100-Day Gratitude Challenge
Day 17: Make Your Life a Pilgrimage
Reflect
Phil Cousineau, author of The Art of Pilgrimage, defines pilgrimage as “a transformative journey to a sacred center.” In other words, inside of you, not somewhere far away, are answers to your heart’s questions. Br. David Steindl-Rast reminds us, “Every step is part of the journey.” There is no external destination or speedway to get there, but in a world where seeking thrills and gorging on self-help books are common ways people search for purpose, it’s easy to mistake a shortcut as an answer to your heart’s yearnings. By taking one intentional step at a time in life, you remain on your path. One step in the direction of your higher self, one step at a time toward self-compassion, understanding, love, and courage. Every intentional step grounds you in your unfolding purpose, carrying you toward your “sacred center” and not somewhere else.
Practice
Before crossing any thresholds today — entering a new room, starting a conversation, performing your next task — pause for a deep breath and ask yourself: What am I carrying into this moment? Allow this pause to be an intentional step that grounds you on your path.