Freeconomy Blog
Sun
10 Feb
So what have I learned so far?
| 11 comments |
When you start a trip like this you think you know how it is going to be. This is how it will work, this is what I'll do and it'll all be a piece of cake. Well I think that is my first lesson - to remember to never think you know how things are going to unfold.
My initial plan was to spend about 6 weeks in the UK, going from small town to small town, walking about 25-35km a day and meeting people in each town. The reality of the situation is that in winter in the UK there are no people in these small towns. Well not walking anyway. And that worries we a little. It really is a strange feeling, walking so far and meeting nobody. The car really has taken over and a lot of my interactions on foot have been with motorists who have pulled over. It was a surprise to me and I think something people here need to look at - it cannot be a healthy sign and is not good for people or our planet. Even cyclists are rare in most parts.
I was also told that some of the 'poorer' towns would be difficult and many well wishers told me to be careful going through some as they could be dangerous. How wrong could they be? These so called poorer towns received me with open arms and really got my message. It was the wealthier places I went to that I felt more exposed in. Which I think highlights something about what happens to humanity collectively as it becomes richer. Do we become more protective and less willing to share as we get richer? It's an interesting question and one that is at the core of this whole movement. My experience so far, both in life and this journey, would lend me to believe that the more we have the more we want to protect it.
On a natural environment perspective, I've learned that the UK has some amazing countryside and that if you want a beautiful holiday this summer, you could do a lot worse than a trek or cycle trip through its endless miles of rolling hills and green fields. So few people here explore it but there is so much to see and you really can get lost for days on end in it. It is sad to see so little forestry also. There are some tree farms but no real forestry. There is a world of difference between the two. Again, that is something the people of the UK need to change I feel.
What else? I always knew deep in my heart that people are amazingly kind and that the universe is abundant beyond our comprehension so I wouldn't say I learned that. I've experienced it more than ever and so I could say it has been reinforced very strongly. We just need to give more opportunities for people to show it.
And myself. I've realised that there still are small demons within and that I still haven't fully conquered fear. I would be lying if I said there wasn't a day when I wasn't concerned about food and being hungry and tired at the same time. It also is playing on my mind how France takes to me. I'm sure they'll be into it, but it's the not knowing! But I'm getting there and that's the internal journey I'm on.
I'll share more of my deeper lessons at the next chance. I'm in Brighton at the moment on the south coast, a beautiful town and full of hope and enthusiasm and a desire to make the world even more beautiful. Had a great day yesterday, a group of about 15 local freeconomists met up with me and we had a wonderful day.
Just about to take off with some of them today in Brighton town centre for a day of 'Random acts of Kindness'! We're just going to go up to people asking 'How can WE help them?', putting smiles on faces and a bit more caring in the world. Peace will not descend upon us in one fell swoop. It will only come when we interact with one another with love and kindness everyday with every person we meet. Every time we meet someone it is an opportunity to create more peace in the world and just as importantly, more peace within ourselves.
For anyone who wants to come walking, here's my predicted itinerary for the next week (leaving around 7.30am most mornings) -
Monday - Brighton - Eastbourne / St Leonards(along coastal A road)
Tuesday - St Leonards - Hastings
Wednesday - Hastings - Rye
Thursday - Rye - Ashford
Friday - Ashford - Dover (via Folkestone probably)
Saturday - Dover
Come along for a walk and talk, I promise you it's a lot of fun and you'll feel alive after it. You might even join me all the way!
Also had an idea to start a simultaneous pilgrimage where one person from each town carries a peace baton to the next town, where the hand it over to somebody in the next town to carry it forward to the next place! What away to spread the message of peace and unite all the communities in between. What do you guys think of it. Anyone want to start it up before I leave the UK so we can bring it to France together. I think it would be beautiful and an amazing way to symbolise community and the coming together of people for peace. Plus it means the walk becomes less about me and more about community, something I really want to happen as for me it is the message which is the only thing that is important.
Much love to all you wonderful people.
Comment on this Post:
Jane comments ...
