The Two Paths of Pilgrimage

The outer and the inner

“The traditional way of the pilgrim is to travel alone, by foot, carrying all the material possessions we might need for the journey ahead. This provides the first lesson for the pilgrim - to leave behind all that is superfluous and to travel with only the barest necessities.” - John Brierley

This is also true of inner attitudes. The challenge is to let go of old ways of thinking - to let go of the ordinary self- talk (which lately has a lot to do with worrying about getting everything done before I leave) and to begin to listen and to ready myself mentally and spiritually - to quiet down inside.

I keep reminding myself that there is a difference between taking a trip for pleasure and making a pilgrimage - one is not better than the other, just different. And a pilgrimage really begins the minute you decide to do one.

The path of the pilgrim is a mystical path and requires three central things: silence, stillness, and solitude. I have chosen to do this alone so that I can have time away from my busy life and be open to guidance - be open to being present with my deepest self and with God. I know that the Camino will also have noisy times and busy times (and certainly a lot of walking!!). But I also look forward to more stillness and quiet along the way.

As I move through these very busy last days before I go my meditation is on stillness, solitude, silence - and also on making an internal shift to see everything now as part of the pilgrimage.

Peace and Love +

Peeka