“What are you listening for now? What do you hear amid the cacophony of your life” The Art of Pilgrimage, page 88
As a pilgrim, I’ve tried to be faithful to listening to “the call,” to how I am being guided to Be on my pilgrimage.
This “call” has been shifting, clarifying, emerging and evolving as I go along. This doesn’t surprise me because that’s the way life is also. How we are guided or inspired to be changes as we go along.
When I first contemplated going on a pilgrimage, there were four words that came to me immediately: Intention, Commitment, Readiness, Willingness. I had no idea at the time how those might play out, only that they felt important.
When I began my pilgrimage, it was clear that the predominant call was to Wake Up to my life. Again, I wasn’t sure what that really meant. That was just the inspiration that was coming through when I invited clarity on what I was being called to.
Then, it was To Walk, which to me means being mindful, attentive, and aware. it means living in the present moment and taking each step consciously and deliberately.
I’ve also been called to let things go along the way, especially beliefs and pre-conceptions about what I need to carry. This has been about trusting that Life will give me what I need as I go along. It’s been about Trusting the Camino.
And now, a new invitation from Spirit came through very clearly in my morning quiet time: Walk Lightheartedly and with a Joyful Spirit.
Although it resonated immediately with me, it did surprise me. I have always thought of pilgrimages as journeys of a serious nature, being characterized by sacrifice and privation.
So, I’m very curious and intrigued as to how living into this new call will unfold as I continue on my pilgrimage.
Here’s a counterpoint melody for your beautiful reflection, Lynne–a pointer to a lovely, humble, funny and wise novel called The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, by Rachel Joyce . (Warning: once started, I couldn’t put it down! ) Recently retired Harold Fry lives in a small English village until “the letter that would change everything arrived on a Tuesday.” But then, as happens in the very best works of fiction, Harold has a chance encounter that convinces him he absolutely must deliver his reply in person–walking 600 miles across England to visit his friend in hospice, convinced that this walk will help her live….and nothing is ever the same again. Get ready to laugh, cry, and open your own heart if you undertake this pilgrimage with Harold.