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[QUOTE="manifestdestinyLISA, post: 111997, member: 3090"] [b]Re: Rugged Road to Kingdom Come.....a long post[/b] oh what a great forum, I have been struggling with this since returning. :( I did the pilgrimmage for religious reasons though it seems it is not politically correct-and so I guess Im not very PC :? , started in Lourdes and ended in Fatima after Santiago. Lourdes and Fatima both showed me how much faith and hope people carry...beautiful regardless of touristy shops.. I must say that during the time I did my pilgrimmage I did not meet many practicing Catholics or many who reported doing it for religious reasons, though many agreed they were seekers. Granted I met beautiful people of all belief systems etc and my heart was open to each one, and truly love & heart was the connector overall regardless of spiritual or religious practice. To be fair also, I did meet some pilgrims who also asked to come along with me to church who were not RC to see the mass with open heart and good will. :D However, the history and purpose of the camino is pretty clear..onward to the tomb of ST James :arrow: ...It is my opinion that their should be a healthy respect atleast for this and certainly for others who are trying thier best to follow the way religiously or for those who are providing (priests hospitaleros, locals etc)...or why not go to Nepal or FLorida or Egypt or whatever else may or may not be meaningful or "fun" to whatever your personal preferences are..if its about preference :?: ...Very interesting at times to me how yoga etc was more accessible during the day some times then entering a church/chapel...which were often closed :!: Many seekers instead of having opportunity to go to pray...could immerse in yoga :?: Some will argue its the same, better, or that it doesnt matter, but as a previous yoga student & teacher, I can honestly say RC IS different...completely. Grace. I enjoyed finding masses and averaged about 4 a week including Sundays and tried to stay at parochial alberges as much as possible attend pilgrim blessings etc. I got into a routine of asking as soon as I arrived at alberges where church/mass was. I encountered way more spontaneous new agey situations..and seekers than religious :oops: . I felt such gratitude each time mass was said and I entered a church. I prayed for pilgrims I met along the way, for my family, friends and my camino. I lit lots of candles for all intentions... and offered my communions.. This was a bit difficult for me at times- as once before my reversion- I dabbled in new age and once was a yoga teacher & lived in a Yoga Commune- I know it all too well and perhpas the camino needed to test me.... Its a sensitive topic for me and one I can not address properly online secular forum, its not appropriate or necessary. THis was my biggest challenge on the camino...I know this has become really widespread....and has become the "norm" and without getting in to deep for the purpose of this forum, I had been hoping to share more of the "religious " experience with other pilgrims too. But more often than not, went to mass alone and toured the little chapels or stopped to pray on my own agenda which actually gave me needed quiet time and God time. This also showed me how important it is for the heart to get the message of love...formality may make it more difficult for some...but HE is working on our heart all of the time if we just let HIM or ask... I was turned away from the monstary in SAMOS after walking extra miles with another pilgrim (we just wanted to pray in the church)..that was shocking and still dont understand why- we were the only pilgrims after a huge tour bus arrived...stayed at an alberge where all the pilgrims woke up to chanting, incense and serious yoga-I was tried and tempted...pilgrims along the way complained about having to sleep in beds with "crosses over their heads" and also rudely interrupted priests along the way in protest and frustration at parochial alberges who were doing prayer before meals and offering blessing to pilgrims....then the whole topic of witches...which I did not know about until I got to Santiago...there was more witch momentos than St James...so I asked about it and was informed that Galicia has been witch territory also for 1000 years or more. I will say the forests were so enchanted and beautiful, right out of a fairy tale...so for me the challenges were def of spiritual nature, shoes, bedbugs and pack weight were the least of it. And, my heart was blown open. I see the importance of community in a BIG way...and thats how I see the church...and thats what I see as atleast part of the answer of many of our problems...sharing love and kindeness with humanity! Even professionally, I learned that walking with someone through listening...is more effective and way more organic than trad counseling..or healing. And just how easy it is to fall and how imperfect we, the world etc are...and how purposeful all of our lives are...and each moment is..and every choice... I found my peace in Adoration Chapels and went to confession 3 times along the way, and found myself confronted and challenged...after all, would it be a pilgrimmage otherwise? I am now home and struggling with my faith-as I met many beautiful souls and all in all we are seekers of Love. I am right now in the process of really digging deep into this "Elephant" because I was moved...in many ways...and open. I met 2 beautiful young men from Israel- who were soooo respectful toward my faith and who also pointed out all the strange displays along the way that they thought could be disrespectful towards God or the RC faith.. it is they who are now in the midst of this crazy strife between Palestine & Israel- I pray and stay in contact...and another beautiful soul with very "shaman-esque" ideas who was seeking & struggling...and as a result really challenged me to think about what I beleive, where Ive been and whats important to me- all through his own questions and troubles...seriously, this was what needed to happen...and I am still sorting it all out...OH, the slippery slope..conviction. I am blessed to have many people of faith around me now and some really good spiritual direction...so the lessons continue..and the REAL healing begins...as I discover that faith and healing are ongoing...and really if I believe in miracles, healing and blessing I must also realize the mystery of it all-and the spiritual battle :roll: ! Open heart leads to growth and spiritual maturity...if I can remain teachable..even in my brokeness and vulnerability :oops: I am most capable of loving and being loved...sometimes a step back is needed to move forward..and stopping to rest (in the Lord) and thank the Lord for everything he brings my way..Prayer warriors please throw one up for me as Im a bit spun out post camino storm sandy. And this forum touched a nerve...Be not afraid. [b][i]Pray, Hope and Don't Worry- Padre Pio....repeat....[/i][/b] [/QUOTE]
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