I've really enjoyed reading these responses again!
I found myself nodding my head, "Yes... Yes!" to each one.
I chuckled at the change Bridget recognized in her daughter as I recalled similar turnarounds of my 3 sons. Funny how a transformation in ourselves can appear to cause such powerful transformations in others, as we learn what is really important, as our paradigm shifts, as we simply begin to expect the best.
For me, that shift came from being forced to "trust the Camino," and learning that conflicts are nothing more than opportunities to experience a different "way." A wonderful lesson which comes and goes and comes and goes, but is beginning to stick around longer each time.
I felt the truth in Lynne's words that the Camino is a great leveler. Nearly every pilgrim is reduced to the same few pounds of belongings. Each sweats, cries, and experiences joy and pain; we learn to get past language barriers and communicate, working together, sharing food, learning to trust and love again.
I loved Zammy's description, which carried me back to the "... the squeaking of your pack, your steps on the ground, your own breathing, the wind blowing, sound of tree leaves rustling, birds, distance sound of a tractor plowing, dogs barking in the distance..."
Margaret's words about walking alone rang true for me. The walking alone, "not only gave me time for reflection, but forced it upon me. But with the exhaustion of the days spent putting one foot in front of the other, it also brought some peace in those reflections. If there was something upsetting that came to mind, I could cry about it, and let the tears fall freely, and then move past it, too tired to hold onto any tension! Tears and laughter seemed to be an integral part of my Camino.."
Up front, transformation seems the right word, but upon reflection, I'm not sure transformation is the right word, because really, the Camino doesn't transform us. Rather it whittles us back to who we REALLY are.
The Camino strips away all the props, all the fluff. It removes the distractions, and forces the "real us" to come to the forefront. The Camino reminds each of us we are strong, able, and independent beings; little sparks of God experiencing a few fleeting moments of life on this beautiful earth. It teaches us to not be afraid to lighten our load, to walk less encumbered through life. It teaches us that we certainly CAN be happy without the latest fashion, autos, cell phones, computers, electricity, forced air heat, air conditioning, hot water, Big Macs, microwaves, bathtubs, private toilets, a clean towel each day, a mortgage payment, packaged food, and all the other silly items we have been brainwashed into believing we cannot live without.
The Camino teaches that what's more important than any problem, real or imagined, is to BE ALIVE, to BE HAPPY, to share what we have and be grateful for what is offered. It teaches us to walk when we have strength, and take time to rest when we're weary. It teaches us to help others and to accept help when we need it. It teaches us to look past appearances and language. It humbles us. It teaches us not to worry about whether there will be a bed because we WILL sleep, one way or the other!
The Camino teaches that the WAY to happiness is to march to our OWN music, not try to dance to someone else's idea of who we should be. And if our music tell us it is no more than a long walk, well that's ok too!
What's amazing to me is that I'm always so ready to get out of Spain and get back home, but once here, I begin dreaming of my next walk within days... how is it that a place that causes so much pain, bugbites, blisters, tendonitis, freezing rain, blazing heat, crocodile tears, and shock can continue to call us back over and over and over again? I can only believe that I find my true self there, on the Camino, and that I won't be satisfied until I find that self here too.
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