Pilgrimages of the spirit

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2001
Pilgrimages of the spirit
10
Wed, 09-13-2006 - 8:30pm

http://www.uuworld.org/spirit/articles/pilgrimagesplacesthattouchthespirit4024.shtml

"Struggling up the mountain
The human response to places that open the spirit is deeper and older than any religion."

I found this web site by accident, and then this page. As I read this woman's perceptions and experiences, I realized I could, and do have, my own "pilgrimages" of the spirit every single day! When I walk with my Mika. Along the bay. On a dirt path, with wildlife scurrying in the bushes, past wild geese hanging out along the shore. If I pay attention, these walks are my pilgrimages that take me inward, to appreciate the beauty the Goddess and God have created. To honor it. When I do my t'ai chi practice, something happens. My spirit and my heart changes. I am on that pilgrimage of spirit again. :P

Today Mika & I went to the Marina. Sea gulls were lifting and soaring in the air. It was still summer, warm, but we were kissed by a wonderful cool breeze, all the same. The water twinkled at us as we trudged the trail. I smiled, nodded at other walkers on their own pilgrimage in the sunshine. There was a connection with many, as though they knew what I knew. This wasn't just "exercise," it was about letting our spirits soar, too. I felt blessed by the warm sun on my back. As Mika and I stopped for a water break, I poured water into her little hiking water bowl, and took a sip from the bottle, myself. Life was good. The water tasted so good! After we were done drinking, I spilled the remainder from Mika's bowl at the foot of the tree that gave us shade and beauty under which we rested. I thanked it for its gifts before moving on.

So, what was YOUR last pilgrimage? ;))

Gypsy




Edited 9/13/2006 8:33 pm ET by gypsywolfwoman


Blessings,

Gypsy

)O(



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 09-13-2006 - 9:44pm

Great article!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2001
Wed, 09-13-2006 - 10:03pm

I remember your posts about going to Bodie. :)) My DH & I both enjoyed their web site that you posted, as well. I agree with you. I haven't been back since the latter 70s, but I remember it well. :P It has special energy.

Gypsy



Blessings,

Gypsy

)O(



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 09-14-2006 - 4:39am

We live just two blocks away from a large beach and
we are always in awe when we go there.

We travel out of country regularly and one of the
repeat experiences that just humble us is when
we take the elephant rides through the countryside
in Thailand. We usually do a 4 hour experience.
Absolutely out of this world!

Hugs,


~*~ there's nothing that a nap can't cure (wink!).... ~*~



~*~ Aloha to all .... ~*~

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-22-2003
Thu, 09-14-2006 - 10:20am

I can't open that link, probably caused by our high security access limitations at work.


iVillage Member
Registered: 08-09-2005
Thu, 09-14-2006 - 11:30am
We're going camping soon :-) I have many experiences like this in my 'special' place. It's gorgeous! It's got rapids to body-surf, waterfalls to play on, cliffs to jump! And now is the perfect time to go!! The weather is finally just right & fall is my favorite season.
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~MissApril
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2001
Thu, 09-14-2006 - 1:22pm

I am so sorry you couldn't read the link. Lots of beautiful experiences shared, of this woman's pilgrimages, some simple and everyday, like yours and mine, some in exotic locales. Pilgrimages are as much about spirit as location. :D

Gypsy



Blessings,

Gypsy

)O(



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2001
Thu, 09-14-2006 - 1:24pm

Elephant rides? WOW! That sounds awesome! Elephants are awesome creatures. :D

Gypsy



Blessings,

Gypsy

)O(



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2001
Thu, 09-14-2006 - 1:28pm

Your trip and it's location sounds wonderful! Have a great time! :)) Water is very spiritual...its sound, the "fairy lights" dancing on the surface from sunlight or moonlight, the silky refreshing feel of it, like a blessing on your skin.

In my beliefs, Water is the the symbol of the West, one of the Four Elements, and it also symbolizes the depth and mystery of Spirit. I call upon it when I cast a Circle for worship of my Goddess and God. :)

Gypsy



Blessings,

Gypsy

)O(



iVillage Member
Registered: 08-09-2005
Thu, 09-14-2006 - 2:29pm

That's very interesting!


Water is important to me. I was a fish from the get go. Mom took me to baby swimming lessons, and I could never grasp the 'danger' of it--to me it was completely 'good'. I did everything I could from a young age to be immersed in it. I was the state 50m freestyle champ in HS. Now that I am above my ideal weight, I struggle with letting myself enjoy it. I hope to work through these issues and be reconnected with 'my' water. Actually, it is water that could lead me to shedding my few extra pounds!! Oh, the irony!


My dreams

~MissApril
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 09-14-2006 - 5:51pm

They sure are and there are several programs/centers in
Northern Thailand where you can stay and train with the
elephants, and lots of riding of course, for a few days.


We are strongly thinking of doing that when we go in
February


~*~ Aloha to all .... ~*~