A heart full of gratitude
What a beautiful pilgrim report we received from Sabine Cocquyt at the end of her Walk of Wisdom that she walked in the past month of May. It expresses an experience of great richness, of joy and connection with everything that surrounded her. Very good and beautiful to feel when you read it. ..
Last week I walked the Walk Of Wisdom, in 7.5 days. I made this pilgrimage to myself as a gift for my70th birthday (in April). It was quite a journey of discovery from Leuven, Belgium.
The last day, Saturday 17 May, I walked passionately. Looking forward to my arrival in St. Steven’s Church. Overflowing with warm feelings. Completely ready to share that with someone before I traveled back to Belgium, or to write it down there. But unfortunately, the church was closed due to a choir day. There I was. A bit perplexed. Disappointed at that letdown. Fortunately, I did get my stamp and last bird ring. But there were so many words and emotions in me! Here they are!
Three words traveled with me throughout: trust, kindness, and gratitude. Those were the most important ones. In addition, other words were added. That is why in the course of the week, one evening, I drew a “Tree of Wisdom”. And that’s where I put all those words/values. Provisional. I’m going to work on that in the coming weeks. Not that I have such a great talent for drawing…
The gratitude was (and is) so great!
I thank the universe for the protection I received.
Above all, I thank my sweet body that did not let me down and even pleasantly surprised me.
I thank the weather gods for the beautiful sun, the blue skies and the pleasant breeze, because I had such a wonderfully carefree week and saw nature at its best. The greatest gift actually.
I thank the birds: the blackbird, the blackcap, the chiffchaff, the robin and wren for their beautiful accompanying concerts. I thank the storks, the herons, the buzzards and hawks and the many water birds for their elegance and elegant navigation.
I thank the water lilies, the cow parsley, the buttercups, the bluebells, the clover, the rapeseed, the elderberry, the wild roses and so much more for the color and fragrance they gave to this trip.
I thank the trees with their swaying crowns, which provided shade and gave me a breath of fresh air.
I thank all those workmen along the road. Those who mowed or weeded, those who took care of the road surface, who steered bus and train in the right direction, who took care of animals, the skippers who took me on their trip (in my dreams anyway)….
I thank all the people in the hospitality industry: for their cup of coffee, the cake or honest and pure juice or the delicious and honest meal. And the sweet lady from the tourist office.
I thank every person (cyclist, jogger, walker, farmer on the tractor) who said “hello” or a word more.
The jogger who pointed me to a bench a little further on. And especially retraced her steps for that.
The bus driver who patiently explained to me how to pay on the bus in the Netherlands.
I thank the artists who occasionally treated me to an extra portion of beauty.
Photo: Monica Boschman
And of course I thank above all those people who received me hospitably and generously and warmly in the evening. And who were also up in time in the morning to provide a tasty and hearty breakfast. Thanks for the pampering, the lovely bed, the cozy room, the beautiful garden, the little extras, the tips …
Thanks to those with whom I could share the experiences of the day. Those who took me along in their personal story. For the silence, the look of recognition.
Thanks to everyone for the kindness, in which I could bathe for a whole week.
Honestly, dear Northern neighbors: you were great. It touched and nourished me very much!
Thanks also to my family and friends who sponsored me – as a birthday gift – for this trip!
Finally, thanks to all the people who made this Walk of Wisdom possible. Who realized this great dream, for themselves and for so many others after them. Thanks to all those volunteers and certainly to the trekkers!
I will now continue on my path. I hope to inspire others with this story. I’ll tell you more! That much is certain.
THANKS!
Sabine Cocquyt
Leuven, Belgium
May 18, 2025
