Journey: Moving from one place to another.
I try to listen very carefully for what the world is wanting for our GHR themes each year. I have to admit to you that I have fought this year’s theme of “Journey”. Me: Journey? Spirit: Yes! I don’t really understand why, but I am certain this is how it is supposed to be. So, with a spirit of trust, let’s lean on this quote from Banksy, “Not everyone will understand your journey. That’s okay. You’re here to live your life, not to make everyone understand.”
As we all know, the labyrinth, itself, is a great metaphor for a journey. I’m sure we will each experience a few twists and turns this year along with moments of peace on our path. Maybe we can use the labyrinth to gain the wisdom of how we will be led to move forward, from one place to another, in our daily lives.
It is interesting that when we lead a labyrinth walk, as a facilitator, we have no idea the journey our participants are on. And yet, all are on the path together.
No pun intended, but the journey of finding out why this is our theme will be very interesting. Perhaps it is because we have been confined to our own physical spaces due to the pandemic. Could this have indirectly led to the confinement of our Spirit, dreams, actions? Is the universe telling us to MOVE? Hopefully, the answers will come to us. As Proust says, “We don’t receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us.”
So, what will your journey be for 2023? Will there be a physical pilgrimage or a spiritual goal? Will it involve connecting with others or an individual quest? Please, don’t feel overwhelmed with the idea of planning a journey. Remember, “Sometimes, reaching out and taking someone’s hand is the beginning of a journey” (Vera Nazarian).
In quarters two, three and four, we will MOVE, ARRIVE, and REFLECT.
How do you want to journey this year?
Please feel free to reach out to me with questions, insights, ideas. I love hearing from you.
Peace and Healing,
Ellen Bintz Meuch
Founder, Global Healing Response
For a PDF version of the materials below click here.
Global Healing Quarterly Intention
2023 Theme: Journey
Journey: An act of traveling from one place to another.
–Oxford Languages
January-February-March
Focus: Plan
Quote: No one can decide the road that inspires us to kick-start a journey better than the one embarking on the path. We may find others joining our journey, but we have to take the first step alone to reach our destination. – Dr Prem Jagyasi
Picture/symbol: A map for you to plan your journey.
Prayer/Meditation:
A Journey
Nikki Giovanni – 1943-
It’s a journey . . . that I propose . . . I am not the guide . . . nor technical assistant . . . I will be your fellow passenger . . .
Though the rail has been ridden . . . winter clouds cover . . . autumn’s exuberant quilt . . . we must provide our own guide-posts . . .
I have heard . . . from previous visitors . . . the road washes out sometimes . . . and passengers are compelled
. . . to continue groping . . . or turn back . . . I am not afraid . . .
I am not afraid . . . of rough spots . . . or lonely times . . . I don’t fear . . . the success of this endeavor . . . I am Ra . . . in a space . . . not to be discovered . . . but invented . . .
I promise you nothing . . . I accept your promise . . . of the same we are simply riding . . . a wave . . . that may carry . . . or crash . . .
It’s a journey . . . and I want . . . to go . . .
Ideas for benefiting organization: Plan International: https://plan-international.org/
Ideas for ambiance around the labyrinth: Perhaps you could provide your walkers with a blank map. Ask them to plan their journey.
Music: Pilgrimage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks1OcoEg1sY&list=RDKs1OcoEg1sY&start_radio=1&rv=Ks1OcoEg1sY&t=67
Such powerful thought and poignant expression. I will use it frequently this quarter. Thank you for always giving!
Thanks, Johanna! Glad it resonates with you.