As we set off on this year’s JourneyAwake® trip to France, I pause for a moment—feeling a blend of excitement and gratitude for the path ahead.

Going back to France again, I realize how each journey is different. The places are ancient—the caves, the cathedrals, the little villages by the sea—but each group brings their own energy, and each experience shapes itself in new ways. Sometimes it’s a quiet moment in the Grotte de la St. Baume, sometimes a walk through the labyrinth at Chartres, sometimes a shared laugh beside the Mediterranean. Even though the places are familiar, the way they touch me changes every time.

What stands out for me is how the experience is less about what we do and more about how we show up. There’s a deeper listening, a sense of stepping out of everyday life and into something quieter and more honest. 

These sacred places seem to nudge us toward stillness and connection—both with the world and with ourselves.

I’m grateful for these chances to slow down, to witness the changes in others and in myself, and to be a part of something that keeps unfolding year after year. Setting off on this journey is a reminder to stay open, to cherish the small, meaningful moments, and to trust that each step carries something sacred.

I wanted to share these thoughts, in case you’ve been longing for your own sacred journey—even if it’s just a quiet walk or a moment of reflection in your day. For me, every trip is another chance to remember what matters most.