Constellations of thought… From certainty and doubt (report of a ‘walk of wisdom’ by Anja Strik)
Constellations of thought… From certainty and doubt
Perhaps my greatest wisdom is that I don’t know what I’m going to do. Sometimes there is a great ‘certainty’ to take a step, other times I move out of doubt and discover that I have gone on my way in spite of myself. The latter was the case with the Walk of Wisdom.
I don’t remember how I came across this pilgrimage route in the making. The idea appealed to me and I doubted whether it suited me to be one of the first pilgrims; no need for that dr I was at an opening ceremony, didn’t want to leave at the same time as so many others, marking the stages covered by collecting bird rings (a nice idea in itself) didn’t seem like something for me. I want to be on my own and free when I go on my way. Covering 136 km in eight days, can I do that with my fitness?
And there I am… After having enjoyed the festive opening ceremony, led out to the singing of the pilgrim’s song and the sounds of the street orchestra Kladderadatsch, the pilgrim pinned to my backpack with the lace adorned by the bird ring in which 2015 024 was punched.
No zodiac sign
It is not a task for me to turn off my mobile phone, not to take a camera with me and to leave all writing utensils at home; on the way, no bonding or collecting memories by capturing images or words, but BEING on the road and letting the experience speak in the moment and let it evaporate.
And yes, I am aware of how my thoughts are affected by the ‘invitation’ to contribute to the new Book of Hours for the first few days. I am happy to notice that I do not allow myself to be caught, but commit myself in freedom to this pilgrimage route by observing some of its rituals. When leaving, take a look at our Mariken, enjoy taking a bath in the Bison Bay, pick up and lay a stone on the way at the memorial site on the Kitty the Wise square and consciously look at Moenen at the Sint Stevens.
After eight days I have 136 km plus… under the soles of my feet. My backpack is still in the living room after a week. I smile with a hint of light-hearted self-mockery at the sight of the lace full of rings.
And then my simple experiences seem to have an effect on a new emotion, writing, contacting the Tourist Info Center Alter Bahnhof in Kranenburg to email me the text on the wall at the entrance. Under the spell of a poem on another wall, I cycle with my friend Rik to the chapel in Velp. At my request, he takes the photo below.
Enough words
I don’t have to put anything into words for anything and no one. I welcome the emptiness (vacare) and notice that in joy compassion expresses itself in words. In it, she leaves traces of what has come to life beyond ‘certainty’ and doubt by walking with others and alone.
For the story of my last trip, see the tail end
Anja Strik
Above: Constellation by Marjoke Schulten, one of the miniatures from Seasons of Life, a contemporary book of hours and pilgrims.
