A metaphor for life

[peterhore]

When I did my first Camino in 2011 and crossed the Pyrenees in April in snow, I remember my pack weighing in at the airport check-in, despite my self-deception about how much baggage I was carrying, at 17 kilos. Later this year I'm going back for my third Camino and hope to reach Santiago via the Via de la Plata in time to celebrate my 70th birthday. Now my pack weighs less than 10 kilos, and though everything in it is of the highest possible spec, it has all been bought at end-of-season sales and/or has another function in my life. Also, if I leave my penknife behind, it is carry-on luggage. My boots are on their second soles. Is this a metaphor for life?

 

[wayfarer]

Yes, we can manage just fine without without too much "stuff". In the great scheme of things if we loose all unnecessary possessions and just have our pack left we will survive just fine as the Camino has proved.
Possessions possess us.

 

[mspath]

"Only by going alone in silence, without baggage, can one truly get into
the heart of the wilderness. All other travel is mere dust and hotels
and baggage and chatter." John Muir, letter to wife, 1888

 

[cecelia]

Hi Peter and everyone, The whole camino experience becomes a metaphor for life doesn't it - including the preparation, the excitement, the physical and emotional ups and downs, the arrival, the new friends, missing family and old friends, stumbling to communicate in French and Spanish and success at some level, the joys and surprises, the things that gross me out, the laughter, the tears, the simplicity, the complexities, the top bunk, the arrival, the sunset and more..... and the opportunity to do it all again.
I know Margaret continues to walk past her 70th, and I walked in celebration of my 70th last year as well - 1200 km in France and along the Frances in Spain. I feel SO lucky to be able to continue this experience into my 70s. Congratulations Peter and muy buen camino!

 

[Suzanne Edminster]

One reason I am starting now is that I have the goal to walk with a pack well into my seventies, as does my husband. You are my hero(s).

 

[lettinggo]

Hola

The Caminos are a part of life.
Physically as a place, distances, nature, weather,..
Spiritually as a religious as well as a non-religious purpose, contemplation, openness,..
Socially as friendships, laughter, food, compassion,...

What seems to be very special about the camino is that it brings out the best in people, creates renewed perspective, awareness,...
This awareness results, one can read on this forum, in many life changing decisions.
The clarity that one achieve is probably why so many returns to experience more of it.
To make the camino a part of their life. Again.

Your boots are on their second sole..
Sounds to me that it is a sign of determination and experience to overcome the obstacles ahead of you.

Buen Camino
Lettinggo

 

[domigee]

As I am preparing for my 3rd pilgrimage, I am well aware we carry our worries with us. The key is to let go.

Don't worry I am not preaching, too busy weighing stuff (I NEED this and I NEED that)

 

[tploomis]

Thank goodness when we're young we're strong enough to carry all that extra weight, and when we're too old and too weak to do it, we've figured out how to pare it all down. And too, I've gone through some re-soling in my life!

 

[Mary Enright]

When I did my first Camino in 2011 and crossed the Pyrenees in April in snow, I remember my pack weighing in at the airport check-in, despite my self-deception about how much baggage I was carrying, at 17 kilos. Later this year I'm going back for my third Camino and hope to reach Santiago via the Via de la Plata in time to celebrate my 70th birthday. Now my pack weighs less than 10 kilos, and though everything in it is of the highest possible spec, it has all been bought at end-of-season sales and/or has another function in my life. Also, if I leave my penknife behind, it is carry-on luggage. My boots are on their second soles. Is this a metaphor for life?

Great message. It makes me think that I, too, can do it at age 70.

 

[domigee]

You all are an inspiration, thank you. I wish you a buen camino.

 

[OzAnnie]

Great message. It makes me think that I, too, can do it at age 70.

Use it or lose it ! After seeing the sadder side of the ageing population last night whilst visiting my brother in hospital. It has spurred me on even more to keep up with the training and walking and social interaction. I still work full time and tho that sometimes feels restrictive in time available for vacation, I enjoy how it motivates me to get things done.
Obviously I haven't been inside a hospital for around 10'years. I was shocked by the number of patients who appeared to be retirement village age and most of these needed to be fed and lifted from chair to bed. Some in stages of dementia. This was just a general hospital ward. Very sad .

I choose to keep this motor running as long as is possible. Life is a precious gift. I know we can't stop the ageing but I also believe that when you park it in the garage for a long period it is hard to get the motor started as the battery goes flat .
Annie