Jenny's Gulf Coast Pilgrimage

Being folks who are typically more comfortable talking about things than actually doing the things, it was important to us to both take time this season to go on pilgrimages both big and small. In this episode Jenny reflects on her favorite place to pilgrimage, Galveston, TX. Jenny shares about what makes the Gulf Coast a sacred space for her and we invite folks into reflecting on their own sacred spaces. Going on your own pilgrimage soon and unsure of where to start? Here’s some gentle suggestions based on what helps Jenny get in the flow: Fresh journal & poetry books (Mary Oliver, Ada Limon, Ross Gay, John O’Donohue, Andrea Gibson, James Baldwin, Padraig O’Tuama are good places to start poetry wise).The purpose of pilgrimage is to return to yourself. Your truest you. Questions that typically help me do that areAm I betraying myself in any way? How can I better honor who I am at my core?What is bringing me joy?What people, places, things, am I being invited to learn from right now?How am I playing a role in the liberation of all people, including myself? While spending time outside, create some nature related rituals for yourself.Feeling like you need a cleansing? Go for a moonlight swim.Needing to be reborn? Bury yourself in the leaves or sand and emerge.Needing to feel grounded? Go for a barefoot beach walk.No judgment, in creating a nature based ritual. Just do what feels right and invitational to you.There’s no wrong way to pilgrimage! Follow the spaces and places that call to your heart.Sacred places, spaces and tunes we mentioned this episode (or meant to anyways): Galveston State Park La Kings Candy Store Shrimp N Stuff San Luis PassSummertime’s Close by Zach Bryan The Kookaburras by Mary Oliver Chapters00:00 Introduction to Pilgrimage and Personal Journey03:18 Nature as a Pilgrimage05:42 The Discomfort of Pilgrimage10:14 Finding Beauty in the Journey12:15 Listening to Our Wants and Needs14:47 The Importance of Disruption16:54 Reflection and Integration18:36 Preparing for a Pilgrimage22:32 Surprises and Lessons Learned24:34 Defining Personal Perfection27:40 The Healing Power of Place29:50 Reconnecting with Our Draw31:57 Practical Tips for Reflection35:12 Closing Thoughts and Poetry