Though a pilgrimage may be be a solitary pursuit, it is not individualistic.

Traditionally, Christian pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela have asked for the blessing of their priest or bishop before embarking on their journey. Many other traditions expect a pilgrim to ask for the blessing of their family, a guru, or community.

Because a pilgrimage often signifies a break from the your everyday routine, it can feel ungrounded. Inviting a mentor or a community to join your pilgrimage in spirit can help root you during your journey.

When I told my parents that I wanted to hike the whole Appalachian Trail, they were very excited for me and immediately began scheduling dates during which they could join me and hike for a weekend. Their embracing of my idea was very clearly their way of bestowing their blessing on my pilgrimage.

Also, I wrote a letter to Rhia Miller, an author of a book called Cloudhand, Clenched Fist, asking her if I could take her out to lunch to talk about my pilgrimage, as her book had inspired me, in part, to go on this journey. She wrote back immediately and invited me to stay for the weekend. Rhia opening her life to me and our conversations that weekend were a second blessing of my pilgrimage.

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Naming Your Journey | Blessing By Community | Simplicity | Being Renamed | Building Community | Moment of Grace | Search for Conclusion | Reintegration