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I think this is part of a general trend of misuse of the word addiction, and agree that people could think more carefully about their use of language.It is with hesitation that I write on a topic that has been bothering me over many years of forum membership, and that is the equating of the desire to walk the Way again with addiction. I live in a country that, in rural areas, as well as major cities is bedevilled by the social and personal ills of opiate and other addictions. At present the UK is fighting a battle against the recruitment of very young children to act as couriers for drugs - known as county lines. Please pilgrims, do we really feel that walking the Camino is comparable to the numbing of mind and body that opiates provide for those poor souls whose lives have led them to their present dire circumstances. When drugs come into a community families are ruined, crime rockets and the threat of violence is always present, as this is a trade controlled by vicious people without a moral compass.
Please can we explore a wider vocabulary to express what motivates some of us to repeat the experience of walking to Santiago de Compostela that doesn't pathologise the activity? This means trying to move beyond describing it as a compulsion to which we must submit. After all there are lots of things we might wish to repeat ad infinitum that are not always good for us, but we are able to discern the difference between compulsion and choice, and surely a pilgrimage is more meaningful than the sating of any particular appetite. I understand that some members when using the word 'addiction' in relation to their wish to walk again (& again), did so with humorous intent.
It's a beautiful sunny morning here is Scotland after days of gales and torrential rain so it is not grumpiness that prompted the post, rather that I always shudder slightly when the word 'addiction' is used in relation to something I consider to be an experience filled with joy, offering opportunities for reflection and reaffirming what is good about humanity.
As an addendum, I am familiar with the history (not the experience) of the use of psychotropic drugs such as peyote in spiritual practices aimed at expanding the consciousness of those who believe but that is a separate matter and not in any way associated with addiction.
and agree that people could think more carefully about their use of language.
You are of course entitled to your opinion, but I think that perhaps you are being a little oversensitive. I don’t think any pilgrim on this forum using the word ‘addiction’ has ever had any conscious thought about the association of that word to the global drug problem. It is just a ‘convenient term’ to use instead of having to try to explain the complex feelings and motives that makes you want to go back to the Camino – and I believe that anyone on this forum reading that word in a Camino context will not associate it with anything else than the well known feeling of ‘Camino-longing’.
Taking the issue a step further, we’d also then have to be careful about using words like “snow”, “grass” and “horse” because in certain environments these words are also associated with various kinds of drugs. I mean, the world is complicated enough as it is…
It is with hesitation that I write on a topic that has been bothering me over many years of forum membership, and that is the equating of the desire to walk the Way again with addiction. I live in a country that, in rural areas, as well as major cities is bedevilled by the social and personal ills of opiate and other addictions. At present the UK is fighting a battle against the recruitment of very young children to act as couriers for drugs - known as county lines. Please pilgrims, do we really feel that walking the Camino is comparable to the numbing of mind and body that opiates provide for those poor souls whose lives have led them to their present dire circumstances. When drugs come into a community families are ruined, crime rockets and the threat of violence is always present, as this is a trade controlled by vicious people without a moral compass.
Please can we explore a wider vocabulary to express what motivates some of us to repeat the experience of walking to Santiago de Compostela that doesn't pathologise the activity? This means trying to move beyond describing it as a compulsion to which we must submit. After all there are lots of things we might wish to repeat ad infinitum that are not always good for us, but we are able to discern the difference between compulsion and choice, and surely a pilgrimage is more meaningful than the sating of any particular appetite. I understand that some members when using the word 'addiction' in relation to their wish to walk again (& again), did so with humorous intent.
It's a beautiful sunny morning here is Scotland after days of gales and torrential rain so it is not grumpiness that prompted the post, rather that I always shudder slightly when the word 'addiction' is used in relation to something I consider to be an experience filled with joy, offering opportunities for reflection and reaffirming what is good about humanity.
