Twelve Camino Rules for Life

[Michael D]

As we all know, the Camino is a metaphor for life. Walking the Camino Frances in September, I came up with the following twelve Camino rules that can also be applied to real life. Would anyone care to add, modify, or subtract? (I realize they're somewhat serious, so some humorous rules would also be welcome.)

1. After taking your first step, keep placing one foot in front of the other.
2. Lighten your load. It will make your journey easier.
3. Judge not that ye be not judged.
4. No need to hurry. We will all end up in the same place.
5. If you lose your way, a stranger will help you find the right path.
6. It’s good to have company, but there are times when it’s better to walk alone.
7. Suffering can be a source of strength.
8. If you look after your feet, your mind will take care of itself.
9. Inspiration comes from a cloud-filled sky.
10. The journey is as important as the destination.
11. Everyone must find their own camino.
12. Keep walking! (See rule number 1.)

 

[Kitsambler]

As we all know, the Camino is a metaphor for life.

13. We need less than we think we do.
14. We get by with a little help from our friends.
15. We don't know what the future holds, even if we're holding a map in our hands.

 

[kelleymac]

I can complain all I want, but the path still leads up the hill. I may as well just be quiet and get a move on...

 

[tomnorth]

As we all know, the Camino is a metaphor for life. Walking the Camino Frances in September, I came up with the following twelve Camino rules that can also be applied to real life. Would anyone care to add, modify, or subtract?

1. In order to finish, you first have to begin.
2. Lighten your load. It will make your journey easier.
3. Keep placing one step in front of the other.
4. No need to hurry. We will all end up in the same place.
5. If you lose your way, a stranger will help you find the right path.
6. It’s good to have company, but there are times when it’s better to walk alone.
7. Suffering is a source of strength.
8. If you look after your feet, your mind will take care of itself.
9. Inspiration comes from a cloud-filled sky.
10. The journey is as important as the destination.
11. Everyone must find their own camino.
12. Keep walking!

This is a great list. The only edit I suggest is for number 10. I‘d write, “The journey is more important than the destination.”

 

[Antomuchacho]

There are no rules ☺

 

[Angelo]

Nice list!

 

[mspath]

These three Buddha quotes seem most appropriate.

"No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path."...
“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly.” ...
“Set your heart on doing good. Do it over and over again, and you will be filled with joy.”

 

[MKalcolm M]

You don’t need a guide, just follow the arrows.

If you need directions ask a German, want a drink then walk with a Scot, conversation; a North American, laughter; an Irish person, good food to share; Italians, different ways of looking at the world: Koreans. Combine any of the above for good companionship.

Never go to bed without your earplugs in reach.

Moderation in all things, particularly sobriety.

Keep going. Don’t worry about the small stuff.

You will always find a bed.

There is very little that carbohydrate, vino tinto and a laugh with fellow pilgrims won’t fix.

Enjoy the simple things.

Don’t hurry. Even Jesus asked for a little more time.

Never pat a burning dog, or Spanish guard dogs.

 

[Michael D]

Those are great. thanks! Particularly like the humorous ones. You cannot survive on philosophy alone...

 

[Bristle Boy]

As we all know, the Camino is a metaphor for life. Walking the Camino Frances in September, I came up with the following twelve Camino rules that can also be applied to real life. Would anyone care to add, modify, or subtract? (Looking them over, I realize they're somewhat serious, so some humorous rules would also be welcome.)

1. In order to finish, you first have to begin.
2. Lighten your load. It will make your journey easier.
3. Keep placing one step in front of the other.
4. No need to hurry. We will all end up in the same place.
5. If you lose your way, a stranger will help you find the right path.
6. It’s good to have company, but there are times when it’s better to walk alone.
7. Suffering is a source of strength.
8. If you look after your feet, your mind will take care of itself.
9. Inspiration comes from a cloud-filled sky.
10. The journey is as important as the destination.
11. Everyone must find their own camino.
12. Keep walking!

I think I’ll print this one and pin it up! Very thoughtful and well put...in a metaphorical way!

 

[Csutak]

One more:
If you think it is a steep "subida", just turn back and you'll see it's a "bachada",

 

[Bristle Boy]

One more:
If you think it is a steep "subida", just turn back and you'll see it's a "bachada",

Thank goodness for the translation app

 

[JabbaPapa]

This is a great list. The only edit I suggest is for number 10. I‘d write, “The journey is more important than the destination.”

