Jennifer Klecker

the tourist travels

the hiker walks

the pilgrim searches

Whether it is in the streets of San Francisco, a trail in the High Sierras, or 300 km on the Camino de Santiago, the art of walking is intertwined with my creative process.  In reviewing personal journal entries, I found the re-occurrence of certain words and experiences.  Drawing from these notes, I mapped out models for these phases of walking. There is a sense of knowing that happens by foot.  They may be external adventures, but they are also internal journeys.  Itineraries are always subject to change, as are we.  

Phases of Walking

Entry Point:  The call/ beginnings/ infatuation & excitement/ the decision to walk/ preparation for the journey

Grounding:   Stillness in movement/ contentment/ being comfortable with the uncomfortable/ the discovery of small beauties/ rituals/ encounters/ stories & symbols/ receiving/ gratitude/ observation/ input/ lunar/ external terrain

Other Realities:  The letting go/ opening of generative space/ true presence/ searching/ creativity/ facing shadows/ humility/ joy/ growing edges/ new ideas/ output/ solar/ internal terrain

Integration:  An ending/ farewells/ liminal space/ re-entry/ synthesis/ reconciling of realities/ refreshed or exhausted/ homecoming

The “Entry Point” begins with the decision to embark on a journey.   Regardless of how long the walk is, it is a beginning preoccupied with the decision to walk, and not always aware of the baggage it carries.  The “Grounding” and “Other Realities” phases ebb and flow through out the journey.  The mind wanders and chooses what to hold, what to let go, and what to respond to.  The “Integration” phase is not a final destination, but more the end of one chapter.