As an addendum, I am familiar with the history (not the experience) of the use of psychotropic drugs such as peyote in spiritual practices aimed at expanding the consciousness of those who believe but that is a separate matter and not in any way associated with addiction.
Well put @Turga ...and I agree. I generally take a step back and consider that the poster may not have english as a primary , or even secondary language. Translations often come across as blunt. In addition, humor is often lost. Good point.Oh, I agree! – in principle. The question is just how far one should go. I think it would take a bit of the ‘fun and spontaneity’ out of the forum if we had to analyze carefully which possible interpretations whoever could make of certain words and phrases (with the exception, of course, of the obviously inappropriate cases).
The issue has been touched upon in another thread about people having to express themselves on this forum in a language (English) that is foreign to them. I received some friendly and humorous reactions when once in some post I used the term ‘trafficated’ about roads with heavy traffic. I think it’s all about allowing each other some ‘slack’ and not assuming the worst….
Passion!It is with hesitation that I write on a topic that has been bothering me over many years of forum membership, and that is the equating of the desire to walk the Way again with addiction. I live in a country that, in rural areas, as well as major cities is bedevilled by the social and personal ills of opiate and other addictions. At present the UK is fighting a battle against the recruitment of very young children to act as couriers for drugs - known as county lines. Please pilgrims, do we really feel that walking the Camino is comparable to the numbing of mind and body that opiates provide for those poor souls whose lives have led them to their present dire circumstances. When drugs come into a community families are ruined, crime rockets and the threat of violence is always present, as this is a trade controlled by vicious people without a moral compass.
Please can we explore a wider vocabulary to express what motivates some of us to repeat the experience of walking to Santiago de Compostela that doesn't pathologise the activity? This means trying to move beyond describing it as a compulsion to which we must submit. After all there are lots of things we might wish to repeat ad infinitum that are not always good for us, but we are able to discern the difference between compulsion and choice, and surely a pilgrimage is more meaningful than the sating of any particular appetite. I understand that some members when using the word 'addiction' in relation to their wish to walk again (& again), did so with humorous intent.
It's a beautiful sunny morning here is Scotland after days of gales and torrential rain so it is not grumpiness that prompted the post, rather that I always shudder slightly when the word 'addiction' is used in relation to something I consider to be an experience filled with joy, offering opportunities for reflection and reaffirming what is good about humanity.
As an addendum, I am familiar with the history (not the experience) of the use of psychotropic drugs such as peyote in spiritual practices aimed at expanding the consciousness of those who believe but that is a separate matter and not in any way associated with addiction.
It is with hesitation that I write on a topic that has been bothering me over many years of forum membership, and that is the equating of the desire to walk the Way again with addiction. I live in a country that, in rural areas, as well as major cities is bedevilled by the social and personal ills of opiate and other addictions. At present the UK is fighting a battle against the recruitment of very young children to act as couriers for drugs - known as county lines. Please pilgrims, do we really feel that walking the Camino is comparable to the numbing of mind and body that opiates provide for those poor souls whose lives have led them to their present dire circumstances. When drugs come into a community families are ruined, crime rockets and the threat of violence is always present, as this is a trade controlled by vicious people without a moral compass.
Please can we explore a wider vocabulary to express what motivates some of us to repeat the experience of walking to Santiago de Compostela that doesn't pathologise the activity? This means trying to move beyond describing it as a compulsion to which we must submit. After all there are lots of things we might wish to repeat ad infinitum that are not always good for us, but we are able to discern the difference between compulsion and choice, and surely a pilgrimage is more meaningful than the sating of any particular appetite. I understand that some members when using the word 'addiction' in relation to their wish to walk again (& again), did so with humorous intent.
It's a beautiful sunny morning here is Scotland after days of gales and torrential rain so it is not grumpiness that prompted the post, rather that I always shudder slightly when the word 'addiction' is used in relation to something I consider to be an experience filled with joy, offering opportunities for reflection and reaffirming what is good about humanity.
