practicing pilgrimage at home and abroad
Because of the rhythms of our lives, summer seems an obvious choice, as well as holidays and school breaks. If those are traditionally the times you travel it’s likely there hasn’t been reason for you to consider otherwise. But what if I told you that when it comes to pilgrimage, it’s better to travel in the off season—the times of year when tourists are usually back at home? Here are 3 reasons why:
Maybe you went on an amazing trip over the summer and want to memorialize it in some way. Or perhaps you have a shoebox stored in the top of your closet filled with items collected from a life-changing journey taken years ago that you don’t want to let go of but just can’t figure out what to do with.
I love collecting found objects throughout my journeys—markers of where I have been and what I’ve experienced no matter how small. Since I now carry a camera around in my pocket everywhere I go thanks to my smartphone, I’ve also come to enjoy taking photos of my destinations and sharing them over social media along the way.
While this might make me seem like quite the responsible traveler by documenting my experiences throughout my trip—whether through pictures or found objects—the trouble comes when I return home. Over the past few years I’ve traveled to four countries on three separate trips, taken hundreds of photos, and undoubtedly added weight to my luggage from the various mementos found along the way.
However, other than putting some prints in frames and adding stones and shells I’ve collected to my rock jar (free souvenirs!), I’ve done nothing with my pictures or mementos.
The guides we often think to pack are typically travel guides offering sample itineraries, hotel recommendations, and quick reference translations when you need to ask for directions or order a cup of tea. However, while these guides can be undeniably useful when navigating a new place, they will only guide you on your outer pilgrimage. If you want your journey to be meaningful, you’ll need a guide for your inner pilgrimage, too.
For centuries, pilgrims have carried such a guide. Known as a Vade Mecum, or “go with me,” these guides are guides for the soul. In them you’ll find practical information, yes (Rick Steves only started writing guidebooks in the past few decades, after all), but more importantly, you’ll find words of inspiration—prayers, quotes, and Scriptures to accompany the pilgrim along the path.
Because each room has multiple functions, I have yet to find the perfect place for my Morning Ritual. While a cozy silent nook can always be found, as the day continues that nook turns into an office, an entertainment center, a place to pile laundry (okay, that last one is my own fault).
Each morning I wake up uncertain of where I’ll land, and for the most part, I don’t mind; after all, it’s what you do during your Morning Ritual that makes it meaningful. However, while I have my favorite cozy nooks—spreading out on the couch as I watch the sun rise, cozying up on my new daybed by the window, sitting outside in my garden as I take in the sights and sounds—there’s one thing I miss: having an altar.
On Saturday I’m leaving for Europe to co-lead a pilgrimage for young adults in Ireland, followed by a few days in London to revisit my old stomping grounds and spend time with good friends.
Since I’m spending the day packing, I thought I’d share some of my favorite travel tools of late: