9 Practices for an Inner or Outer Journey 


The Practice of Noticing Longing


Where you sense a deep yearning
A journey begins when you become aware of a pull toward change, a shimmering question, an ache for inspiration. Some might call this a divine whisper, others might experience it as restlessness or discontent. Trust however it shows up for you. Listen, observe, and track these longings and the nuanced ways they appear.

The Practice of Responding to the Call


Where you say “Yes!” to an invitation to act on your longing
Once you’ve observed a longing, there is often an invitation to act. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be called to go on an exotic adventure far from home. It is more likely that you'll receive a subtle nudge toward an "everyday" journey. This stage usually has two parts: the inner movement of willingness and the outer display of commitment.

The Practice of Preparing for the Journey

Where you get to the essence of what you actually need in order to depart
All journeys — inward, outward, around the block, across the world — require some sort of preparation. Set an intention, sink into presence, and ask for guides to support you. Simplify as much as possible – gather only what you need to move lightly, joyfully, and wisely along your path, and then gently drop the rest. And, make sure you put everything in place so you can leave in peace, offering kindness and gratitude toward those who are supporting your journey.

The Practice of Crossing the Threshold


Where you deliberately cross the space between what was and what will be
You are more ready than you think you are! Let your departure be deliberate. Pause and honor the waiting, the longing, the call, and the preparation, as well as everything and everyone who helped you to this moment. Then set off with curiosity and wonder.

The Practice of Meeting the Path As it Unfolds


Where you make your own way, expand your vision, and connect with your guides
You are the only one who can make this journey. Take the energy of your intention and observe and validate all that crosses your path, knowing everything you encounter is there to support your journey of discovery. Trust that what you are experiencing is enough, and ask for journey guides (help) along the way. What’s important in this stage is that you trust your knowing and move toward meeting yourself where you are, as you are, and meeting the world as it is. Let yourself be surprised.

The Practice of Being with Discomfort


Where you encounter difficulties and challenges, and make contact with the edge
Most people want to avoid this stage of the journey, but, simply put, you can’t. It is required. The presence of discomfort is just as important as every other stage of the journey, and knowing this might help you be with the obstacles that will naturally arise along your path. Ultimately, the only way through this threshold is to gently, persistently and lovingly meet the moments of discomfort.

The Practice of Re-orienting and Letting the Journey Reveal Itself


Where you express willingness to dance with whatever emerges
The willingness to be present and to allow your experience to transform you is at the heart of your responsibility as a journeyer. The journey has a wisdom all its own, and when you surrender to it and let it show itself to you, you may be astounded at what it reveals. This stage invites you to slow down, begin again, play with curiosity, and savor uncertainty. Marvel at the journey, wherever it takes you, and when there is a feeling or a recognition of arrival, receive it with grace.

The Practice of Returning Home and Enriching the Path for Others


Where you find ways to honor the gift of the journey
Turning toward home begins with honoring all that occurred, offering gratitude to the people and places that touched you, and seeing the ways in which the journey transformed you. You have journeyed for the purpose of returning with an expanded sense of yourself, others, and the world. Now it's time to gather the threads of your experience and, with wisdom, offer yourself as you are called whatever the journey gifted you.

The Practice of Waiting


Where you enter a sacred space of openness, and cultivate a willingness to rest in stillness
For those of us who love journeying, this stage can be difficult because our impatience kicks in and our desire for newness and movement can override right timing. Sacred waiting is hard, and yet it is one of the most powerful ways (sometimes I think it might even be the only way) of entering a space where we are attuned to noticing.

I am so grateful for the ways Phil Cousineau and Christine Valters Paintner have shared their work with the world. Their writings on pilgrimage and practice have deeply influenced my understanding of journeying.