I prefer his original, as it's more generally accurate -- there are a few pilgrims who seriously detest the walking, but for whom completion of it is vitally important.

 

[tomnorth]

I prefer his original, as it's more generally accurate -- there are a few pilgrims who seriously detest the walking, but for whom completion of it is vitally important.

I love the walking. I love the journey.

 

[JabbaPapa]

I love the walking. I love the journey.

Of course !!

 

[nycwalking]

7. Suffering is a source of strength.

Suffering is both a source of strength and overrated; good for character building but learn when to let that weight go.

 

[Skuttaball]

As we all know, the Camino is a metaphor for life. Walking the Camino Frances in September, I came up with the following twelve Camino rules that can also be applied to real life. Would anyone care to add, modify, or subtract? (Looking them over, I realize they're somewhat serious, so some humorous rules would also be welcome.)

1. In order to finish, you first have to begin.
2. Lighten your load. It will make your journey easier.
3. Keep placing one step in front of the other.
4. No need to hurry. We will all end up in the same place.
5. If you lose your way, a stranger will help you find the right path.
6. It’s good to have company, but there are times when it’s better to walk alone.
7. Suffering is a source of strength.
8. If you look after your feet, your mind will take care of itself.
9. Inspiration comes from a cloud-filled sky.
10. The journey is as important as the destination.
11. Everyone must find their own camino.
12. Keep walking!

I agree with every one of these points, especially 12, your Camino is from birth to death, it didn't end at Santiago or Finisterre.

 

[David]

This is fun...
"never take moderation to excess"

 

[Jeff Crawley]

One more:
If you think it is a steep "subida", just turn back and you'll see it's a "bachada",

A bit like Dag Hammarskjöld's "Never measure the height of a mountain until you have reached the top. Then you will see how low it was."

 

[MKalcolm M]

This is fun...
"never take moderation to excess"

I have always said moderation is for mediocrities.

 

[Theresa Ruttger]

And when facing a steep hill, count 25 steps and stop. Look behind you and the view is always stunning. Then face forward and walk 25 more. You will always make it. Nothing is insurmountable -

 

[Michael D]

Suffering is both a source of strength and overrated; good for character building but learn when to let that weight go.

Thanks. I changed this to CAN BE a source of strength. Sometimes suffering is just a source of suffering.

 

[Corinne Lombardi]

A few more:
1. Go fast, go heavy, go long, go home.
2. The camino delivers.
3. Wear sunscreen on your left side.
4. If you are suffering, refer to 1.
5. No should-a’s.
6. It is about the journey, not the destination. You will get there, but how you get there is up to you.

 

[tomnorth]

Here’s another:

• When the going gets steep, shorten your stride.

 

[Coachtolife]

As we all know, the Camino is a metaphor for life. Walking the Camino Frances in September, I came up with the following twelve Camino rules that can also be applied to real life. Would anyone care to add, modify, or subtract? (I realize they're somewhat serious, so some humorous rules would also be welcome.)

1. After taking your first step, keep placing one foot in front of the other.
2. Lighten your load. It will make your journey easier.
3. Judge not that ye be not judged.
4. No need to hurry. We will all end up in the same place.
5. If you lose your way, a stranger will help you find the right path.
6. It’s good to have company, but there are times when it’s better to walk alone.
7. Suffering can be a source of strength.
8. If you look after your feet, your mind will take care of itself.
9. Inspiration comes from a cloud-filled sky.
10. The journey is as important as the destination.
11. Everyone must find their own camino.
12. Keep walking! (See rule number 1.)

Yesterday is history; tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift, that’s why it’s called the present. (From Kung fu Panda movie).

Stay present.

 

[domigee]

As we all know, the Camino is a metaphor for life. Walking the Camino Frances in September, I came up with the following twelve Camino rules that can also be applied to real life. Would anyone care to add, modify, or subtract? (I realize they're somewhat serious, so some humorous rules would also be welcome.)

1. After taking your first step, keep placing one foot in front of the other.
2. Lighten your load. It will make your journey easier.
3. Judge not that ye be not judged.
4. No need to hurry. We will all end up in the same place.
5. If you lose your way, a stranger will help you find the right path.
6. It’s good to have company, but there are times when it’s better to walk alone.
7. Suffering can be a source of strength.
8. If you look after your feet, your mind will take care of itself.
9. Inspiration comes from a cloud-filled sky.
10. The journey is as important as the destination.
11. Everyone must find their own camino.
12. Keep walking! (See rule number 1.)

