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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