Mysticism for Modern Life – Why I Walked the Magdalene Path

I didn’t expect to be anointed with blue lotus oil one day…
and then have an epiphany under a cherry tree the next.

But that’s exactly what happened.

I’ve just returned from something not quite a holiday, and far more than a retreat —
a soul-led pilgrimage along the path of Mary Magdalene through southern France.

There were caves turned into chapels.
Rituals to honour the past, anchor into the present, and bless the future.
Dancing. Singing. Crying. Contemplation.
Sharing circles. Silence. River swimming. Labyrinths. Breathwork.
And laughter — so much laughter.

It may sound mystical or whimsical, but what I found there was surprisingly practical.

Because I don’t go on these journeys to escape the world.
I go so I can return to it — more resourced, more rooted, more resilient.

We’re living in a time when everything seems to be speeding up, dividing, or breaking down.
And I believe that our inner state — the quality of our nervous system, breath, presence, and joy —
is one of the greatest gifts we can offer, in life and in leadership.

For me, these sacred journeys are a way to cultivate that inner state.
A kind of modern mysticism for real life.

Because meaning isn’t far away.
It’s in how we pay attention — to the symbolic, the subtle, the strangely beautiful.
It’s in how we meet ourselves and one another, even in the chaos.

I also walked this path because I am longing.
Longing for a more beautiful, more feminine way of being —
one that’s not driven only by performance, but rooted in presence and love.

Perhaps you are too?

There’s so much I’ve carried home — stories, symbols, moments.
I’ll be sharing more soon (including a railway bolt that reminded me:
freedom sometimes looks like rust and weeds).

But for today…
thank you for being here.

Thank you for walking beside me — digitally, energetically, or in spirit.

Your breath. Your joy. Your healing. Your presence.
They matter — more than ever.

With a smile (and a suitcase still slightly fragrant with blue lotus oil),
Celynn