Nice one!

 

[Davie Blisters]

Whenever I read these type of statements I can't help thinking of the great W C Fields.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Twelve? One for each month of the year?

 

[Michael D]

Twelve has become the de facto standard for rules for life. Some kind of magic number, I guess. Viz. 12 rules for life by Jordan Peterson.

 

[Antomuchacho]

12 for each apostle

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Twelve has become the de facto standard for rules for life.

Twelve steps in AA?

 

[Antomuchacho]

And the greeks worshipped 12 gods of olympus

 

[James Borden]

Don’t eat the yellow snow,

 

[Deleted member 3000]

12 for each apostle

Thirteen unless you are counting the swapout of Mattias for Judas...

 

[Doug Delfeld]

Like Chicago said” What goes up must come down”

 

[Mstillfarrington]

As we all know, the Camino is a metaphor for life. Walking the Camino Frances in September, I came up with the following twelve Camino rules that can also be applied to real life. Would anyone care to add, modify, or subtract? (I realize they're somewhat serious, so some humorous rules would also be welcome.)

1. After taking your first step, keep placing one foot in front of the other.
2. Lighten your load. It will make your journey easier.
3. Judge not that ye be not judged.
4. No need to hurry. We will all end up in the same place.
5. If you lose your way, a stranger will help you find the right path.
6. It’s good to have company, but there are times when it’s better to walk alone.
7. Suffering can be a source of strength.
8. If you look after your feet, your mind will take care of itself.
9. Inspiration comes from a cloud-filled sky.
10. The journey is as important as the destination.
11. Everyone must find their own camino.
12. Keep walking! (See rule number 1.)

Good & thoughtful list- after coming back I sometimes have to remember the peace.

 

[J F Gregory]

As we all know, the Camino is a metaphor for life. Walking the Camino Frances in September, I came up with the following twelve Camino rules that can also be applied to real life. Would anyone care to add, modify, or subtract? (I realize they're somewhat serious, so some humorous rules would also be welcome.)

1. After taking your first step, keep placing one foot in front of the other.
2. Lighten your load. It will make your journey easier.
3. Judge not that ye be not judged.
4. No need to hurry. We will all end up in the same place.
5. If you lose your way, a stranger will help you find the right path.
6. It’s good to have company, but there are times when it’s better to walk alone.
7. Suffering can be a source of strength.
8. If you look after your feet, your mind will take care of itself.
9. Inspiration comes from a cloud-filled sky.
10. The journey is as important as the destination.
11. Everyone must find their own camino.
12. Keep walking! (See rule number 1.)

Thank you Michael I copied this and posted on Facebook. I did give Michael D. credit.

 

[Marie Helene Maguire]

As we all know, the Camino is a metaphor for life. Walking the Camino Frances in September, I came up with the following twelve Camino rules that can also be applied to real life. Would anyone care to add, modify, or subtract? (I realize they're somewhat serious, so some humorous rules would also be welcome.)

1. After taking your first step, keep placing one foot in front of the other.
2. Lighten your load. It will make your journey easier.
3. Judge not that ye be not judged.
4. No need to hurry. We will all end up in the same place.
5. If you lose your way, a stranger will help you find the right path.
6. It’s good to have company, but there are times when it’s better to walk alone.
7. Suffering can be a source of strength.
8. If you look after your feet, your mind will take care of itself.
9. Inspiration comes from a cloud-filled sky.
10. The journey is as important as the destination.
11. Everyone must find their own camino.
12. Keep walking! (See rule number 1.)

Sage advice!

 

[movinmaggie]

As we all know, the Camino is a metaphor for life. Walking the Camino Frances in September, I came up with the following twelve Camino rules that can also be applied to real life. Would anyone care to add, modify, or subtract? (I realize they're somewhat serious, so some humorous rules would also be welcome.)

1. After taking your first step, keep placing one foot in front of the other.
2. Lighten your load. It will make your journey easier.
3. Judge not that ye be not judged.
4. No need to hurry. We will all end up in the same place.
5. If you lose your way, a stranger will help you find the right path.
6. It’s good to have company, but there are times when it’s better to walk alone.
7. Suffering can be a source of strength.
8. If you look after your feet, your mind will take care of itself.
9. Inspiration comes from a cloud-filled sky.
10. The journey is as important as the destination.
11. Everyone must find their own camino.
12. Keep walking! (See rule number 1.)

Age is not a number, it's an attitude..

