We are awaiting the release of the film Wild, based on the best-selling autobiography Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed and starring Reese Witherspoon. The story is one of self-discovery along the demanding 1,100 miles West Coast Trail. At age 26 Strayed's life was adrift, having experienced the death of her mother and making choices which were destructive. She set out on this lengthy hike which became what might have been called a pilgrimage in another time. Some critics are saying that this is Witherspoon's best acting since Walk the Line, while others who are less kind suggest that she has chosen a role calculated to bring her an Oscar nomination. I haven't read the book, but it sounds like a very readable exploration of what the rigours of an outward, physical, even dangerous journey can bring to the inner, spiritual journey.
The film won't be released until early December, but all this talk about Wild coincides with a traditional pilgrimage, the Hajj. More than two million Muslim pilgrims will made their way to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, between October 2nd and 7th. The name "hajj" means the intention of a journey, which is as important as the destination.
Despite the tradition, and the organization, this pilgrimage always has its own dangers. That many people brought together for what is one of the largest human gathering on the planet jostle and stumble and there have been fatal stampedes through the years. I listened to a young Canadian woman who attended two years ago and she spoke of the training she went through here to prepare her for the challenges of being in large crowds. This year there is the added concern of Ebola, since many pilgrims are from Africa.
The film won't be released until early December, but all this talk about Wild coincides with a traditional pilgrimage, the Hajj. More than two million Muslim pilgrims will made their way to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, between October 2nd and 7th. The name "hajj" means the intention of a journey, which is as important as the destination.
Despite the tradition, and the organization, this pilgrimage always has its own dangers. That many people brought together for what is one of the largest human gathering on the planet jostle and stumble and there have been fatal stampedes through the years. I listened to a young Canadian woman who attended two years ago and she spoke of the training she went through here to prepare her for the challenges of being in large crowds. This year there is the added concern of Ebola, since many pilgrims are from Africa.
There is a long tradition of Christian pilgrimage which includes journeys to Canterbury, Jerusalem and Rome. The Camino in Spain has regained popularity in recent decades and our son Isaac, as well as a couple of friends, have made this 800+ kilometer walk to Santiago de Compostela.
Do you think there is a connection between Cheryl Strayed's individual journey of self-discovery and the collective pilgrimage of the Hajj? Have you ever been on a trip that was an intentional pilgrimage, or became one as you travelled? Does this notion of a pilgrimage appeal to you, or would you prefer to lie down until the feeling goes away?
Do you think there is a connection between Cheryl Strayed's individual journey of self-discovery and the collective pilgrimage of the Hajj? Have you ever been on a trip that was an intentional pilgrimage, or became one as you travelled? Does this notion of a pilgrimage appeal to you, or would you prefer to lie down until the feeling goes away?
Looking forward to seeing this movie. My cousin is planning on walking the Camino next fall, she is trying to raise money for women shelters in Kyrgyzstan. I have walked the Bruce trail, West Coast trail, and some other 2 to 5 day trails in Alberta. Would love to walk more trails but arthritis id a big factor in my life now. Walking is a very personal, spiritual time.
ReplyDeleteAh yes, the joints do start to let us down Laurie. The West Coast trail really appeals to me, although me knees would beg to differ!
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