For the Traveler
Para el viajer@de John O’Donohue
Cada vez que sales de casa,
otro camino te lleva
en un mundo en el que nunca estuviste.
Nuevos desconocid@s en otros caminos esperan.
Nuevos lugares que nunca te han visto
se sorprenderán un poco con tu llegada.
Antiguos lugares que te conocen bien
fingirán que nada
ha cambiado desde tu última visita.
Cuando viajas, te encuentras a ti mism@
sol@ de una manera diferente,
Más atent@ ahora
al Ser que traes,
a la observación más sutil de tu ojo
Tú en el extranjero; y cómo el qué te conoce
toca esa parte del corazón
que pasa desapercibida en casa.
Cómo te sintonizas inesperadamente
al timbre de alguna voz,
abriendo en conversación
aquello que quieres asimilar
A donde tu anhelo
te ha presionado lo suficiente
en el interior, en alguna oscuridad callada,
Para crear un cristal de percepción
que no podrías haber sabido
Necesitabas
Iluminar
tu camino.
Cuando viajas,
un nuevo silencio
va contigo
Y si escuchas,
oirás
lo qué a tu corazón
le encantaría decir.
Un viaje puede llegar a ser algo sagrado:
Asegúrate antes de irte,
Tomar el tiempo
para bendecir tu salida,
para liberar tu corazón de lastres
para que la brújula de tu alma
pueda dirigirte hacia
los territorios del espíritu
dónde descubrirás
más de tu vida oculta,
y de las urgencias
que merecen reclamarte.
Que puedas viajar de manera despierta,
Reunid@ sabiamente en tu terreno interior;
Que no pierdas las invitaciones
que esperan en el camino para transformarte.
Que viajes segur@, llega fresc@,
y vive tu tiempo fuera al máximo;
Regresa a casa más enriquecid@ y libre
para equilibrar el regalo de los días que te llaman.
~ John O’Donohue ~
SEED QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: How do you relate to the notion that a journey can become a sacred thing? Can you share an experience of a journey where a silence within you helped you hear your heart? What helps be more attentive to the self you bring along?
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43 Past Reflections
On May 7, 2024 Miss Rose wrote :
For me, “To free your heart of ballast, “ means to look deep into your soul to find the things that weight us down. Some of mine are: fear of losing loved ones, regrets from my past, worrying about the things I cannot change, and relying on false comforters. When we toss those things overboard, our journey can freely lead us to the experiences and encounters we were destined to discover.
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On Sep 18, 2023 E.Bering wrote :
In the start when i was reading i pigtured my first solo adventure i took this year to the wonderlfull place ireland. I was alone and in silence alot. Even with what i am going through this year, i really enjoyed my stay in ireland. On my last night i had a great conversation with a cab driver. Who was also born in ireland. Ireland and his people stole my hart.
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On Mar 4, 2023 Valerie wrote :
The silence in me propels me to fully feel the majesty of nature, to connect to my aliveness in the presence of trees, water, mountains, soft earth. Allowing my awareness to settle on the beauty of outdoors l can feel my place of belonging and I can feel embraced and valued. My journey to outdoors, even looking out my window feels sacred to me, and I always feel blessed to see a tree.
1 reply: Gladys | Post Your Reply
On Feb 28, 2023 SCS wrote :
If we’re fortunate, we learn early that the only baggage that accompanies us everywhere, even when we run away, is ourselves. If we’re fortunate, with time and age, we learn to embrace the messiness of ourselves, to love, to listen, to grow deep and quiet, to be grateful for the revelation.
1 reply: Kelstar | Post Your Reply
On Feb 28, 2023 Colleen Callahan Penquite wrote :
My intentions for this Journey, to become more peaceful, more open , more accepting to be open to possibilities , to be able to quiet enough to hear the possibilities. My touchstones , sage , insense essential oils , rocks !
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On Feb 28, 2023 Colette wrote :
I am so grateful that I signed up for this reflective path. It reminds me of so many journeys that I have been on in my life, and reminds me to trust, to listen, to that silent epiphany, that takes me to where I’m supposed to be, each and every time. I am so grateful for everyone’s reflections that have been submitted. They are uplifting and encouraging. Namaste’
Colette
Colette
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On Feb 28, 2023 Bobbie wrote :
Many years ago I sat in the silence of meditation. During that stillness the Great Mother came and held my heart in her hands - healing my brokenness. As this memory surfaced, I reminded myself of the importance of stillness and quiet.
