Impulses for group travel
On each day of the pilgrimage, actions of everyday life are repeated: getting up, strengthening myself, packing, etc. During the pilgrimage, I have time to notice what gives or takes away my energy and, based on everyday situations, to practice positively coping with the challenges of my life's journey.
Small spiritual pilgrim guide
Elements of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises can deepen a group pilgrimage. Reformed pastor Hans-Christoph Jost of Schwarzenburg, Switzerland, has compiled inspiration for a pilgrimage in five stages, the content of which follows the longing for freedom, courage, companionship, perseverance, and fruitfulness.
Pilgrim guide by Hans-Christoph Jost
Pilgrimage as a life path ritual
Ideas for pilgrim guides on how to plan a group pilgrimage week.
Texts on "Pilgrimage as a Ritual of Life"
Pearls on the Way of St. James through Switzerland
This brochure, as a supplement and expansion to the actual literature on the Way of St. James, aims to draw attention to traditions not necessarily connected with pilgrimage. It can provide inspiration for other spiritual reflections and experiences on the Way of St. James through Switzerland. These leaflets are also aimed at the leaders of pilgrimage groups. Text: Hans Dünki, Zurich
Pearls on the Way of St. James
Above the horizon
On the move, new paths, new perspectives, and one's own horizons are discovered. Inspiration, exercises, and reflections for a two-day pilgrimage, designed for people seeking "new paths" in their lives.
Becoming human – step by step
Day after day, I set out and go my own way. Ultimately, I only go one way: my own way. How I choose to go is up to me. For a week, I will reflect attentively and lovingly on my own life's path to draw energy for the present and future stages of my journey.
Texts on "Becoming Human - Step by Step"
Spiritual hikes
Models and building blocks for outdoor meditation
The Dittnars, a pastoral couple, discovered that hiking releases healing powers while working as a hospital chaplain. Their article includes various themed group hikes, the themes and exercises of which can easily be adapted for one or more days of pilgrimage.
Texts and articles on spiritual hiking
Spiritual Hiking - an introduction
In an introductory and concluding chapter, Ulrike and Christian Dittmar describe their reasons for moving, clarify terms and show to what extent and under which conditions “spiritual wandering” can be a pastoral and worship service.
Tree as a metaphor for the path of life
Tree by the water, a special tree, trees by the roadside, a fallen tree, a tree stump.
On this hike, walking can be experienced as a spiritual exercise.
Physical exercises explore the importance of the feet for walking and for body awareness. Biblical foot metaphors, including meditative foot washing, are linked to personal experiences.
Paths to water become tangible symbols of paths to living sources that quench more than just physical thirst. The blessing ritual is explored as a source of life, for example.
How are you? Walking as an expression of life. Instructions and exercises for conscious slow walking.
Attentive perception, loving observation, exercises in seeing and recognizing, in light-dark experiences and in sensing what can only be clearly seen with the heart.
The heart is reflected in physical exercises and through corresponding texts as a vital organ, as a symbol of love, as a gateway to relationships with oneself, with others and with God.
Crosses, intersections, detours. The cross as a metaphor for suffering, grief, and loneliness. Texts and physical exercises guide personal reflection.