 

[Bristle Boy]

Age is not a number, it's an attitude..

The answer to everything..according to Douglas Adams is....47!

 

[mikebet]

American baseball great/folk philosopher Satchel Paige once gave six rules for living successfully, and #6 may have application to the Camino:
"Don't look back; something might be gaining on you."

 

[Bristle Boy]

Age is not a number, it's an attitude..

Yes..I’ve heard that saying “age is not a number, it’s an altitude”...mine’s getting higher

 

[lt56ny]

This is a great list. The only edit I suggest is for number 10. I‘d write, “The journey is more important than the destination.”

My friend I now think the destination distracts from the journey. The destination is totally irrelevant. Even though I was very emotional when I got to Santiago this time. I realized quickly it was not because I finished, but what Santiago and especially the Cathedral represents to being. Another piece in the puzzle that are my Caminos.

 

[Br. Dick Tandy ofm]

Thank for sharing. Remind me of Gerard Manley poem ~Pied Beauty,
Glory be to God for dappled things –
For skies of couple-colour as a brinded cow;
For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim;
Fresh-fire-coal chestnut-falls; finches’ wings;
Landscape plotted and pieced – fold, fallow, and plough;
And áll trádes, their gear and tackle and trim.

All things counter, original, spare, strange;
Whatever is fickle, freckled (who knows how?)
With swift, slow; sweet, sour; adazzle, dim;
He fathers-forth whose beauty is past change:
Praise him.
to mind ~ Pied Beauty.
Glory be to God for dappled things –
For skies of couple-colour as a brinded cow;
For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim;
Fresh-firecoal chestnut-falls; finches’ wings;
Landscape plotted and pieced – fold, fallow, and plough;
And áll trádes, their gear and tackle and trim.

All things counter, original, spare, strange;
Whatever is fickle, freckled (who knows how?)
With swift, slow; sweet, sour; adazzle, dim;
He fathers-forth whose beauty is past change:
Praise him.

 

[mikebet]

Yes..I’ve heard that saying “age is not a number, it’s an altitude”...mine’s getting higher

Which reminds me of another Satchel Paige quote, this rhetorical question: "How old would you be if you didn't know how old you was?" I'm 73, but if I lost my birth certificate and memory I'd probably say about 50.

 

[Bristle Boy]

Which reminds me of another Satchel Paige quote, this rhetorical question: "How old would you be if you didn't know how old you was?" I'm 73, but if I lost my birth certificate and memory I'd probably say about 50.

It never matters...always look on the bright side..the candles on the birthday cake save on the heating bills!

 

[emptysea]

"Twenty two today" as Dad always said
I would like to share my Camino programming as to who I want to be as I enter Santiago and all the present moments that follow. How do you get to Symphony Hall..."Practice".
Matters not the years,enjoy the ride.
Now Please repeat silently after me.
"I am...
Whole, Perfect, Strong, Powerful, Loving, Kind, Compassionate, Considerate, Harmonious, Happy, Healthy, Wealthy and Wise".
copywrite: October17-28, 2018 Portuguese Camino
Repeat for the next 150-500 miles
Find the rhythm, it got a great beat and you can dance to it.
Give it a try and feel free to embellish.

 

[LGLG]

I concur. All applicable to post Camino life, definitely.
Re point 4- a variation to the ‘not hurry’ advice, I saw on the way and absolutely love:

- life is too short to hurry it.

 

[leichecerca]

The answer to everything..according to Douglas Adams is....47!

D.A. actually said 42, not 47.

 

[leichecerca]

The Camino ALWAYS provides.

 

[Bristle Boy]

D.A. actually said 42, not 47.

Stand corrected!...

 

[Cicada]

As we all know, the Camino is a metaphor for life. Walking the Camino Frances in September, I came up with the following twelve Camino rules that can also be applied to real life. Would anyone care to add, modify, or subtract? (I realize they're somewhat serious, so some humorous rules would also be welcome.)

1. After taking your first step, keep placing one foot in front of the other.
2. Lighten your load. It will make your journey easier.
3. Judge not that ye be not judged.
4. No need to hurry. We will all end up in the same place.
5. If you lose your way, a stranger will help you find the right path.
6. It’s good to have company, but there are times when it’s better to walk alone.
7. Suffering can be a source of strength.
8. If you look after your feet, your mind will take care of itself.
9. Inspiration comes from a cloud-filled sky.
10. The journey is as important as the destination.
11. Everyone must find their own camino.
12. Keep walking! (See rule number 1.)

