bUneke Magazine Issue 20

Page 18

A Pilgrimage for the Mind and Soul Begins and Ends at Two Churches By Marion Verweij The Walk of Wisdom offers a way of finding one's inner wisdom whilst walking. The purpose is to find peace and quiet, and to slow down while being with nature. Whether walking alone or with companions, in silence or contemplative conversation, the circular 136 km walk offers pilgrims an ecology for reflection. Beginning and ending at two churches in the city of Nijmegen in the east of the Netherlands, the route

on something or not . Manja’s co-coordinator,

meanders through the countryside of two

Damiaan Messing has studied rites, so suggested

countries and 11 municipalities. Manja Bente is joint co-ordinator of the Walk of

some in a manual available for purchase. He believes that walking is a rite in itself. However, some pilgrims might have their own rites, or they might simply wish to walk and enjoy nature.

Wisdom. All pilgrims are invited to switch off their phones She said, “I love walking. It brings me peace.

and internet. Call it a modern way of fasting, a

My father was an early pilgrim on the Camino

time to replenish the mind . Pilgrims are also

Santiago de Compostella. We took long walks

offered the option to take a rubbish bag with

together when I was a child. Walking also brings

them to help keep the route clean of litter.

me close to nature. We are all part of this world. We are all connected with each other. Churches

“I find the idea that people just take from nature

are closing down, and many people are searching

horrible. This way you can give something back,”

for some form of inner contemplation. Just look

explained Manja.

at how the number of pilgrims to Santiago de Compostella rose from 2,491 in 1984 to 272,135 in 2010. We wanted to bring that opportunity closer

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to home as the importance is that you’re walking

40 volunteers form a circle of enthusiasm.

and contemplating.” Manja and Damiaan would love to see a network

Freedom is important. Pilgrims choose how

of organized pilgrim walks, where people in

far they walk and if they want to contemplate

other countries who are inspired by their

b Uneke.org M

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