ON THE ROAD AGAIN…BECOMING A PILGRIM IN YOUR OWN PART OF THE WORLD
I know quite a few people who have walked the hundreds of kilometres along the Camino de Santiago de Compostela (The Way of St. James) in Spain – either all at once or over a few years. Their reasons for walking vary: it may be a spiritual quest, a physical and mental challenge, or a way to recover from trauma or grief. Whatever their motivation, they come home changed in some deep ways. I think it’s safe to say they never see the world (or their feet!) in the same way after such a demanding and endlessly rich experience.
Many of us will never make this trek, for all kinds of reasons: lack of time or funds, health issues, and more. But that doesn’t mean we can’t go on pilgrimage wherever we are. As Rob Fennell writes in his book Camino Close to Home, “it is not the distance we travel, the sights we see, or the geographical destination that truly matter. What matters most is in the heart: the work of the Spirit within us to lead and transform us. This can happen on a walk through the woods near your house or down the sidewalk in your neighbourhood in the morning or the evening. With intention and purpose, even the journey from car to grocery store can participate in the goodness of pilgrimage. … Whether we walk or use wheels, whether we sojourn in Spain or Nova Scotia or in our local parks and paths, the pilgrimage journey is especially an internal journey.” The book is full of fresh insights and practical tips for those contemplating or planning a pilgrimage, and it’s an inspiring read for armchair pilgrims, too.
Whether your pilgrimage lasts an hour, a day, a week or longer, preparing your mind, your body and your heart will allow both questions and answers to arise in you as you reflect on your life, your relationships, your values, your faith, and where you will go from here. These long and lovely summer days are a perfect time to make some space for this kind of reflection. Read a Bible passage or pray before you venture forth. Notice what’s around you and listen for God’s voice in creation. Take a photo on your phone to capture the moment. Breathe deeply and intentionally. Take stock of where you are in your life and offer gratitude for your many blessings. Stop and rest when you need a break. At the end of your time of walking, write or record some thoughts about your experience that you can come back to later.
St. Augustine of Hippo famously said, “Solvitur ambulando”: It is solved by walking. You can start or resume your pilgrim journey – on your own or with other people – anywhere, anytime. As they say in Spain, Buon camino!
Anne Louise Mahoney is Managing Editor of Novalis. She is the editor of Looking to the Laity: Reflections on Where the Church Can Go from Here and the author of I Hope, a book for young children.