 

[Cicada]

As we all know, the Camino is a metaphor for life. Walking the Camino Frances in September, I came up with the following twelve Camino rules that can also be applied to real life. Would anyone care to add, modify, or subtract? (I realize they're somewhat serious, so some humorous rules would also be welcome.)

1. After taking your first step, keep placing one foot in front of the other.
2. Lighten your load. It will make your journey easier.
3. Judge not that ye be not judged.
4. No need to hurry. We will all end up in the same place.
5. If you lose your way, a stranger will help you find the right path.
6. It’s good to have company, but there are times when it’s better to walk alone.
7. Suffering can be a source of strength.
8. If you look after your feet, your mind will take care of itself.
9. Inspiration comes from a cloud-filled sky.
10. The journey is as important as the destination.
11. Everyone must find their own camino.
12. Keep walking! (See rule number 1.)

Keep AM and PM noise to a minimum in alberques ie: organise your backpack for the next day before you head off for dinner and if you must leave at 3 4 or 5am be as quiet s a mouse. I guess im saying think

 

[Caminolou]

16. Be carefully what you ask for

 

[Cicada]

As we all know, the Camino is a metaphor for life. Walking the Camino Frances in September, I came up with the following twelve Camino rules that can also be applied to real life. Would anyone care to add, modify, or subtract? (I realize they're somewhat serious, so some humorous rules would also be welcome.)

1. After taking your first step, keep placing one foot in front of the other.
2. Lighten your load. It will make your journey easier.
3. Judge not that ye be not judged.
4. No need to hurry. We will all end up in the same place.
5. If you lose your way, a stranger will help you find the right path.
6. It’s good to have company, but there are times when it’s better to walk alone.
7. Suffering can be a source of strength.
8. If you look after your feet, your mind will take care of itself.
9. Inspiration comes from a cloud-filled sky.
10. The journey is as important as the destination.
11. Everyone must find their own camino.
12. Keep walking! (See rule number 1.)

Ooops Just to finish I guess I'm saying think of others not just yourself!
And don't press post reply before you're finished!

 

[La Rubia]

The arrow will always appear just when you need it.

 

[long trails]

No need to hurry. We will all end up in the same place.

Not always true.

Some people will end up in less desirable albergues or in a taxi to the next town.

 

[Richard Smith]

Great post!
I was going to suggest that one more could be added saying that if the Camino gives you a problem then there is probably a lesson or a gift inside it somewhere.
But on second reading I think you may have touched it already with number 9
>>
Inspiration comes from a cloud-filled sky.
>>

 

[Michael D]

Not always true.

Some people will end up in less desirable albergues or in a taxi to the next town.

That’s in the short term. In the long term, we are all headed to the great cathedral in the sky.

 

[Nick B]

“But the beauty is in the walking -- we are betrayed by destinations.” Gwyn Thomas

For everyone flatulates, so relax...don't be embarrassed.

 

[CaminoQuilter]

What a wonderful gift. I'm adding this list to my memoirs.

 

[Bristle Boy]

What a wonderful gift. I'm adding this list to my memoirs.

Reading your post and the post preceding together has given me the best laugh of the day...although unintended!!

 

[Deleted member 12253]

Are you Michael D president of Ireland and poet. Failte go dti an camino

 

[Lurch]

Accept the Camino fellowship for what it is...a gift from another.

 

[Devereaux]

"You never feel better than when you start feeling good after you've been feeling bad." William Least Heat-Moon, Blue Highways

 

[Zordmot]

As we all know, the Camino is a metaphor for life. Walking the Camino Frances in September, I came up with the following twelve Camino rules that can also be applied to real life. Would anyone care to add, modify, or subtract? (I realize they're somewhat serious, so some humorous rules would also be welcome.)

1. After taking your first step, keep placing one foot in front of the other.
2. Lighten your load. It will make your journey easier.
3. Judge not that ye be not judged.
4. No need to hurry. We will all end up in the same place.
5. If you lose your way, a stranger will help you find the right path.
6. It’s good to have company, but there are times when it’s better to walk alone.
7. Suffering can be a source of strength.
8. If you look after your feet, your mind will take care of itself.
9. Inspiration comes from a cloud-filled sky.
10. The journey is as important as the destination.
11. Everyone must find their own camino.
12. Keep walking! (See rule number 1.)

13. Be vigilant and aware always how your actions-intentional or not-might limit or restrict the rights of others who live, work, or travel on the Camino