Hilde van Engelen takes you on a pilgrimage route: step by step, by step … (step 2)

Before you start with Hilde’s 2nd step, read her first in the story in which she takes us on her pilgrimage route. To be continued….

I said yes to 136 kilometers. One hundred and thirty-six! How was I going to go about it? I grabbed my laptop, pen and paper and pulled out my starter kit. Number 1983 here we go!

I went through the book page by page. I divided the route into stages and ended up with 10 days. “This is doable.” I said to myself encouragingly. And with a dose of enthusiasm I went looking for places to sleep. It was a fun puzzle. I enjoyed it. The beginning had been made. Then the real work began.

Getting miles in my legs and preparing my body for running 15 km a day with a pack. During the first daily walks, I got blisters. Blisters! How do you get it made up. I walk more often and my walking shoes are really not new anymore. I think I got a lesson: How do I deal with blisters? Hiking wool! One of the finest discoveries of the past few months.

And I made another great discovery. When I got through my blister epedemia, the next question came: How can I best support that fibro body of mine while walking? I found a solution via the internet: Walking sticks! Hip hi, I’m so happy with those extra few legs. When I go for a walk, I don’t leave the house without those comrades in hand. Gift yourself a pair. It is highly recommended.

For me, the preparation for the Walk of Wisdom is a pilgrimage in itself. Not only the organization of the practical matters but also the mental, emotional and spiritual support is prepared.

When I review the past few months, so much becomes clear to me. Beliefs, ideas, patterns & rituals about my body that have crept in. Of which I have known for a long time that it is not truth, but which I nevertheless give something to hold on to. I keep falling into the habit of continuing to believe it.

And then there was something else that stood out to me. I think I’m a nice person. And yet I’m secretly so unkind to my Hilde. I turn myself upside down, I am critical or judge myself. Not out loud, of course,… no! It’s that little voice in my head that chatters away and wants to be heard. I have been able to lovingly soothe her in recent weeks and I smile at her kindly. We are looking forward to going out together. We’re ready!

My backpack is packed. ‘Anything you leave at home is a bonus.’ I read in the FB group – Pilgrims of the Walk of Wisdom. I thought it was a stroke of genius. Still, my luggage is just a little too heavy. But it is, what it is,… The hot water bottle bag and my I’m-crawling-away-cardigan are coming along. Point. As soon as I’m a few days later, the content will automatically decrease. After all, I have disposable underpants!