skydiva
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances-Finisterre 2018
Frances + Portugues 2022
As a companion on the Camino Frances (from OCebreiro to Santiago) to my new friend and now-adopted uncle: 83 year old Francis, I was struck by how walking the Camino, through the eyes (and pace) of an elder, has re-opened my eyes to the beauty of slowing life down to what others may deem a snail’s pace. In the beginning I was somewhat impatient and not really understanding the full depth of our journey. My first camino in 2018 from SJPdP was not quick by any means but I averaged 22km a day over 42 walking days. It was a tough and pleasurable/love-hate long haul. But I kept going like the effervescently smiling — when not crying — energizer bunny (with debilitating blisters and a built in limp). And the miles flew by at a pace that felt doable each and every day. This journey just ended was more of a mental experience that involved a different level of commitment to mine and Francis’s well-being, through the rain, sun and surprisingly cold days. The end result was similar. A joyous journey that culminated in spectacular memories, beautiful connections and a renewal to my love of all things Camino, including the people from and my lessons learned along the Way.
I implore anyone that feels that they are uncertain or unable to walk the Camino, to consider this experience as an undertaking of resilience and beauty that is not defined by the kilometres walked but rather the journey in itself as a moment by moment unfolding of wonder, breath and gratitude. Giving oneself the grace to allow for an experience like no other, with no particular expectations, is a gift that will transform you regardless of age or fitness.
I implore anyone that feels that they are uncertain or unable to walk the Camino, to consider this experience as an undertaking of resilience and beauty that is not defined by the kilometres walked but rather the journey in itself as a moment by moment unfolding of wonder, breath and gratitude. Giving oneself the grace to allow for an experience like no other, with no particular expectations, is a gift that will transform you regardless of age or fitness.
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