Travelling light with companions

Travel light

'Pilgrims must travel light, otherwise they cannot continue on their way. Their equipment is designed for the journey and they do not fill their rucksacks with unnecessary 

possessions which only slow them down. As they walk, they discover other treasures: an inner peace, new ways of feeling, a delight in nature. It is because the are on the move that they can make new discoveries. And because they do not possess, they are able to enjoy everything.' (Gerard Hughes: In Search of a Way, p117)

I have lost stuff on the walk. A hat in a bog, which had slipped from a rucksack strap (I mourned). My treasured walking stick of 25 years, left at a B&B on Mull (I mourned some more). A tub of foot cream, slipped out of a pocket. Other bits and bobs. And then I have also decided that stuff I have been carrying for a week or more that I have not needed, I have left behind. A pair of trousers and some surprisingly heavy packets of wipes and cleansers. Travelling light is a lovely idea. But despite my best efforts, the rucksack still weighs more than I would like. I can't ditch the tent, the sleeping bag and other camping-related kit because it will be needed later in the walk.

Travelling light is an attitude of mind also, I am learning. It means learning to let go of the mistakes of the previous day and embracing the new day with a positive attitude. Also, not being able to see the full route but only a little bit at a time unfolding under your feet and to a smaller horizon enables a more full-hearted walking. The heart can easily drop when a long straight uphill path opens up before you. While a curved ascent over contours is somehow less demoralising. Travelling light seems to be not just about the burden you carry, but the sense of distance you have to cover as you carry that weight. Bite-sized bits of life are easier to digest, in other words.

Another way the burden gets lighter is by walking with companions. From Iona to Crianlarich, I have walked alone. I enjoyed the experience, walking at my pace, reciting psalms with just sheep and birds for company, and deciding when to rest and when to walk. From Crianlarich to just a few miles north of Glasgow, I have been joined by two companions - just in time for the most demanding stretches so far. Companions (those who share bread) keep you steady and provide a sense of accountability. They encourage when your emotions and energies take a dip. They provide a rhythm of walking and conversation which keeps your attention beyond yourself. And at the end of the day there is the share pleasure of remembering the trials and joys of the day's walk over a good meal and a pint. 

One thing we all have agreed, is that we always tend to think we have walked further than the map says we have and we over-estimate our accomplishments. The last three miles are always the toughest. And we need each other to push on and imagine what it will be like to take our rucksacks off at the entrance of the bunkhouse, campsite or B&B.

As I learned Psalm 122 - 'I was glad when they said to me, let us go to the house of the Lord' - I was struck how the psalmist glosses over the journey. The writer goes from the gladness of the pilgrimage to suddenly, in verse two, being able to say: 'And now, our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.' This is travelling light, surely!! It is as if the psalter creators what to encourage the pilgrims on the long slog with the news that they too will find their feet standing within the gates of their destination. What this psalm also captures is the real sense of comradeship which the pilgrims have as they share the journey. Verse eight says: 'For my kindred and companions' sake, I will pray that peace be with you.' Praying peace for fellow pilgrims helps me to travel light.