There is an ancient, hand dug well deep in the desert between Khartoum and UmJawasir that I visualize every time I think of the word “well.” I see the young boys watering their camels, goats, and sheep by lowering a goatskin attached to a long hide rope tied to a patient, long suffering donkey whose entire purpose in life is to raise the water skin up to the boys who empty the cool water into a stone trough. Back and forth, up and down until all thirsts are quenched.
Truly, that water is sacred and blesses all whose thirst it quenches, even Switter’s, who has tasted water from that precious well.
Switter, thank you so much for taking the time to share the story of that sacred well, and for painting such a moving picture of it — of how it came into being, of how its water is drawn, and especially of those whose water it nourishes 💙🙏
Yes! I love how you put that, Mohika — learning about the spiritual traditions of a place is always important to me when I travel, especially in countries like Japan and India. Thanks so much for reading, and for taking the time to let me know you enjoyed this 🤍
Civil, I love that the word ‘solace’ came to mind for you as you read this part of the story, that’s a perfect way to describe what the temples always offered — solace, serenity, and a sense of being sheltered 🤍🤍
I am so intrigued by the idea of traversing that ancient path known as 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Another path to put on my list! Thank you for sharing your musings of that journey. Regards - Jackie
Thank you for sharing such moving words with us here, Maureen — you’ve captured the essence of sacred spaces perfectly, and what it felt like to arrive at each temple on this journey. It’s always a joy to hear from you! 🤍
You've captured the serenity of what it feels like to enter a sacred place.
Thank you so much, Sue — I’m so glad you could feel some of the peace I always found in each temple along the way 🤍🙏
There is an ancient, hand dug well deep in the desert between Khartoum and UmJawasir that I visualize every time I think of the word “well.” I see the young boys watering their camels, goats, and sheep by lowering a goatskin attached to a long hide rope tied to a patient, long suffering donkey whose entire purpose in life is to raise the water skin up to the boys who empty the cool water into a stone trough. Back and forth, up and down until all thirsts are quenched.
Truly, that water is sacred and blesses all whose thirst it quenches, even Switter’s, who has tasted water from that precious well.
Switter, thank you so much for taking the time to share the story of that sacred well, and for painting such a moving picture of it — of how it came into being, of how its water is drawn, and especially of those whose water it nourishes 💙🙏
Beautiful, Candace! I'm looking forward to Friday's post 😊
Thank you so much, Sandra! ✨
I have only recently enjoyed visiting temples in foreign countries. Each has it's own vibe, aura, and set of rituals 🧡 Enjoyed reading this as always!
Yes! I love how you put that, Mohika — learning about the spiritual traditions of a place is always important to me when I travel, especially in countries like Japan and India. Thanks so much for reading, and for taking the time to let me know you enjoyed this 🤍
so lovely! it sounds like you found solace here. i like the freedom and movement you've found inside of the respectful rhythms. <3
Civil, I love that the word ‘solace’ came to mind for you as you read this part of the story, that’s a perfect way to describe what the temples always offered — solace, serenity, and a sense of being sheltered 🤍🤍
I am so intrigued by the idea of traversing that ancient path known as 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Another path to put on my list! Thank you for sharing your musings of that journey. Regards - Jackie
Thank you for your kind words, Jackie! It’s a joy to share this pilgrimage with you 🤍
Delightful. When I enter in to sacred spaces I can feel those who came before and wonder at the reasons they came.
Heavy hearts, yearnings and regrets, love and sorrows, hopes and dreams. There is a connectedness that can be felt if you quiet your head.
Thank you for sharing this and your lovely drawings. Hope you are well and happily settled this year.
Thank you for sharing such moving words with us here, Maureen — you’ve captured the essence of sacred spaces perfectly, and what it felt like to arrive at each temple on this journey. It’s always a joy to hear from you! 🤍
Japan is on my bucket list. Thank you for sharing these beautiful musings.
Thank you, Carri, and I hope you’ll have the chance to explore Japan soon 🤍🇯🇵
beautiful pilgrimage illustrated with words and visual highlights
Thank you for your kind words, Rhea! I’m so glad you enjoyed reading this 🙏
It's like being there with you. I always loved Japanese temples. I hope to visit them one day!
Thank you for reading, Jodie! I’m so glad you’ve had a chance to experience the peace of Japanese temples as well 🤍