Pilgrims

Yesterday, whilst out walking I saw a man with a huge rucksack and on his dog where some panniers, and today (by chance?) I saw him again (in another part of the Borders) whilst out on my bike, having stopped by some public toilets.

He was walking St. Cuthbert’s way having set out from Lindisfarne some days previously. We got talking, I talked about my own journey around Ireland, and he spoke about walking on the hills, how the stresses and strains of life just fade away when you are outside walking. He said, ‘my dog doesn’t say much and I can think things through like bills and difficulties without them all coming at me at once, these things have less hold on me as I walk and find a place to pitch my tent. ‘

We agreed it is difficult to explain these ‘pilgrimage’ experiences to others, it’s a physical release of the heart from fear and worry on the journey of life. I also believe it is a spiritual release, a healing formed in a greater awareness of the beauty of creation, and also in the practical rituals involved in living outdoors.

The secret though, is when you get back home to realise that you are still on a life pilgrimage and not to become consumed by the cares of this life once more.

Have you been on an outdoors pilgrimage? If not, maybe it might be of benefit someday.