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On Feb 28, 2023 Lisa wrote :
As a health care worker, the silence i experienced during the pandemic was deafening at times. I worked in a large level I trauma hospital in south west virginia. So life did not slow down at worked but changed daily. The silence i experienced was being alone after work. The isolation was overwhelming at times. I got to listen to myself and my needs in a new way. After 25 years as a hospital chaplain, i realized it was time to leave and had the courage to start a new job as a hospice chaplain. The change in jobs has been amazing.
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On Feb 27, 2023 Rocky Mountain Yogi Girl wrote :
The idea of a new journey is excited and refreshing. The thoughts in my head often go to “I will do it all right this time!” Today I realize the reality that whatever I do it is right. It is the authentic journey. The twists and turns in the road are all part of what happens. There is no right or wrong. I am eager for the adventure of it all.
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On Feb 27, 2023 Linda wrote :
A journey is a sacred thing. I am aware, as I near 80, that each day of our lives is a journey although we may not have seen it that way. Each day brings new opportunities to be attentive, to bless those we encounter with our listening, our service, our care.
May this special pilgrimage help me awaken.
“ When you travel,
A new silence
Goes with you,
And if you listen,
You will hear
What your heart would
Love to say.”
What does my heart want to say in these special days. A great question to ponder.
May this special pilgrimage help me awaken.
“ When you travel,
A new silence
Goes with you,
And if you listen,
You will hear
What your heart would
Love to say.”
What does my heart want to say in these special days. A great question to ponder.
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On Feb 27, 2023 Kevin Laughlin wrote :
Have been using a similar compass activity for the last four years in completing my annual retreat in the spirit of St. Francis De Sales, Introduction to the Devout Life, Part 5. the imagery is always helpful. As I look out my office window at winter, waning at the moment I anticipate spring, yet recognize it is not here yet in the sagebrush-steppe. Patiently waiting is a gift... Thanks for this meditation...
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On Feb 27, 2023 Rebecca wrote :
My Camino grants me the space to quiet my heart, to walk in wonder, to gratefully accept the meal I am given. The path planned gives me anticipation, but the path brings alterations that I must not resist. Every journey changes its way: listen.
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On Feb 27, 2023 Catherine wrote :
I made a journey to Mizpe Ramon in Israel with a group of graduate students when we were studying in Israel. We went out to sit at sunrise in silence after morning prayer. This is the profound experience I had sitting on a rock looking at the sky: "Today I saw the face of God. After early morning prayer I went and sat upon a rock and looked at the sky. The sky was so blue, the clouds white and gold --radiant. Slowly more gold entered - then brilliant orange- I saw God and lived! My Beloved (Christ/God) reached out and touched my heart and kissed my soul. My Beloved laid God's hand upon my heart and kissed my soul. You are great and loving my Beloved. You reach for me and you hold me gently to you. You caress me and fill my being with light. Then the sun came up - glorious- magnificent-fillling the sky with radiance. My heart began to sing-sing-sing-words, music, feelings, all in praise of my Beloved. Glory be to God my Beloved."
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On Feb 27, 2023 Lydia wrote :
My daughter took me on an amazing pilgrimage through temples and shrines in Japan. The beautiful Japanese maples were in full color. We were together yet we were separate. I injured my foot and darkness came quickly. Guided only by a tiny light we made our way through the dark forest. A pilgrimage can be like that, I think. We only need a little light, a little faith and we can discover precious things.
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On Feb 27, 2023 Lynn Myers wrote :
Moved and willing to accept what is in the moment
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On Feb 27, 2023 Frances wrote :
Thank you for helping me to open my eyes and heart just a little more.
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On Feb 27, 2023 Vicky wrote :
I have a sacred place. It is up a trail in the mountains. The quiet there feels holy. I have a sacred place. It is by the ocean, listening to the roar of the waves, being caressed by the wind.
1 reply: Colleen | Post Your Reply
On Feb 27, 2023 Judie Monson wrote :
A few years ago, I was prompted to return to Ghost Ranch in northern New Mexico to listen in that vast silent place for an answer to a question my heart needed answered. I was not disappointed.
