Reflection on the Fall 2015 Meditative Hiking Tout in the Bavarian Alps -Pilgrimage to Yourself-

Gratefulness

The first word which came to mind after the group of eight pilgrim women left on Sunday October 18, 2015 was, GRATEFULNESS

Grateful, that I had the courage to trust my inner wisdom, that a meditative hike, as I experienced it with my husband, wasn’t just transforming for myself and our relationship, on contrary, it actually could be a trans-formative experience for others.

Grateful, as I shared this insight with some of my students, that I received a response of curiosity, excitement and a demand to offer it to others.

Grateful that I was able to listen and hear that there is a wanting, need and willingness for this kind of inner adventure.

Grateful that I was able to say Yes, I am going to give it all I have. As one of my teacher’s said once, when you say yes, go for it 110%.

Grateful for all the response and financial commitment I received early in the year, so I was able to plan, organize, book and research the inner and outer journey.

Grateful to all the people who supported my effort, in hosting, accommodating and feeding us.

Grateful to share my culture honestly, with all its pro and cons.

Grateful for the openness and receptivity of my teachings in kindness and compassion towards the body, mind and spirit.

Grateful to the opportunities we received, through people, weather, elements etc. to practice what we learned. Basically seeing what we learned when the rubber hits the road and there was another day without sunshine. Yet, explored how we could let our inner light show even warmer, always knowing that the sun was just behind the clouds and the majestic mountains behind the clouds were still emanating their strength to us.

Grateful to how our bodies responded to that disciplined yet kind care and how they performed for us and carried us and our belongings from one place to the another.

Grateful for the flexibility of the women, exploring and expanding, sometimes reaching their limits of not knowing. Yet always trying again, getting up, moving forward.

Grateful that we all remained un-injured, despite not so easy trail conditions.

Grateful that the mindfulness practices and movements translated onto the trail and we were able to manifest our insights, through conscious walking, listening, feeling, hearing and talking, seeing and being present for what is.

Grateful for the presence of each individual and their gifts they brought to the group.

Grateful for mother nature and the presence of all the sentient beings we were touched by and which taught us so much, things we are not even aware yet.

Yes, GRATEFULNESS is the most fitting word, yet not in the sense, as you say “thank you” in a habitual and customary way.  No, I experienced this feeling of gratefulness as a deep opening. It was a truly physically felt as an expansion in the heart and chest space, close to becoming painful. I noticed temperature changes, moving through me sometimes as heat, sometimes like a shiver; there was a softness and strength to it. Of course many thoughts, images, sounds, smells and tastes flooded me. Some from the trip, some from my childhood and some new insights and ideas. Fortunately, I gave myself some time to be alone and still, having learned over the years that I need space and time to integrate, to be with, to really pay attention to the shifts within me after a retreat or in this case a 14-day walk. I was able to sense and allow myself to be touched by the greater context of this kind of journey, the support from the greater existence in an undertaking like that. I was amazed how much easier it was when I was able to let go of control, and just being open and present to what is. Although I have read it in many books, but never so clearly experienced the truth of such presence.  I seemed to have received the response to what was need in the moment. Whether it was to take another trail, or to slow down, to walk with someone at the back, or when to act, to speak, to be silent, all it needed was being there as myself, being present, open and not-knowing, vulnerable as a “leader”.

UPCOMING Pilgrimage to Yourself will be this September 2016, contact Elisabeth Lentz for details! 435-640-4885.

https://restorebalancetoday.com/contact/