Pilgrimage shows us how to discover simplicity and integrate it into our lives – and how it makes us truly happy.
Dear Pilgrims,
Life is noisy, complex, and often overwhelming. Packed schedules, endless responsibilities, and the constant pressure to stay connected leave many of us yearning for a pause. But what if the answer isn’t a luxurious retreat, but rather a radical return to simplicity? Pilgrimage – the ancient practice of spiritual walking – offers just that. With nothing more than a rucksack, sturdy boots, and an open heart, anyone can discover how liberating it is to strip life down to the essentials.
Why simplicity makes us happy
In our daily lives, we are often trapped by “too much” – too much stuff, too much noise, too many expectations. Pilgrimage is the opposite – a deliberate reduction to what truly matters. No deadlines, no emails, no excess. What we need, we carry with us: a few clothes, some provisions, and the hope of finding a bed at the end of the day.
This simplicity brings freedom – freedom from the overwhelming number of decisions we face daily, and the freedom to fully focus on the present. Walking becomes a form of meditation, nature our teacher, and every encounter a small miracle.
Crisis as the starting point of the journey
Many people choose to embark on a pilgrimage during times of crisis. When the pressure to keep going becomes too much, we stop and ask: Is this all there is? Pilgrimage then becomes a way to seek answers. Instead of fighting our problems, we surrender to the flow of life. With no grand expectations – only the willingness to embrace the unknown.
Soon, we realise it’s not about rushing to a destination. The journey itself is the goal. Every step and every stage offers new insights – into ourselves, our lives, and what truly matters.
Gratitude for the essentials
Pilgrimage teaches us to appreciate the little things. A fresh water spring becomes a joy, a simple meal a feast, and a warm bed an incredible luxury. Walking reminds us of how much we already have and how rarely we take the time to feel grateful.
This mindfulness often stays with us long after the pilgrimage is over. Those who take to the road return home with a fresh perspective – and often a newfound desire to simplify their lives.
Rituals and spirituality as anchors
The act of pilgrimage itself is a profound ritual. The repetitive motion of walking, following the waymarks or the scallop shell, saying prayers, or leaving stones as symbols of burdens – all these provide stability. Rituals offer reassurance, especially in times of uncertainty.
At the same time, the journey reminds us of life’s bigger picture. We see the impermanence of nature – the blossoming and fading. We are confronted with the finite nature of our own lives, which, paradoxically, can be deeply comforting.
Meditation in motion
Pilgrimage is meditation on the move. As our feet steadily tread the path, our minds find peace. Thoughts flow – sometimes orderly, sometimes chaotic. Sometimes we ponder life’s big questions, other times we think of nothing at all. And therein lies the magic. Those who struggle to find time for stillness in daily life will find it on the road.
Welcoming imperfection
Pilgrimage is never perfect – and that is precisely what makes it so special. Blisters, sudden rain, or a fully booked hostel are part of the experience. But, just like in life, the journey teaches us to embrace imperfection. We learn to let go of control and often find that the rough patches lead to the best stories.
Simplicity as the key to happiness
Ultimately, pilgrimage is about letting go – of burdens, expectations, and perfection. And in this simplicity, we find what we’re all searching for: inner peace, clarity, and sometimes even ourselves.
Those who embark on a pilgrimage return stronger. With the sense that they can reshape their everyday lives and the realisation that true happiness often lies in the simplest things.
Take the first step
Maybe you feel drawn to this idea, maybe even inspired. If so, pack your rucksack and set out. Pilgrimage is not a competition or an adventure reserved for experts. It’s an invitation to return to what truly matters – to yourself.
My invitation: Join us for our year-end hike in Berlin and Potsdam on December 28th. Find all the details here.
Buen Camino,
Alexander