Silently from Malden to Nederasselt

How special: last Sunday, 22 pilgrims walked about fifteen kilometers together in complete silence from Malden to Nederasselt.

It was a nice fifth walk in the series ‘The Walk of Wisdom in a year around’. Patricia Akkermans and Lidy van Lie Peters accompanied the group. Patricia introduced the theme ‘Inner Peace’. Lidy read some beautiful texts.

You can find the lyrics below:

1. Encouragement

Maybe the road isn’t far

it’s just under your feet.

Don’t tease yourself with:

This is not a good way to go, or,

I’m not doing this or that right,

But go and mark

how light-footed you can travel.

Do you know, known, heard

and stay on the go.

Make this place holy ground

and from this moment a sacred now.

Live and be happy!

Don’t look for a way to peace

Peace is the way.

Ron Reijsbergen

2. The Inn

Being human is an inn.

Every morning another one arrives.

A joy, a depression a baseness,

A moment of awareness emerges

as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Treat every guest with reverence,

Even if it’s a crowd of sorrows

that violently affects your home

of its furniture.

Maybe they’ll clear out your house

for a new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,

Meet them with a smile, at the door

and need them inside.

Be thankful for those who come.

For each of them has been sent

as a leader from above.

From: ‘The Book of Love’ by Rumi, quoted by Arthur Zajonc in his book ‘Meditation’, pg. 30. ed. Christophore (2010)

3. Hiking

He who walks, never walks alone

There are always birds, always the wind

or the water streams.

The sources sometimes or passers-by.

Always there are the flowers

And the clouds that greet you

Or the clear, blue sky.

And the byways and intersections

They ask for a choice.

Always there are your thoughts

who move along like angels

Or as devils, teasing you.

There is no such thing as walking alone.

Walking always brings you

Back on your inner path

and…. it brings you home.

M. v/d Berg

The next silent walk is November 5th. Click here for more information.

In the photo: a short break at the beautiful Boskant Maria Chapel.