Image & Pilgrimage #1

The author describes this idea of "liminality" as being both what is going to be and also what may be. To be in a liminal phase is to be in a state of transition. After hearing stories of those who have walked the AT, it is clear that each pilgrim was indeed in a state of liminality while on their journey. Some may have not even known that they were setting out on such a life changing adventure when they initially joined the trail. In fact, the author stats that pilgrims should not expect to be changed, but I believe that many indeed do walk the trail specifically looking for a spiritual awakening through what the author called a "ritual of affliction." Hikers suffer through bad weather, sleepless nights, injuries, hunger, and stress. They do all of this purposefully, and continue further through all the pain, just to reach the end of the trail. Many leave the trail with a feeling of understanding for others' experiences in life. But as soon as the trail ends, its back to the mundane living that they previously had.