Walking: symbol of life

One of our sponsors from the very beginning is Hannelore Middel, pastor in Wassenaar. She wrote the following piece about walking as a symbol of life. Want to become a sponsor? Join our crowdfunding campaign ‘100 meters of wisdom’ and make 100 meters of the Walk of Wisdom possible with a tenner. 

I think a walking tour is a beautiful symbol of life.
The walking, the wandering, the sweating, the blending in with the environment… Wherever I am on the road, no matter what the circumstances are, every experience refers to a life situation.

Or an experience from my life points to the road I’m walking on.

Of course, the tour itself is also a life experience.

Imagery and life then run close to each other.

When I’ve finished walking, had a nice meal and laid myself to rest, my journey continues.

And the journey continues without me.

 

Roads show themselves in great variety.

The surface is hard, slippery or loose.

The frame, the open air, buildings, raging traffic…

 

The road disappears in the fog, is an unclear path or hey, there should have been a bridge here.

Stench and noise from cars.

Water-cold air penetrates my clothes.

I won’t be lost, will I?

Rather give me that sloping path with birdsong and mild rays of sunshine and the smell of the earth.

 

During such a trip, I can’t ignore it: the circumstances are as they are, unchangeable.

I can only go the way to the best of my ability. As good as possible.

 

Hannelore Middel

Photo by Hannelore Middel during the Assisi-Rome walk.