A Sacred Journey

practicing pilgrimage at home and abroad

Create Your Own Travel Altar

How to Create Your Own Travel Altar » https://asacredjourney.net

Even though I’m now a homeowner, sometimes it still doesn’t feel like I have a place to call my own.

Because each room has multiple functions, I have yet to find the perfect place for my Morning Ritual. While a cozy silent nook can always be found, as the day continues that nook turns into an office, an entertainment center, a place to pile laundry (okay, that last one is my own fault).

Each morning I wake up uncertain of where I’ll land, and for the most part, I don’t mind; after all, it’s what you do during your Morning Ritual that makes it meaningful. However, while I have my favorite cozy nooks—spreading out on the couch as I watch the sun rise, cozying up on my new daybed by the window, sitting outside in my garden as I take in the sights and sounds—there’s one thing I miss: having an altar.

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At Home in London (+ an insta-album)

London Doodles

After I led a young adult pilgrimage to Ireland this past spring, I decided to end my journey in a place that has come to feel like home to me: London.

I studied abroad in London during my last semester in college, and it was such a pivotal time in my life that the city itself seemed to plant its seed in my soul. For me, it was a season of autonomy and growing closer toward my true self—a time that has served as a touchstone ever since in moments when I feel as if I’ve lost my way.

And so, every time I visit London, I feel as if, in a way, I’m visiting a part of myself. That’s what I wanted to do, at least, on my solitary journey last spring. My husband, Kyle, had just set off on a transformational journey of his own, and even though I only had a few days, I wanted a taste of the same.

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Journey Book Club Discussion: “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry”

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Of the many covers this book has been given, I think I like this one best because of those old boating shoes of Harold’s. Can you imagine walking that far in them?

I don’t know what your opinion is, but here’s mine: The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry was utterly delightful.

Truly—I don’t know why I didn’t read it sooner! Apparently the paperback edition has 384 pages (I read it on Kindle), but Harold’s tale was so moving and well-told that it seemed like a short story riddled with riches.

I was hooked on Joyce’s storytelling from page one (Kindle location: who knows?), and as the story unfolded, I felt as if I was not simply reading about Harold’s journey, but also journeying along with him. With my familiarity with the practice of pilgrimage, it was exciting to take note of each moment of significance as it passed—each shift in the story that led Harold both further down the path and further into himself—and I was impressed with how accurately Joyce conveyed the transformative elements of the practice. It just goes to show that pilgrimage is written on the hearts of each one of us, doesn’t it?

This is especially true from early on in the book. I couldn’t help but underline this phrase from the very first chapter after Harold has passed the second or third post box but before he encountered the girl in the garage: In reference to his walking, Joyce says, “He had started something and he didn’t know what it was, but now that he was doing it, he wasn’t ready to finish.” What a perfect parallel to the practice of pilgrimage both without and within, no?

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How Your Journey is the Pilgrim’s Journey

Source: http://pexels.com

Today we explore The Pilgrim’s Journey, not unlike many journeys of your own.

In fact, as you read through The Pilgrim’s Journey, you’ll likely have a sense of déjà vu: “Haven’t I been here before?”; “I know exactly what she means”; “This is the story of my life!”

Upon reflecting, you’ll soon find that your own journeys in life are reminiscent of The Pilgrim’s Journey because both speak the same language: the language of transformation.

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What Will Your Sacred Journey Be? (online spiritual direction now available!)

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There have been a lot of new things happening around here lately, haven’t there?

Well, here’s something else to add to that list: Today I’m excited to announce that spiritual direction services will now be available online to seekers around the world!

Life is a Sacred journey, and spiritual direction is a way to intentionally deepen your spiritual pilgrimage and grow closer to your true self and the Divine. A form of spiritual companionship, spiritual direction has been practiced for thousands of years in many faith traditions. The practice of spiritual direction asks the question, “What is stirring in you?” and makes space for Sacred longings to surface.

Spiritual direction is for you if…

  • You’re seeking spiritual and personal growth
  • You want to deepen your journey with spiritual practices
  • You desire a safe place to explore your experiences of God
  • You want to connect with the Sacred in everyday life
  • You’re in a season of uncertainty or discernment

I would be honored to walk alongside you on your Sacred journey. Click here to learn more about my spiritual direction services and begin the conversation.

GO FURTHER…

Who do you consider as a spiritual guide or companion for your own journey?

3 Spiritual Practices You’re Already Doing (introvert edition)

I have a new post up on Quiet Revolution today about how introverts can turn 3 common practices of self-care into spiritual practices. Not to worry, extroverts—I plan on doing an extrovert edition right here sometime soon to balance things out. Subscribe here so you don’t miss it!

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Image from Quiet Revolution

If you identify as an introvert, it’s likely that you’ve personally experienced the misconceptions of introversion and have been fighting these assumptions for much of your life. You know them well: introverts are reclusive, stuck in their heads, and—let’s not forget—shy.