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On Feb 27, 2023 Trudy Nicholson wrote :
what a beautiful way to begin my journey, our journey together. Thank you for this opportunity.
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On Feb 27, 2023 Katya wrote :
Many journeys are sacred. Seeking refuge in one's internal silence and breathing is the most sacred to me. Slowing my breaths, heart and thoughts helps me be more attentive.
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On Feb 4, 2023 Juana Aguon wrote :
My entire teaching career was a journey of energy, blessings, connections and challenges. Somewhere in this journey, beginning with receiving a new breed of students around September of each year, I remind myself that 'teaching kids to count is fine' BUT 'teaching them what counts is best'. This quote by Bob Talbert was my mantra to the works of Mercy guiding my teaching conversations and my next teaching strategy. Each teaching day was a new journey taking me to the tomorrow He called me to live.
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On Aug 19, 2022 M.Regina Fahy RSM wrote :
I had a wonderful Retreat on Celtic spirituality at Mercy Farm in Vermont held by Anne Curtis. We crossed thresholds and then journeyed with Bridget, Patrich an Brendan
I had a wonderful Retreat at Mercy Farm in Vermont on Celtic Spirituality led by Anne Curtis. We crossed thresholds and
Journeyed with Bridget, Patrick and Brendan the Navigator. And the journeying was such a Mercy experience and touched my heart as preparation for Chapter
I had a wonderful Retreat at Mercy Farm in Vermont on Celtic Spirituality led by Anne Curtis. We crossed thresholds and
Journeyed with Bridget, Patrick and Brendan the Navigator. And the journeying was such a Mercy experience and touched my heart as preparation for Chapter
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On Aug 19, 2022 M Regina Fahy wrote :
Celtic spirituality retreat at Mercy Farm with Anne Curtis when crossing thresholds started us on new journeys with Bridget and Brendan the Navigator
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On Apr 4, 2022 Ric wrote :
Often, over 50 years, I returned and climbed Mount Katahdin in Maine. While young, enjoying the adventure and accomplishment of taking different trails I unconsciously returned most of the time to the Abol trail. Somewhere along the journey, I realized I was eager to take the same familiar trail because I was actually climbing to go within. The familiar scenery, while spectacular, was less distracting to my inward journey than a new adventure of an unfamiliar trail. So when I need inward time I tend to hike familiar routes but when adventure is what I seek, I take new routes.
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On Nov 19, 2021 Carrie Sant wrote :
I recently took a break and sat by a pond looking at the signs of approaching winter all around it. How easy it can be to want to quickly remove all the dying vegetation that will nurture next years growth and instead replace it with somthing that looks nice! How hard it can becto sit with the discomfort of dying,, grieve it's passing and just wait to see what springs forth. Many things have gone wrong in our world and need to be allowed to die....political systems.. institutionalised religions.. etc We really don't know what to do for the best... I am a sailor and when in trouble the motto is let go of everything the boat will get itself out of trouble and it does but I have to let go of the idea of winning the race too.
1 reply: Valerie | Post Your Reply
On Feb 15, 2021 Mig K wrote :
In the summer of 2019, just after having attended a course on learning to create and walk labyrinths, I made a 14 hour train journey to visit a friend in the far north of Scotland. It was indeed a sacred journey, a pilgrimage, to see her.
A long train journey is so good for inner silence, with the steady thrum of the train on the tracks, the gentle swaying and the scenery glimpsed as it passes somehow creating a container to hold the silence.
I had taken with me the sketchbook I'd begun to fill on the course and, as the journey proceeded, I drew a labyrinth with sketches of notable scenery, both outer and inner, that I encountered on the way.
A long train journey is so good for inner silence, with the steady thrum of the train on the tracks, the gentle swaying and the scenery glimpsed as it passes somehow creating a container to hold the silence.
I had taken with me the sketchbook I'd begun to fill on the course and, as the journey proceeded, I drew a labyrinth with sketches of notable scenery, both outer and inner, that I encountered on the way.
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On Apr 30, 2020 Christi wrote :
It's interesting because I am not going on any journeys these days, and yet this poem is as relevant as ever - the journey into my inner spirit is still possible. Still gathering into my inner ground, directing toward the territories of spirit.
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On Nov 1, 2019 Pedja wrote :
Thats a realy nice post, but most people doesntcome to a clue..have a nice day!
