We’re all wayfarers. When you distill what it means to be human to the base essence, I think most of us have the desire to heal what needs healing, to be nourished, and to step more fully into ourselves. You and me, them and us, we’re all always on the path toward who we are becoming. We have to find our way, like it or not. Life doesn’t stop to wait until we are ready to move forward. In Collisions of Earth and Sky (Broadleaf Books, 2023) I mull this over in the introduction:
As humans, our lifestyles are in constant evolution, filled with trial and error, beauty and destruction. We are continually breathing into the space that exists in between where we are and where we want to be. If I’ve learned anything from life so far, it is that there is no arriving—there is only the journey and being fully present for it. Which sometimes feels like a battle.
When I can stop fighting with myself, I find I’m living in a way that feels right because I am able to root fully in my life instead of trying to force an outcome that I think I should want. Yielding to what wants to speak through me has allowed me to tell the stories that want to be told. It’s helped me ask others the questions that might help them tell their own. I am far from having things all figured out; I often hesitate and wonder if what I’m trying to say makes sense to anyone (including myself). I fall back into that internal battle more than I’d like to admit. Continuing to put energy into being present for the journey and allowing for course correction helps. Remembering that I am always returning to the parts of my origin that make me who I am helps. Connecting to nature helps. All of these things help me live the best life I can, even during hard times. All of these things help me find my way when powerful forces collide.
Life is a journey–this has been said over and over again by a multitude of humans over the years. Which makes sense, because there’s often a reason things like that get repeated: It’s the truth. And since life is a journey (whether that journey takes you to far off lands or deep into your inner world) it’s best to be prepared so you are shored up and ready to engage in the wayfaring that you’ll need to do.1
Packing List for a Wayfarer’s Satchel: (Select the items that resonate with you. Add or modify as needed.) Map reading skills (for when the GPS fails) A willingness to course correct Nourishing reading material (or at least a few good quotes to chew on) Energy giving food (and just enough spice to make any dish shine) Enough pleasure to counterbalance the unpleasant parts Tolerance for discomfort Adequate shelter Creativity Courage Tenacity Compassion for self and others An accurate bullshit meter Something to write with and on Clothing and footwear appropriate for the elements Tools appropriate for the landscapes you may encounter The balance of solitude and company that works for you Love in various forms Humor A beginner’s mind A good water bottle and filter Faith in fellow travelers Continual intention to pay attention
Granola for the Road
3 cups of rolled oats
½ cup chopped nuts of your choice (walnuts, almonds, pecans)
½ cup seeds of your choice (pumpkin, sunflower)
¼ cup sweetener (honey, maple syrup)
¼ cup fat (canola or coconut oil; melted butter)
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup dried fruit of choice (raisins, cranberries, cherries, blueberries…)
Optional: coconut flakes or mini chocolate chips
Combine the first seven ingredients and mix well to coat oats in sweetener and fat. Spread on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 20 minutes, stirring midway through cooking time.
Allow to cool. Stir in the dried fruit, and spoon into a sturdy vessel.
Enjoy handfuls while you’re actively journeying, or for a simple meal with milk, yogurt, and fresh fruit.
Several of these packing list items were gathered from a variety of Wayfarer Books authors.
I love your parting quote.
Love the packing list - and the granola recipe!