Because we live in an extroverted culture, these traits are often deemed as negative. If you’re spending a lot of time alone, lost in thought, or are uninterested in engaging with anyone, something must be wrong, right?

But to us, these introverted traits are essential parts of our makeup. We need time alone to recharge our batteries; we process our experiences internally; and we prefer to stand at an arm’s length rather than jump right in. When we become aware of these tendencies, they become not simply traits—but acts—of self-care. Seeking out alone time becomes a practice of solitude; internal processing becomes a vehicle for self-discovery; and standing on the outskirts makes us keen observers.

As introverts, we know that the practices of solitude, self-discovery, and paying attention are part of our daily lives, and when we pursue them with the intention of connecting with the transcendent, they can become spiritual practices as well. Here’s how you can turn three acts of self-care you’re already pursuing into spiritual practices…

Read the rest of the post at Quiet Revolution »

Want to Come Visit? Our New Seattle Airbnb Apartment

Seattle Airbnb: Ravenna Hideaway

Remember the basement renovation project I’ve mentioned here and there over the past year?

Well, it’s finally finished! We’re calling our Seattle Airbnb apartment “Ravenna Hideaway.” We listed it on Airbnb three weeks ago and we’ve already had quite a few guests. Our current guests are from Denmark, and I’m already enjoying getting to know our guests from all around the world and helping them have the perfect stay while here in Seattle.

In the future, I hope to install a labyrinth in the backyard. And who knows—I might offer spiritual direction or guidance for guests! I’d love for it to be a place of rest and retreat.

Click here to view pictures of the apartment, and if you’re traveling to Seattle soon (or know someone who is), we’d love to have you!

GO FURTHER…

What do you look for when selecting a place to stay? We’d love your tips!

PS: Traveling somewhere soon? Here’s $25 in Airbnb credit.

Our Daily Bread: The Recipe

bread-recipe

For over three years now, we’ve been making our own bread.

And, I should clarify—when I say “we” I mean my husband, Kyle. He’s a web developer, and so at the end of the day (or even on breaks in the middle) he’s eager to get out of his mind, leaving code-land behind and instead using his hands to create.

Over the years he’s turned to many things to help him transition—roasting coffee, brewing kombucha, curing bacon—but more than anything, while he was away on the Camino it was making our daily bread that he missed (and he wasn’t alone—I had to buy bread while he was away! Can you imagine!?).

You see, making bread has become a ritual for Kyle—a regular rhythm, and, dare I say, a spiritual practice. It calls him to leave the complex behind and return to the basics—for what’s more basic than bread? And it invites him to remember his first love—food—and encourages him to learn the ins and outs of what brings him delight (which, of course, is always a place where we can experience Sacred Encounter).

And so, today I offer you this recipe of our daily bread—from our family to yours. May it call you, too, to return to the basics, and remind you that delight and the Sacred can be found in even the most simple of places.

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Introducing Graphic Design with the Soul in Mind

Graphic Design from A Sacred Journey

Did you know I’m also a graphic designer?

That’s right! I actually majored in graphic design in college and I’ve been doing freelance design ever since! However, this summer I’m starting something new. I’m finally integrating my design work with my work here at A Sacred Journey, putting it all under one roof in order to serve the audience I know best: soul-care providers, bloggers, ministries, and small business owners who want to approach graphic design with the soul in mind.

As a writer and spiritual director, I know my message and how I hope to inspire others. And as a graphic designer, I know the importance of bringing that mission to life in visual form. If you’re in need of a designer and want to stir the spirit of those you serve, I’d love to work with you! 

Through continuous collaboration, we’ll do some of our own soul-searching and put our heads together to create a concept that uniquely represents your vision and brand. Then, with your intuition and my design savvy, we’ll tweak the design until it fits just right so that your mission and personality is reflected in all you do.

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Services include identity and branding, website design, online and print materials, website consultation and set-up, in-house design (my new favorite!), and even copywriting.

Click here to read more about my services, and if you know of anyone with design needs I’d love for you to spread the word!

GO FURTHER…

What kind of design stirs your soul? I’d love to hear!

How I Found Healing and a Lost Part of Myself on the Camino

This post is by my husband, Kyle, who just walked the Camino de Santiago this spring. Many of you have been following along with his journey, from his delay last fall due to injury and his uncertain departure this past March. He returned from the Camino safe and sound in early May, and I’m excited for him to finally share his experience here on the blog of walking this famous pilgrimage and returning home changed.

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I needed an adventure.

I needed to do something that I didn’t completely believe I could actually do but so very badly desired. And, that’s what I got, though I didn’t know quite what I was seeking at the time.

I recently walked the French Route of the Camino de Santiago from St. Pied de Port. A lot of pilgrims make this walk. It’s hard, but not so physically demanding that an 83-year-old can’t do it on his own. (I had the honor of walking with such an impressive soul.) One of the biggest dangers is walking too quickly before your body is accustomed to it, which takes a week or two. As I left home, I didn’t know if I would return home before making it all the way to Santiago (or to the coast in a town called Finisterre, where I really wanted complete my journey).

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