One of my favorite books is The Art of Pilgrimage by Phil Cousineau
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Geared toward modern-day pilgrims looking for inspiration and a few spiritual tools for the road, this book combines stories, myths, parables and quotes from famous travelers of the past to help them focus on the purpose and intention at every stage of their journey.
“I am convinced that pilgrimage is still a bona fide spirit-renewing ritual. But I also believe in pilgrimage as a powerful metaphor for any journey with the purpose of finding something that matters deeply to the traveler. With a deepening of focus, keen preparation, attention to the path below our feet, and respect for the destination at hand, it is possible to transform, even the most ordinary journey into a sacred journey, a pilgrimage.” –Phil Cousineau, from THE ART OF PILGRIMAGE (Hardcover, Conari Press, 1999; Paperback, Conari Press 2001, Audio: Dove Audio
It is a book that I often pick up and randomly re-read different part of the book. One of my favorite sections is where he tells a story about “sitting on your luggage”. It is a ritual a family goes through when about to set off on a new adventure. They will take 30 minutes, after everything is packed, and just sit. Sit and reflect. Think about what is ahead, what is behind, do I have everything, am I forgetting anything, did I turn off the stove and lock the door (my additions).
Well, today on December 26, 2006 I start my 30 days of sitting on my luggage. I moved out of my office at the EPPD on Friday and into a temporary space. I’m going to take some time off but I need to finish up a few things before I retire 30 days from now. It will be a time of reflection, anticipation, tying up loose ends, saying good by, cleaning out files…….. and some time to just sit, reflect and make sure I’m not forgetting anything. And some time to finish up those thing I did forget.
My journey to the next phase of my life truly is a pilgrimage. I am seeking. This website will be a vehicle to share that journey and I hope you will join me and share the experience.
