Sojourn: a stop along the way.
We often talk about life’s journey, the twists and turns it takes us on and this year has been full of those twists and turns. Have you heard of ‘sojourn’ before? If you don’t know it already it simply means, ‘a stop along the way.’ I want to extend an invitation to you to engage in a little sojourn and to use the guide below as a way to do that. I’m sure many of you reading have heard of journey sticks before and probably have many decorating/ tripping you up in your house! Journey Sticks are a simple recording activity to do when out and about on a walk. Today though, I want to offer you a slightly different angle to this activity.
Many years ago when I first discovered these journey sticks I learned that this was a way of navigation that can be attributed to the aboriginal and native american tribes. It was both practical and enjoyable. It was how they remembered the way home but also to how they remember what they had experienced on their adventure; the wildlife and landmarks they saw, the sidewards rain that soaked them to the bone, the hollow tree they sheltered in, the rushing rivers they had to cross, the treacherous mountains they climbed, the rabbit that sustained them, the places where they got some shut eye… you get the idea. Not only was it a way of meeting felt need and setting precedence for future adventurers from their tribes but also a way of connecting; it was the method through which they would recount their adventures and the tales of their expedition.
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In our modern world with maps, cameras and technology we don’t have such a need for these simple methods of recording. Don’t get me wrong I’m grateful for google maps that keeps me on target but I do also love the idea of having a beautiful memento to remind me of a sojourn along life’s journey. A simple way to capture a moment but also a way to invite others into our experience through sharing our sojourn in storytelling, ideally around a fire.
Sometimes and probably more of late I’ve noticed how ‘being in nature’ has become an item to tick off on our list. I am guilty of this too. I want to suggest that this approach of the journey stick is a more mindful, present way to remember the moment. A more slow and gentle way of being in nature and establishing connection to a feeling and a moment rather than an accomplishment or an activity to do.
There’s only a few things you’ll need for this activity; some string and/or elastic bands and a knife for more experienced whittlers. At the start of your walk you need to find a walking stick that you can either carve on or attach items too. I want to encourage you to engage in this activity in a mindful way, I’ve written some prompts below. Also, it’s worth mentioning that it doesn't have to be a stick, you could forage some english ivy or willow and make a wreath to attach all your treasures to. I’ve also seen a large pine cone being used and treasures stuck into the open layers.
A slow, simple, mindful and meditative journey.
Ask yourself how your heart is today, notice and feel your response. If you’re having a good day, take some time out to honour that, if you're having a low day take some time out to honour that too. Both are equal and as important as the other.
Plan a time go for a walk today or in the next few days to honour yourself where you’re at. Wherever that is, it is what it is. If you can, try not to engage or struggle in that for this moment. Let it be.
On your walk focus in on what’s around you, blowing in the breeze, caught in the dappled rays of the sun or being smattered by scattered raindrops. What catches your eye, your attention- What draws you in? Let yourself notice. Is there something nearby that would help you remember this moment? This little pause.
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Notice the shades of browns, greens and hues of bright spring or early summer. Appreciate the subtlety in the shades and textures. Do the plants you notice make a sound in the wind? Is it a different sound to another plant nearby? Maybe you’ll hear some rustling or a bird chirping close by. Pause for a moment and take it in. Is there something else you can pick up?
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Take an inhale and see what scents you can pick up. There are loads of blossoms blooming now who offer us a beautiful fragrant. Take another belly inhale and long slow exhale. How’s your body feeling? Just notice it. Let your eyes relax and scan over the flora, what do they rest on? Can you pick it up and take it with you?
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As you walk and notice, pay attention to the pattern, the details in the different plants, the length of the stems or span of the head. Is there a pattern? Take a close up look. What new details do you notice that would miss from far away? Are you surprised by it? Pocket the item that surprised you.
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Along the way, you might suddenly feel a cold chill on your back, a drop of rain in your cheeks or a glint of sunshine in your eye. Allow yourself to feel and notice your response. In that moment, invite yourself to be grateful for a jumper that is snuggly around you, a hood to pull up to provide extra protection, a hat to tug down in your ears or the warmth of sun on your skin.
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If your kids are with you, maybe do it together or let them create their own. Allow yourself to flow in and out of this activity as you walk along, entering in and out of your kids chattering and (endless) questions.
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Relax, exhale and take time to sojourn.
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Rachel x
