Inge Goossens: “My energy has started flowing again.”
Last autumn, Inge walked the Walk of Wisdom. In her report of this pilgrimage, she tells how rich the experience of pilgrimage can be. We are happy and also grateful to read that; it is exactly what the Walk of Wisdom was created for.
My Walk of Wisdom
“I have accomplished it! From September 21 to 29, 2024, I walked the Walk of Wisdom . Pilgrim number 17982. 7 walking days of about 20 km and 2x a rest day planned. I allowed myself the coaching of Lidia van Engeland to make the tour more than a sporting challenge. No, pilgrimage, that’s what I wanted! And it worked.
Actually, the trip already started with the preparation. Because Lidia asked me in the introductory phone call to formulate what I hoped for when walking the Walk of Wisdom, I started thinking about myself and my intention during my training days. I wanted to give the life events of the past year a place to let new energy flow again. The first coaching session helped me to get my intention more concrete.
I enjoyed the trip! Walking on my own (and sometimes a bit with another pilgrim), slowing down and the simplicity of living from your backpack. Having no more responsibility than getting yourself from A to B every day. But also the luxury of a nice bed waiting for you (and a hot shower) at the end of the day and a good breakfast before departure. And being in the here-and-now and for a large part in nature, such as the beautiful forests near Beek and especially strolling through the floodplains! The rituals I did, the encounters that took place, the conversations that were held, the meaningful departure ceremony in the old Nicholas Chapel and the reception in the Stevenskerk; It made the pilgrimage a very beautiful experience.
The selfies before, halfway and at the end of the tour speak volumes…
The second coaching conversation was a week and a half after returning home. It was nice to be able to tell my story about the journey again, but also to go to the deeper layer underneath. It gave me insights and a helping hand for further personal development. Very nice!
The pilgrimage has shown me that I have indeed given the life events a beautiful place. The selfies from before the trip, halfway and at the end, speak volumes and show that my energy has started to flow again and that I can shine again! What a gift that is!
I notice that walking the Walk of Wisdom has contributed to a change in my life. Where I long had the feeling of just continuing in my routines, I now experience more space. Partly due to the decision to work less. And the new energy I have gained gives me the opportunity to pick up my future plans with enthusiasm.
Deep bow to the organization of the Walk of Wisdom, coach Lidia, the nice overnight addresses and the people I have met or who have sympathized. And also a bow to myself, because I have completed the Walk of Wisdom beautifully!”
Inge Goossens
October 27, 2024
