A transformative walk

On this transformative hike, we’ll delve into landscapes of great natural richness and discover places of immense scenic and cultural value. The route is a loop that encircles the Montsant mountain range and climbs its rocky gorges to reach the sky.

Filled with hermitages, caves, magical corners, forests, and rocky areas with unique geology, we’ll walk as the Carthusian monks did in their search for places of profound spiritual energy.

Through walking in simplicity and silence, listening to the deep longing of our heart and putting a true intention in each step, we will open ourselves to embrace the different textures of beauty both form within and around us. And little by little we will rediscover our own spirituality and genuine way of connecting with the sacred, becoming one with the elements and knowing that we are part of a much wider reality.

 At the beginning of the pilgrimage we will plant our intention and on the last day, when we get back, we will have the opportunity to give thanks and symbolically close our path of initiation.

A pilgrimage or path of initiation is a beautiful way to enter the realm of the heart simply by taking one step after another. The majesty and immense beauty of the surroundings are a great help along the way, continually whispering to us “keep going, keep going…”

We walk paths of transformation,
for ourselves, for the earth and for all beings.

A taste of what we will do

The essence of this pilgrimage is the practice of walking in itself, as a spiritual and transformative journey. These are some additional elements:

– Wake up with the sunrise.

– Combine walking in silence and resting all day and in direct contact with nature.

– Sharing in circle, meditative singing, guided connected movement.

– Moments of solitude and integration.

– Sleep in simple and beautiful shelters, hostels and guest houses.

– Share, support each other, laugh and enjoy.

Some practical notes

– We will hike for 4 to 7 hours each day (8-20 km per day).

– The elevation gain will vary between +300 and +800 meters per day.

– This pilgrimage includes some sections of trails among rocks and high-altitude areas that may be challenging if you suffer from vertigo. No technical mountaineering skills are necessary, but it is crucial that you are used to hiking and have the confidence to move across different terrains.

– We will hike carrying all our luggage (meticulously selected) plus a daily picnic (approximately 7-10 kg in total). We will not need to carry sleeping bags or sleeping mats, as all accommodations along the route will provide beds, sheets, and blankets. Once you confirm your booking, you will receive a very specific packing list to help you travel as light as possible.

– The group will be limited to a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 12 participants.

About the facilitator

Gemma Polo Pujol offers Deep Rest meditation retreats, pilgrimages in nature around the world and spiritual guidance since 2002.

Theologian, pilgrim, poet and mother, lived in India for a decade, co-founded Open Dharma in Europe and created a pioneering eco-retreat centre in Spain.

With a wealth of experience of spiritual practices as diverse as contemplation, Zen, Advaita, various forms of devotion and a deep connection to the ancient, nature-based, wisdom traditions; Gemma accompanies and guides each person genuinely to listen to the whispers of their own heart.

See more details about her life trajectory

Her first book “There is Light and only Light, teachings to illuminate your inner journey” that gathers what she has shared in dozens of retreats around the world, has been published in English by Watkins publishing and in Catalan and Spanish by IKI editorial in 2023.

To be a pilgrim is to enter the sanctuary of myself, discover the wonder of being brought beyond my strength and my determination. It means to become humble, open to the beauty and magic of each landscape, savouring the energy and wisdom of each territory.

Inscripciones

1. To reserve your place, please fill in this form

2. Payment and deposit: To reserve accommodation in advance and secure your place on the pilgrimage, we ask you to make a payment and deposit of €295 via bank transfer or €305 via PayPal (the 10 € extras are to cover PayPal fees).

These are the bank details to make the deposit:

Open Dharma* Association

Triodos Bank ES31 1491 0001 2210 09539220

(Please put your name and “path of  silence” in the concept)

Or via PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/OpenDharmaSpain/305

3. Please send us an email to admin@gemmapolopujol.com once the transfer has been made to inform us. Thanks!

Cancellation policy

If you have to cancel your place after you have paid for the reservation, we will return the entire reservation minus 10% towards administration costs until September 4th After this date we can only refund 50% of the reservation. From September 18th onwards we will not be able to refund your reservation. Thank you for your comprehension.

Important note

I offer pilgrimages with the intention of sharing my love for practicing walking meditation and being in wild nature. It is not my intention to act as a mountain guide even though I do have many years of experience walking and climbing mountains and I know very well each valley of the Pyrenees. My task in guiding this pilgrimage focuses on a spiritual and personal accompaniment of each individual and the group, encouraging inner growth in accordance to each individual’s genuine call.

During the pilgrimage, each person will be responsible for her, his or they physical and mental health and we will walk as a group of adults moved by an intention of the heart and capable of helping each other along the way.

If you have any question about the pilgrimage, please write to us at: admin@gemmapolopujol.com

Looking forward to walking this path of transformation together.

Gemma