It occured to me the other day that it might be a good idea if people reading this blog could do a mass emailing to local journalists, radio stations, news channels and hopefully (if details can be found online) local radical/environmental groups for each region you hare heading towards. I did email some french channels the other day (no reply yet though) but then perhaps you do not want that? If you do, it would be a good way for people to help you from our warm homes while you are out on the road. Once you get to France you may feel more vulnerable than you do at the moment, and it could be a bit more scary. What do you think of this plan? Wikipedia is a good source for such information and if loads of us did it for a week in advance of your arrival it might have a really positive result in getting your message heard.
Rachel Fox comments ...
Fully conquering fear is a whole life’s work quite often. It’s something many, many people never achieve too so don’t be too hard on yourself for not managing it in a couple of weeks!
love
Rachel
x
PixieKat comments ...
I used to do street fundraising for charities and quickly leaned that, despite the fact that I would subconciously prepare myself for a fight everytime a ’ned’ came near, it was the ’rougher’ or poorer people who would give all they could to help. Most of my colleagues had a real problem with ’suits’...as we called them!
I found it interesting to note that every time I felt happy and didn’t let anything bother me I always had a fantastic day&met the most wonderful people - that’s what I loved the most about the job! Every time I let myself get bogged down with abuse I would just get more abuse and that was a tough cycle to break. Really hammered home the law of attraction!
Your wonderful m’dear and you have nothing to worry about! Just be yourself! :) You know this is gonna be tough on you but you also know that humanity is wonderful...keep that in your mind!
katie (nottingham) comments ...
hey so are you leaving dover on saturday? cos i could come and meet you then if thats okay. let me know, (-:
Peace baton comments ...
Just wanted to comment on your peace baton idea - I think it’ wonderful and a great way to encourage others to get involved, get out of their cars and talk to eachother!
So sorry to have missed you in Glasto. Are you planning to walk back from India too? If so, maybe I’ll catch you on your return journey.
Hope you get a good night’s sleep tonight and plenty to eat.
Sally x
Nadia comments ...
Hi Saoirse,
Love the idea of a simultaneous pilgrimage from town to town. I’d be happy to start it by walking from Brighton to Hove-all I can manage I’m afraid!
I’ll get in touch with the team in Bristol see if anything is happening on that score.
I also like the idea of someone different joining you from town to town so you’ll always have someone with you. I know it wouldn’t be the same challenge but it could be fun for you.
You’re in our hearts -always remember that,
N :)
Sharon - Nottingham comments ...
Ahhhh... were so proud of ye.. so we are...
As you can see Katie is still planning on joining you for a while on your trek - so... shes been doing some training... shes done a few long walks since we walked with you the Sat before you left... the dogs looking trimmer too - so thats a bonus!!!
Anyway were planning to come down to Dover on Sat - can’t make it before.. so I hope we will catch you my friend - please let us know where your gonna be if you can.. you could phone me on the land line on thurs or friday evening - 0115 8405523 - or email me on coloursandcracks@hotmail.com - or leave a message on here, Gods speed sunshine ( which might be slightly slower with Katie! ) - Shaz Freida Mai x
Sara comments ...
I have just found out about your pilgrimage, so inspiring, thank you! The peace baton idea is wonderful too as it brings in the feeling of a universal community, so badly missing and needed in our lives. All my wishes for a safe journey,
Sara
Killi comments ...
When people had a "ty bach" down the garden & water from pumps, Gypsies & Tinkers were accepted much more. Now everyone has inside plumbing we’re looked down upon & despised, even those that live primarily in brick. I spent time in a Russian village with a "zelyoniy dom" & well which helped no end when we moved to Ireland into a house with no usable inside plumbing, no electricity, heating, lighting... I don’t drive, so daughter & I have to walk to the village or use the 1 bus a week to Nenagh. My Czech neighbour hates us & our way of life with free range poultry, my goats, dogs, cats, horses & has tried malicious means to get my livestock removed. (Failed because my animals are loved & cared for)
I agree that those with money look down on those of us that live hand to mouth ~ the people that have helped us no end are the Travellers on the Site near me with whom we use barter ~ eggs or washing for work that is beyond my capabilities (I’m hemi-plegic) & a retired farmer who put up fencing unasked when my horses escaped over a bank from my field. I try to give or lend of what I can.
I think what you are doing is amazing & I wish you all the luck in the world with it ~ kushti bokht
