Category Archives: Pilgrimage

  Five Day Pilgrimage from Vienna to Mariazell     The next two days to Mariazell were basically a stroll through solitary nature. Without hardly any elevation change, the about thirty miles of walk allowed a lot of resting time, … Continue reading →

    (13) Peace is every step       “Peace is every step” is the title of a book by Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh. I have chosen his words as a motto, a guideline for my pilgrimages. During … Continue reading →

  (12) Pilgrimage and the mind of gratitude       When I am on a pilgrimage, gratitude is my constant companion. Gratitude is not attached to anything specific, it develops organically by connecting with nature, people, and myself. It … Continue reading →

  (11) Pilgrimage and Perseverance       A pilgrimage is training for not giving up despite adversities. Not giving up needs resilience and perseverance. The strength to endure hardships along the way comes from something I would call trust … Continue reading →

  (10) Pilgrimage and Joyfulness         Whenever I walk on a pilgrimage, after several days of hiking in nature, my heart is filled with joy. Pilgrimage and joy belong together for me. This joy is like air … Continue reading →

  (9) Pilgrim as refugee   A pilgrim leaves the familiar behind and goes to places that are transient. On a pilgrimage, the pilgrim constantly arrives and leaves again. It is like the breath – breathing in and breathing out. … Continue reading →

  (8) Pilgrimage and the Mind of Simplicity     A pilgrimage is a way to discover who I am. My most important intention is to discover my inner physical and mental landscape. I want to see the narrow confinements … Continue reading →

  (7) Spirit of creativity and playfulness     A pilgrimage is a time of solitude where deep listening can be practiced. Deep listening means to open the heart to everything that is. It is communication with nature, people, and … Continue reading →

    (6) Pilgrimage and the Spirit of Vulnerability   Walking into the unknown means to be ready to take risks. A pilgrimage is an adventure, which needs courage and endurance. The courage most needed, however, is the courage to … Continue reading →

  (5) Meeting the Gap     The goal of a pilgrimage for me is not self-improvement, but to deepen the awareness of who I am. In order to become aware, it is of crucial importance to accept myself without … Continue reading →