What if we were to approach life as an everyday pilgrimage so that each day we embrace the awe inspired adventure?
“To set out on a pilgrimage is to throw down a challenge to everyday life. Nothing matters now but this adventure.” –Phil Cousineau
Some days I travel while at home—I travel through a shelf on my bookcase, through a collection of sacred objects from nature, or through early morning birdsong. The longing for this daily journey of wonder keeps hope alive.
I never fell for the conditioning of the mundane. As a young child, the daily progression of algebraic formulas built the walls of my prison, and the words of Thoreau set me free as I walked along the shore of a lake surrounded by bald cypress trees. My greatest adventures were stumbling upon a bird’s nest, watching a great blue heron stalk its prey, or hearing the sound of wings flapping as a flock of Canada geese landed on the glassy stillness of the water.
We don’t have to travel far to contact a daily sense of wonder and awe. Throw down a challenge to everyday life. Wake up! Be mindfully present with all that surrounds you. Awaken your imagination. Make a pilgrimage in your home, yard, neighborhood park, or city garden. Find adventure in your everyday.
Jen Johnson is a meditation teacher, photographer, and writer teaching meditation for healing and creative awakening. Learn more about working with Jen.