- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2009-2022: CFx6, CP, VdlPx2, Mozarabe, more later.
I notice many viewpoints on this issue in here, from people coming from different walks of life: religious, spirituals, sports walkers, bicyclists, ignorants, atheists etc. They all share some common experiences learned, it seems to me.
I am just reflecting on my calling to the Camino, since my very first walk: How strange isn't it? I need to return. And so it seems that many do: I am not alone.
During 4 walks I have experienced many strange things: It seems that the Camino is a force (only within?) that is calling to people. A dirt road cannot do that by itself, so what is it? Is it the knowledge that we are walking in the footsteps of millions before us? Or is it that we are up-rooted from our hectic lives to experience something bigger/greater? I do not know. But I know the calling.
I have seen very devoted people on the Way. But I think I have seen more people like me; spiritual, in my meaning of the word: Reflecting upon this life.
And I have seen sporting people, tourists, and solely km-addicted walkers, not really caring. But I have most often seen a common denomitation: The tears in front of the Cathedral, and a deeper understanding when at the end of the Way. Maybe because they reached their goal, or because they suddenly understood that the Way was the goal, and it was now over. Or rather: To be continued from thereafter.
I have therefore come to the conclusion that everyone seen on the Way should have respect. So many start out with certain (or no) anticipations, but, during the walk, the Camino provides important lesssons for all to learn from.
The speed walking strong captain who wasn't so strong and had to abort, the non-believer who turned into an agnostic, the believer who wasn't anymore so sure and educational towards others, and so on.
From what I have seen and experienced, the vast majority of walkers come out in the other end with many new lessons, and as better humans.
Each to his own, and:
Buen Camino!
I am just reflecting on my calling to the Camino, since my very first walk: How strange isn't it? I need to return. And so it seems that many do: I am not alone.
During 4 walks I have experienced many strange things: It seems that the Camino is a force (only within?) that is calling to people. A dirt road cannot do that by itself, so what is it? Is it the knowledge that we are walking in the footsteps of millions before us? Or is it that we are up-rooted from our hectic lives to experience something bigger/greater? I do not know. But I know the calling.
I have seen very devoted people on the Way. But I think I have seen more people like me; spiritual, in my meaning of the word: Reflecting upon this life.
And I have seen sporting people, tourists, and solely km-addicted walkers, not really caring. But I have most often seen a common denomitation: The tears in front of the Cathedral, and a deeper understanding when at the end of the Way. Maybe because they reached their goal, or because they suddenly understood that the Way was the goal, and it was now over. Or rather: To be continued from thereafter.
I have therefore come to the conclusion that everyone seen on the Way should have respect. So many start out with certain (or no) anticipations, but, during the walk, the Camino provides important lesssons for all to learn from.
The speed walking strong captain who wasn't so strong and had to abort, the non-believer who turned into an agnostic, the believer who wasn't anymore so sure and educational towards others, and so on.
From what I have seen and experienced, the vast majority of walkers come out in the other end with many new lessons, and as better humans.
Each to his own, and:
Buen Camino!