Mony Dojeiji
Pilgrim. Rome to Jerusalem.
- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2001
In another thread, I was asked what I learned in my 5000-kilometre "laboratory" of a walk for peace, and so thought I would share some insights in the hopes that it may, in some small measure, serve you in your personal journeys:
- Follow your dreams and your passions. Do not be dissuaded by other peoples' opinions of what's right for you. Only you know what that is. With the best of intentions and out of love for you, others may try to talk you out of following that dream, giving you the reasons for why you shouldn't, reminding you of the dangers, foolishness or irresponsibility of your decision... but your heart already knows the truth. It knows the way. Trust in that, and allow that to be your guide.
- The single greatest obstacle that you will face will be your fear(s) - only you know what they are. And pilgrimage is a wonderful way to face them and heal them. My fears walked alongside me the entire way, revealing themselves in the people and experiences that some would label "difficult" or "unpleasant". Although I didn't always appreciate their gift in the moment, I later came to see the valuble lesson they offered in helping me overcome certain judgments and fears that I held, so that I could make more room for peace to flourish.
- The world is a good place filled with good people and kindnesses at every turn. If you walk with an open mind, and an even more open heart, you will have these kindnesses multiplied upon you. If you believe that the world is a dangerous place, then that will be your experience. If you believe in the inherent goodness in people, and that they are there to help you not only in your physical journey, but your emotional, psychological and spiritual journey, then that will be your experience.
- Peace is not about what is happening "out there". It is not about politics, ideologies, conspiracy theories... it is about creating peace within your own heart. It is about BEING peace so that you can offer that to the world in every word, act or thought that you put forward. All the great sages throughout time have taught the same thing: Peace begins within.
- You never walk alone. Whatever your spiritual beliefs, you are surrounded and led by a hand of Love that guides you and protects you on your journey. I have seen that Love manifested in some of my darkest hours. Paolo Coelho said it best in The Alchemist: "when you want something, all the Universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." When you are following your dreams, living from the heart, all that you need does indeed come to you.
Buen camino everyone!
Mony
- Follow your dreams and your passions. Do not be dissuaded by other peoples' opinions of what's right for you. Only you know what that is. With the best of intentions and out of love for you, others may try to talk you out of following that dream, giving you the reasons for why you shouldn't, reminding you of the dangers, foolishness or irresponsibility of your decision... but your heart already knows the truth. It knows the way. Trust in that, and allow that to be your guide.
- The single greatest obstacle that you will face will be your fear(s) - only you know what they are. And pilgrimage is a wonderful way to face them and heal them. My fears walked alongside me the entire way, revealing themselves in the people and experiences that some would label "difficult" or "unpleasant". Although I didn't always appreciate their gift in the moment, I later came to see the valuble lesson they offered in helping me overcome certain judgments and fears that I held, so that I could make more room for peace to flourish.
- The world is a good place filled with good people and kindnesses at every turn. If you walk with an open mind, and an even more open heart, you will have these kindnesses multiplied upon you. If you believe that the world is a dangerous place, then that will be your experience. If you believe in the inherent goodness in people, and that they are there to help you not only in your physical journey, but your emotional, psychological and spiritual journey, then that will be your experience.
- Peace is not about what is happening "out there". It is not about politics, ideologies, conspiracy theories... it is about creating peace within your own heart. It is about BEING peace so that you can offer that to the world in every word, act or thought that you put forward. All the great sages throughout time have taught the same thing: Peace begins within.
- You never walk alone. Whatever your spiritual beliefs, you are surrounded and led by a hand of Love that guides you and protects you on your journey. I have seen that Love manifested in some of my darkest hours. Paolo Coelho said it best in The Alchemist: "when you want something, all the Universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." When you are following your dreams, living from the heart, all that you need does indeed come to you.
Buen camino everyone!
Mony