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On Mar 7, 2019 Donald Hardie wrote :
When I visit the Colosseum in Rome this past year I felt a great pressure on my heart to pray for the death of those, that died for political and entertainment of others. It has woken in me a desired since of social justice. DH
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On Dec 8, 2016 Laura J Hendrickson wrote :
I love John expressing the feelings and thoughts that are just below the surface each day as we live the sanctuary of our homes. My heart fluttered just a bit in reading this, as I could feel the excitement, the expectation and, yes, the bit of trepidation as I leave my home in the morning. I believe each day is sacred and each day is an opportunity to transform something. Thank you, John, for expressing it so beautifully. Each morning, I, as a practicing Buddhist, chant the mantra Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, to my mandala to commune with my higher self and set the tone for the day. I return each evening to perform the ritual again. This morning and evening rhythm refreshes, invigorates and cleanses my life to start the next daily journey.
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On Dec 7, 2016 me wrote :
I met a very special man 11 (ish) years ago. Though words cannot explain it, I felt a Spiritual connection at our first meeting. Roughly, 9 years ago I read John O'Donohue's book entitled Anam Cara. This book "put into words" the relationship my soul had and still has with him. My Path and his do not often cross (physically) ... But (Spiritually) I do not go anywhere without him. For God so loved me, He blessed me with my Anam Cara ... And, for this gift, I am soooo thankful! Namaste
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On Dec 6, 2016 Kristin Pedemonti wrote :
oh yes, a journey is indeed a sacred thing, no matter if a journey to a foreign land or the journey in our own town or city; it is all about the intention we set: are we taking the journey with an open heart, mind and soul? Are we allowing for the unexpected to awe us? Are we opening our eyes to truly see the beauty all around us, even if it is simply a tree on the street where we live? Are we engaging with people heart to heart? Are we seeking to grow and learn especially if immersed in a culture other than our own? I have found that many times when i travel, I've been to 27 countries so far: 20 of them through Storytelling performances/experiences, I seek to learn, grow and understand as well as soak in unexpected experiences whether that is a cultural celebration like the one i happened upon in Peru where hundreds gathered in a town square and ate a feast of seaweed, cuy, cheese, and tiny potatoes and there was singing and chanting too. i had little idea what was happen... [View Full Comment]
1 reply: Amy | Post Your Reply
On Dec 6, 2016 Jagdish P Dave wrote :
A call comes from within to wake up to explore new and unknown territories. Is it exciting? Is it frightening? Is it both exciting and frightening?
There have been times in my life when I had put my life on hold. The fear of being bitten again would stop me from traveling on the road unknown with no guide or a compassionate companion. I felt stuck. The stream of life getting dried. I let myself go quietly in this zone. A new day began and I let myself breathe fresh air, open my eyes to see the beckoning light. I stood up and started walking. There was something within me was still live and gave me the energy to take new steps. It felt like the autumn of my life was receiving the blessings of the upcoming spring.
When I was in a high school, I read and loved a poem in my language Gujarati. I still remember the title of the poem-
"Jivanni gati santana!" Life, like a river, moves on! Those words have inspired me and have been a mantra for me to move on and not not to get stuck... [View Full Comment]
1 reply: Trudie | Post Your Reply
On Dec 6, 2016 Mony wrote :
The journey is the Soul's eternal invitation to connect with the Love that is its essence. Every step becomes sacred. Every breath, a deepening of the connection.
I experienced this over and again on my pilgrimage walking from Rome to Jerusalem. The body disappears. The mind stills; and all that is left is the heart, opened and receiving.
The true journey is maintaining that sense of openness and wonder in what is disguised as "ordinary life". The breath, with yoga, remain my daily practice on this pilgrimage called life. <3
1 reply: Trudie | Post Your Reply
On Dec 3, 2016 david doane wrote :
A journey is sacred that proceeds by following one's inner voice or spirit, that engenders learning, growth, and becoming more whole, and likely takes one where he or she doesn't know he or she is going. When I do that kind of journeying, mostly for brief durations during some days, I don't have external goals and I block out external distractions which creates a silence to the outside world that helps me hear and be guided by my inside world. Such journeying is alive for me and helps me be more attentive to my inner self. Such journeying is its own reward.