As an addendum, I am familiar with the history (not the experience) of the use of psychotropic drugs such as peyote in spiritual practices aimed at expanding the consciousness of those who believe but that is a separate matter and not in any way associated with addiction.
Hello all To many of you, this reply will seam like the actions of a cornered ferret.It is with hesitation that I write on a topic that has been bothering me over many years of forum membership, and that is the equating of the desire to walk the Way again with addiction. I live in a country that, in rural areas, as well as major cities is bedevilled by the social and personal ills of opiate and other addictions. At present the UK is fighting a battle against the recruitment of very young children to act as couriers for drugs - known as county lines. Please pilgrims, do we really feel that walking the Camino is comparable to the numbing of mind and body that opiates provide for those poor souls whose lives have led them to their present dire circumstances. When drugs come into a community families are ruined, crime rockets and the threat of violence is always present, as this is a trade controlled by vicious people without a moral compass.
Please can we explore a wider vocabulary to express what motivates some of us to repeat the experience of walking to Santiago de Compostela that doesn't pathologise the activity? This means trying to move beyond describing it as a compulsion to which we must submit. After all there are lots of things we might wish to repeat ad infinitum that are not always good for us, but we are able to discern the difference between compulsion and choice, and surely a pilgrimage is more meaningful than the sating of any particular appetite. I understand that some members when using the word 'addiction' in relation to their wish to walk again (& again), did so with humorous intent.
It's a beautiful sunny morning here is Scotland after days of gales and torrential rain so it is not grumpiness that prompted the post, rather that I always shudder slightly when the word 'addiction' is used in relation to something I consider to be an experience filled with joy, offering opportunities for reflection and reaffirming what is good about humanity.
As an addendum, I am familiar with the history (not the experience) of the use of psychotropic drugs such as peyote in spiritual practices aimed at expanding the consciousness of those who believe but that is a separate matter and not in any way associated with addiction.
Please can we explore a wider vocabulary to express what motivates some of us to repeat the experience of walking to Santiago de Compostela that doesn't pathologise the activity?
I tend to agree with the OP. I don't mind the occasional use of the word "addiction" in the camino context - among friends who are familiar with the yearning. However, I would never use the word to describe my own desire to continuing walking caminos. I think "obsession" or "compulsion" would be better words to describe the severe cases. In my case, I choose to walk the camino, and can say "no" if there are good reasons not to go. I have several times deferred a walk. In fact, I want my family to know that my caminos are optional, and only take place after consideration of their needs and wants. I am not addicted!we are able to discern the difference between compulsion and choice
I appreciate the OP's comments and at times have been bother from the use of the word addiction on the forum . As a recovering addict (of over 25 years), I walk my journey and cherish my recovery. I would hope that there must be a more meaningful reason for walking the camino other than addiction: perhaps introspection, peace, joy, etc.
It has certainly had life changing effects for some people: changing careers, moving to Spain, marrying people met on the Camino, etc.I wonder if a, lets say "obsession", with the Camino has had real life changing status for some people, for example loss of relationship due to partner not wanting to walk? Career sacrifice down to taking too much time away from the workplace?
I’ve given my answer to your good question. See my post of today, 25 June. I fully agree with you. Well said.It is with hesitation that I write on a topic that has been bothering me over many years of forum membership, and that is the equating of the desire to walk the Way again with addiction. I live in a country that, in rural areas, as well as major cities is bedevilled by the social and personal ills of opiate and other addictions. At present the UK is fighting a battle against the recruitment of very young children to act as couriers for drugs - known as county lines. Please pilgrims, do we really feel that walking the Camino is comparable to the numbing of mind and body that opiates provide for those poor souls whose lives have led them to their present dire circumstances. When drugs come into a community families are ruined, crime rockets and the threat of violence is always present, as this is a trade controlled by vicious people without a moral compass.
