’t pretend to believe in miracles.” Another shared, “I want my children to learn values, but not through fear of divine punishment.” These honest admissions often open doors to deeper exploration.

Watch what happens when people feel truly heard in these conversations. The questions that emerge aren’t abstract philosophical puzzles – they’re the real challenges of living ethically in a complex world. How do we build strong communities without requiring shared supernatural beliefs? How do we teach values without relying on divine authority? How do we support each other through life’s challenges while staying grounded in reason and evidence?

The power of Walking Assemblies lies in their organic growth. I’ve watched pairs become trios, trios become small groups, each person bringing new perspectives and experiences. Some groups eventually add shared meals or community service projects. Others maintain their simple walking format, finding deeper wisdom through consistent, honest dialogue. There’s no prescribed path – each Assembly evolves to serve its participants’ needs.

Starting your own Walking Assembly requires no special training or preparation. The invitation can be as simple as: “I’m starting a weekly walk to discuss life’s bigger questions and support each other’s growth. Would you like to join me? No religion – just open minds and willing hearts.” This simplicity is intentional, removing barriers that might prevent people from taking that first step.

I’ve observed the most successful Walking Assemblies begin with fundamental questions: What gives your life meaning beyond success or achievement? When was the last time you helped someone, and how did it affect you? What ethical principles do you value most, and how do you apply them in daily life? These questions naturally lead to deeper exploration of compassion, justice, integrity, and community – the core principles that The Path preserves while leaving religious dogma behind.

As the sun rises on another morning, more people are taking these first steps together. They’re discovering that meaningful community doesn’t require grand buildings, paid preachers or a weekly tithe – it requires only our willingness to walk together, to share honestly, and to support each other’s growth. They’re finding that ethical frameworks can be built on reason and evidence while still touching the deepest parts of our humanity.

The Path forward begins with a single step, a single conversation, a single choice to seek wisdom together. Whether you start with one friend or several, whether you walk at dawn or dusk, whether you circle a park or traverse a neighborhood, the essential elements remain the same: movement, dialogue, openness, and the shared desire to build something meaningful together.

Remember this: every great journey begins with small steps. The Path awaits, not in distant temples or ancient texts, but in the simple choice to walk forward together, seeking wisdom through honest conversation and authentic connection. Will you take that first step?

Let’s walk The Path together...