Pilgrimages belong to the category of initiatory journeys and can therefore be seen as a form of inner journey. One of the best known is the Way of St. James to Santiago de Compostela.

At least in its origins, it has always been a religious journey. For many religious people, it is also a spiritual path. But for people with a spiritual motivation, it does not necessarily have to be a religious path.

Nowadays, many people do not follow this path for religious or spiritual reasons. They simply want to take on a particular challenge without specifying it. In my experience, no one undertakes such a challenge without a reason. I have repeatedly met people on the Way of St. James who have said that there is no real reason for their journey. It was all the more surprising when I met one or two of them again in Santiago at the latest, and they suddenly returned to the conversation from weeks before and shared new, deeper insights. This is not a rarity, quite the opposite. At the same time, this is exactly what is special about the Way of St. James, a pilgrimage or a hike - whatever you want to call it: the depth and clarity that the path offers.

I am well aware that many people have difficulties with the word “spiritual” or are afraid to use it. Ultimately, the word spiritual means nothing more than dealing with the nature of one's own spirit. Perhaps it is also the case that these people are afraid of contact with the unknown. After all, our everyday lives are characterized by completely different experiences.

If you are also familiar with these fears of contact, which have often held you back from something new, then you will come into contact with the deeper reason for this step on the path itself at the latest.

But don't worry, whatever reason you come across, seeing it will enrich your life.

In addition to the Way of St. James, there are many other pilgrimages around the world. For example, the Shikoku Pilgrimage or the Kumano Kodo in Japan.

Equally important to mention are the 3 most famous trails from North America: the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) and the Appalachian Trail (AT). I could also have mentioned the “Camino Real de California” or the Chimayó Pilgrimage (Pilgrimage to El Santuario de Chimayó) at this point. However, it is important to me to point out these three major US trails, which are primarily seen as a sporting challenge, which they undoubtedly are. These three are certainly not religious trails. But why do I still consider them spiritual journeys (and why is that even important)? Simple. Everything has at least 2 sides, a physical or tangible side and a deeper, hidden and therefore very personal side. And it is precisely this reverse side of the coin, i.e. the personal, individual reason why someone goes on such a journey, that is also called the call of life. A call of life wants to show you even more of life, of your existence. And that is exactly what I mean by spirituality.

The special thing about a pilgrimage (but also about all other inner journeys) is that it enables special solutions, because all levels of life are completely different from everyday life.

Buen Camino!