Photo copyright Jon Wallen
Immram Chara is an Irish term meaning “Soul-friend for the Journey.” But not just any journey; an immram is more than a trek from here to there. It is more like a pilgrimage over which we give up control, a pilgrimage that takes us beyond a specific destination of our personal choosing. Immrams come to us in a dream or a sense of call, they arise as a deep yearning, they beckon and demand a risky response.
I know from experience how easy it is to become so absorbed in the busyness of daily life that we lose sight of our precious, unique identity, and forget why we are traveling the road we are on. When we look up and suddenly notice an unexpected landscape and wonder where we are, it can help to have a companion who reminds us, “You are not lost; you are here, now.” It is good to have a soul-friend who nudges us into holy curiosity, and helps us notice and name the sacred milestones in our lives. That companion might be an immram chara.
For the past 30 years, I have offered myself as an immram chara, inviting people — through my writing, parish ministry, fiber art, group retreats and personal spiritual coaching — to intentional reflection about who they are, where they are going, and what they are discovering along the way. Here, I extend that invitation to you, wherever you may be in the world…or in your journey.
Here you can purchase or license artwork, schedule a retreat or workshop for your group, or engage in some personal coaching…all you need to do is contact me.
–Andrea La Sonde Anastos