Frequently Asked Questions
What pilgrimages do you have planned for the coming year?
The upcoming retreats we have planned are listed under our “Upcoming Trips” tab in our top navigation bar.
How can I hear about upcoming pilgrimages?
We announce new trips, release registration, and send updates about open spaces primarily through our newsletter. If you are interested in any current or future trips, we highly recommend you sign up for it. We are also on Instagram @commongroundpilgrimages.
How does registration work?
For registration for a specific trip, please go to that pilgrimage's page and follow the directions in the "Logistics" section. Registration usually involves filling out a form and later receiving a link for payment to secure your place. If you have any specific questions about current or future trips, please reach out to us at commonground@notsorryproductions.com. We'd love to hear from you.
Is there a way to pre-register?
We do not currently offer any ways to pre-register or reserve spaces for people. The best way to make sure you have a spot on a trip is to subscribe to our newsletter, as we notify that list 24 hours before public registration goes live!
How difficult is the walking on the pilgrimages?
Pilgrimages vary in physical activity level depending on the location and the length of the trips. We recommend that folks prepare themselves for walking anywhere from 5-12 miles per day, come rain or shine. Some of the walking is on paved roads within the towns we visit, and some of the physical activity is hiking across beautiful countryside with varying terrain. We rate each pilgrimage in one of three categories: leisurely, moderate, challenging.
Is Common Ground a religious organization?
Common Ground creates an environment which encourages people to make meaning through secular texts, treating novels and other forms of non-religious media as sacred. We approach secular texts with rigor, expecting that the more time spent with a text, the more gifts it will return to us. We use sacred reading practices, selected from a variety of faiths, and also treat our walks, class time, meals, and chaplaincy sessions as sacred practices, reclaiming what religion has unfortunately made exclusive for and intolerant of so many. In that way, we offer pilgrimages, chaplaincy, blessings, etc. without prayer, religious text reading, or traditional "worship."
Can you tell me more about “chaplaincy?”
"Chaplaincy," as Common Ground uses it, means an opportunity to speak one-on-one with our trip chaplain, an individual trained to listen deeply and provide effective, non-judgmental emotional support. You will bring a specific question (e.g. "Should I quit my job?" or "Am I ready to start dating again?") and talk it though with them, finding new insights together. In fact, you can hear what it's like by listening to our podcast The Real Question.
Will you ever do a pilgrimage about [insert specific book]?
Maybe! All the trips we currently have planned are listed on the website. If you feel a specific book that has been meaningful in your life, we’d be interested to hear about it, and you are welcome to send us an email.
Can I join as a commuter or day participant but stay elsewhere?
Unfortunately, we're not able to accommodate day participants on these trips. We consider these pilgrimages immersive time for reflection in small groups. Much of the wisdom we gain from one another happens during unstructured interactions between meals, on the way to class, etc., and we want all participants to be able to enjoy those experiences. Additionally, our contracts with venues are established based on a capacity of guests on the property and would not permit for individuals to only join our programming.
Do people register for these pilgrimages alone, or do most people sign up with friends/family?
Most folks who join Common Ground pilgrimages arrive solo without personal relationships to anyone else on the trip, but occasionally, people do register together and request each other as roommates. We are happy to accommodate people who wish to share a room so long as we have the availability to do so! We encourage people to join even if they don’t know anyone else. Common Ground is sensitive to this anxiety, and we strive to create a safe space for bringing your whole self to a group of like-minded strangers.
Do you accept cancellations or offer refunds?
These trips involve a lot of planning, logistics, and up front costs. Because of this, we cannot guarantee refunds in event of a cancellation. Please be sure you can attend the event before booking. If an unforeseen circumstance does occur, we will do our best to find a replacement for you. If we are able to get someone to take your place, we will refund your full payment minus a service charge based on our payment processor’s fees. We strongly urge you to purchase travel insurance in the event of a personal conflict, health issue, or unexpected circumstance.
Why are these trips expensive?
Feel free to check out our page about accessibility! In brief, our pilgrimages are expensive because of the intimate group size, the cost of paying our staff a fair wage and the quality of programming and housing our trips provide.