Phoenix
Veteran Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- .
Hello pilgrims! I’ve thought about writing this post more than once since returning from the Camino (Frances) last November, but life gets busy and other things take precedence after returning to daily life. It’s a little lengthy, but my hope is that it will help someone in a tangible way.
I walked the Camino last year (Sept/Oct 2016) with my adult son, just after he completed five years of military service (USMC); for him, to serve as a transition from military to civilian life, and for me, to celebrate my 50th b-day. I had planned and prepared almost every day for a year, yet he still smoked me on the trail most days. We both walked at our own pace, met up for lunch and breaks during the day, and spent our evenings together with pilgrims we met along the way. From a parent-child POV, it was one of the most priceless experiences we’ve ever shared. Over the course of five weeks, me met, walked with, and shared experiences with each other and with people from nearly two dozen countries. I know my world grew much bigger as a result of the experience, as did his.
There are a few things I’d like to share in the hope that it will encourage those who may be overwhelmed by the vast amount of info re: the Camino, those who doubt their ability to take on/complete the physical challenge, or those who wonder if they can leave their normal, daily lives behind for an extended period of time. Although not an all inclusive list, the things I share are the highlights based not only on my experience, but also on what I perceived from observing and sharing with others along The Way.
P.S., I am going back through the hundreds of photos that I took along the Camino. If interested, I am posting the best of them on Instagram. @10milerock
I walked the Camino last year (Sept/Oct 2016) with my adult son, just after he completed five years of military service (USMC); for him, to serve as a transition from military to civilian life, and for me, to celebrate my 50th b-day. I had planned and prepared almost every day for a year, yet he still smoked me on the trail most days. We both walked at our own pace, met up for lunch and breaks during the day, and spent our evenings together with pilgrims we met along the way. From a parent-child POV, it was one of the most priceless experiences we’ve ever shared. Over the course of five weeks, me met, walked with, and shared experiences with each other and with people from nearly two dozen countries. I know my world grew much bigger as a result of the experience, as did his.
There are a few things I’d like to share in the hope that it will encourage those who may be overwhelmed by the vast amount of info re: the Camino, those who doubt their ability to take on/complete the physical challenge, or those who wonder if they can leave their normal, daily lives behind for an extended period of time. Although not an all inclusive list, the things I share are the highlights based not only on my experience, but also on what I perceived from observing and sharing with others along The Way.
- The Camino is simple; there is no need to overcomplicate it. You rise, you walk, you eat and drink, you arrive at your destination and find your chosen accommodations, you bathe, do needed medical triage/treatment, clean clothes, eat, enjoy the evenings (alone and/or with other pilgrims), get some sleep, and do it all over again the next day. There is a rhythm to it. Sometimes, it is boring—and that’s okay. Most will have made some strategic plans before arriving in SJPdP (or other chosen starting location); however, on most days, the tactical situation on the ground will often dictate a change of plans. And, you know what? You’ll be fine with it. You’ll become empowered by your ability to roll with changes and accept it as part of the norm. Your situational awareness will become sharper as you settle in and live life in the moment.
- It’s easier to connect with people on the Camino. In our daily lives (at least in my experience in the U.S.), many of our interactions with others are wide but shallow in most instances. Everyone’s lives seem to be moving in a million different directions. Interactions on the Camino are narrower, but deeper. There is something almost magical about being part a tribe of people all moving in the same direction toward a common destination for similar reasons. Since that bond is established by virtue of just being on the Camino together, it’s much easier to get past the superficial and share our humanity with each other. This has staying power in our lives after the Camino.
- Walking the Camino enhances the mind-brain-body connection. In my particular case, this was an important discovery. Long story short, I have lived with Young Onset Parkinson’s disease for 14+ years. For the first several years, it was the monster that dominated my everyday (both physical and cognitive decline). Then, during the height of a family crisis, I discovered that I do have power the beat back the monster. Living life with a more holistic approach (exercise, nutrition, attitude, and spiritual devotion in addition to proper medical treatment) has made all the difference. I practice what I call "purposeful denial.” I refuse to let PD have any power over me, and will not use it as an excuse to interfere with living my life fully. If I want to go do something, I train specifically for it and do my best to get my brain and body on the same page. Even though I have undertaken varied physical endurance challenges over the past six years, while on the Camino I was more cognitively aware than I have been in years. My brain felt more alive than I’ve experienced since my early 30s. For me, there was a definite correlation between the amount of exercise and my brain’s ability to function at a higher level. Since it’s not really feasible to walk 13-20 miles every day for the rest of my life, it has become my quest to replicate the cognitive effects through other physical activities. So far, my quest has been successful.
- Don’t let your challenge(s) keep you from a possibly life-changing Camino experience. Whether it’s a chronic health problem, weight, age, time, or whatever you believe hinders you from taking on the challenge—your Camino begins the moment you take action to overcome the challenge. Move in the direction you want to go and you will get there.
- The Camino Calm. This phenomena I’ve experienced mostly since returning home. It is something new that was born on the Camino and exists/grows in my daily life. It’s hard to articulate, but I surmise that it comes from a sense of being more connected with humanity, being able to see situations more clearly & respond accordingly, knowing what I am capable of, and, perhaps, a dose of the undefinable “Camino magic.” In short, I am changed by having walked The Way. Like many others, I hope to return to the Camino someday for a “booster."
P.S., I am going back through the hundreds of photos that I took along the Camino. If interested, I am posting the best of them on Instagram. @10milerock
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