Nourishment for the Soul

Why do we feel the need to travel? Philosopher Alan Watts suggested that "the soul is something that contains the body. The body doesn't contain the soul."

This notion reverses typical Western thinking, proposing that the soul requires care, just as the body does. Travel, an inherently soul-nourishing activity, can replenish the soul, which may be neglected during our daily routines.

Jesus and his disciples embarked on countless journeys, traversing the Roman Empire to spread their message. Today, Christians continue this tradition, partaking in pilgrimages such as the Camino de Santiago in Spain and the Via Francigena in France.

Pilgrimages are not exclusive to Christians. Muslims undertake the Hajj, an annual pilgrimage to Mecca, a mandatory duty for those who are physically and financially capable. Hindus also embark on pilgrimages, visiting sacred sites like Puri and Badrinath. The Hebrew Bible instructs Jews to make pilgrimages to Jerusalem thrice yearly, and Christian pilgrims have visited Jerusalem and the Holy Land for centuries.

A pilgrimage is fundamentally a journey to a sacred place, and every place on Earth can be sacred. Whether a grand adventure or a day trip, travel can lead us to "thin places," where the veil between this world and the eternal realm is thin.

These locations include mountaintops, shorelines, bodies of water, and sites of sunset and sunrise, as identified by the Celts. Thin places nourish the soul, offering:

• Access to Creation's Beauty: Whether it's the Rocky Mountains or the Gulf, traveling unveils the splendor of God's Earth, strengthening the soul.

• New Experiences and Cultures: Travel introduces us to different cultures, connecting us with "foreigners" who become friends. It reminds us of our shared humanity, echoing Acts 17:26, "From one man He made all the nations."

• Connections with Ancient Souls: Visiting ancient sites and cemeteries reminds us of our mortality and connects us with those who've come before, as Job 8:8-10 reflects.

• Rest and Relaxation: Stepping away from daily demands provides the soul with necessary repose, as depicted in Psalm 23, where quiet waters refresh the soul.

Whether embarking on a grand pilgrimage or a quiet sunset contemplation, remember to nourish your soul alongside your body this travel season.

By Diane Owens Prettyman, contributor. Diane is a member of the Central Texas Interfaith Core Team at All Saints Episcopal Church. Her publications include the novel Thin Places.