BY: CHRISTA HESSELINK

Moving at 4km/hour has a way of bringing perspective, clarity, and peace in a world that spins and whirls us out of the present moment—the place where we experience the presence of God. The pace of our lives is often spent spinning with worry and fretting about the future, or in concern and longing for the past.

To “Saunter” literally means to wander and walk in a slow and relaxed manner. It originates from the French phrase, “a la Sainte Terre”—“to the Holy Land”—and was shouted at Christian pilgrims passing through French villages on their way to Jerusalem. It reminds us that all of our steps are sacred.

When we slow down and embrace the pace of Reality—one step, two step, inhale, exhale —and purposefully notice that every step on our life’s path is sacred, we find ourselves walking Home - to our true, whole selves reflecting the goodness, truth, and beauty of God. I’m coming up on 10 years since I first solo walked the entire 800km pilgrimage trail —The Camino de Santiago in Spain.

Two years after I first walked, I went back for 20 more days of walking because the first experience was so utterly transforming—I literally felt like I had to return to figure out what happened to me, and why I had such a profound experience. Then, a few months before the pandemic, I took a small group to Spain to walk for a week on this ancient path. I have a thing for walking.

Perhaps more accurately, I tend to slow down so that I can wake up to my life.
When I walk in an unhurried way, I end up walking myself right into the lap of “The Cs”— calm, curiosity, clarity, compassion, confidence, creativity, and connectedness.

At the heart of any pilgrimage is the recognition that you are on a journey—the external walking path embodying the internal terrain we all must walk in this life. Pilgrimage energy is different than simply taking a stroll - there’s a quality of intention, of seeking, and paying attention to where you’ve come from and where you’re going.
Pilgrimage brings you back to your true Self.  

As a spiritual director, I know how powerful the “journey” metaphor can be as I work with directees—and I know you do too.  We’re all pilgrims travelling a path, and it’s essential to understand where we’ve come from, where we are today, and where we are going. As I accompany people, I’m able to bear witness to their path with compassion, encourage them to embrace their own beautiful pace, and support them as they practice keeping their eyes on the hopeful horizon.

This is why I include “journey” experiences as a part of my work and I’d encourage you to check them out:

• Do-it-Yourself Walking Retreats and Pilgrimages
• SLOW Advent Experience
• The Year That Was – Year in Review

I like to think of my work at SoulPlay.ca as an “outfitter for the inner life”—companioning people on the adventure and exploration of the inner life, and providing opportunities, tools & tips, and helpful guidance along the way.

For almost three decades, Christa Hesselink has been empowering individuals and groups to tap into their strengths and move through a process of self-discovery and purposeful transformation. Her passion for guiding others is evident in every aspect of her work, from one-on-one coaching sessions to facilitating team retreats & workshops.