If simplicity is the subtraction, being renamed is the addition.

As you strip down your life to its basic building blocks, much of your previous identity is lost. As you embark on your journey, you must create and develop a new identity. Thus, your pilgrimage renames you.

This can be thought of as a type of rebirth. In traditional Christian settings, Baptism is thought of as being renamed in Christ's love. But this "rebirth" is only a first step. Your journey may rename you, but it is up to you to develop and flesh out your new identity.

The Appalachian Trail, in the tradition of other pilgrimages, renames its travelers in a very obvious way. All hikers give themselves, or are given by other hikers, a "trail name." When you meet another AT thru-hiker, you only exchange your trail names. I hiked for days and sometimes weeks with other hikers without ever knowing their "real" name.

I chose to let myself be renamed as part of my hike. Because I was carrying a bandana bearing the logo of an outfitter who had promised me a 10% discount upon completion of my hike, I was soon named "10 Percent"

My immediate reaction to this renaming was negative, "I don't want this name! It's too capitalistic! I don't want my new identity to be defined by a discount at a retail store." But as I began introducing myself as "10 Percent," I found that people did not define me by my name. Instead, they began to associate the phrase "10 Percent" with characteristics of my personality.

Even today, if you say, "Hey, 10 Percent!" I'll turn and answer.

Previous | Next


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