Please can we explore a wider vocabulary to express what motivates some of us to repeat the experience of walking to Santiago de Compostela that doesn't pathologise the activity? This means trying to move beyond describing it as a compulsion to which we must submit. After all there are lots of things we might wish to repeat ad infinitum that are not always good for us, but we are able to discern the difference between compulsion and choice, and surely a pilgrimage is more meaningful than the sating of any particular appetite. I understand that some members when using the word 'addiction' in relation to their wish to walk again (& again), did so with humorous intent.
It's a beautiful sunny morning here is Scotland after days of gales and torrential rain so it is not grumpiness that prompted the post, rather that I always shudder slightly when the word 'addiction' is used in relation to something I consider to be an experience filled with joy, offering opportunities for reflection and reaffirming what is good about humanity.
As an addendum, I am familiar with the history (not the experience) of the use of psychotropic drugs such as peyote in spiritual practices aimed at expanding the consciousness of those who believe but that is a separate matter and not in any way associated with addiction.
Can't it just be that you have found something meaningful for your life? If so, keep on walking. I do.It is with hesitation that I write on a topic that has been bothering me over many years of forum membership, and that is the equating of the desire to walk the Way again with addiction. I live in a country that, in rural areas, as well as major cities is bedevilled by the social and personal ills of opiate and other addictions. At present the UK is fighting a battle against the recruitment of very young children to act as couriers for drugs - known as county lines. Please pilgrims, do we really feel that walking the Camino is comparable to the numbing of mind and body that opiates provide for those poor souls whose lives have led them to their present dire circumstances. When drugs come into a community families are ruined, crime rockets and the threat of violence is always present, as this is a trade controlled by vicious people without a moral compass.
Please can we explore a wider vocabulary to express what motivates some of us to repeat the experience of walking to Santiago de Compostela that doesn't pathologise the activity? This means trying to move beyond describing it as a compulsion to which we must submit. After all there are lots of things we might wish to repeat ad infinitum that are not always good for us, but we are able to discern the difference between compulsion and choice, and surely a pilgrimage is more meaningful than the sating of any particular appetite. I understand that some members when using the word 'addiction' in relation to their wish to walk again (& again), did so with humorous intent.
It's a beautiful sunny morning here is Scotland after days of gales and torrential rain so it is not grumpiness that prompted the post, rather that I always shudder slightly when the word 'addiction' is used in relation to something I consider to be an experience filled with joy, offering opportunities for reflection and reaffirming what is good about humanity.
As an addendum, I am familiar with the history (not the experience) of the use of psychotropic drugs such as peyote in spiritual practices aimed at expanding the consciousness of those who believe but that is a separate matter and not in any way associated with addiction.
In a world forcing addictions upon us, (consumerism, work, consumption, technology plus a whole range of substances), it seems strange that a desire to escape such a lifestyle is considered "pathological". A bit like wanting to drink clean spring water rather than tainted tap water. I am not "addicted" to walking a Camino, I simply wish to experience a more wholesome rhythm of life, one that fits me rather than be forced into a lifestyle I find destructive. For those of us who have walked The Way, this needs no further explanation. For those who are thirsty ... well they will never understand until they taste.It is with hesitation that I write on a topic that has been bothering me over many years of forum membership, and that is the equating of the desire to walk the Way again with addiction. I live in a country that, in rural areas, as well as major cities is bedevilled by the social and personal ills of opiate and other addictions. At present the UK is fighting a battle against the recruitment of very young children to act as couriers for drugs - known as county lines. Please pilgrims, do we really feel that walking the Camino is comparable to the numbing of mind and body that opiates provide for those poor souls whose lives have led them to their present dire circumstances. When drugs come into a community families are ruined, crime rockets and the threat of violence is always present, as this is a trade controlled by vicious people without a moral compass.
Please can we explore a wider vocabulary to express what motivates some of us to repeat the experience of walking to Santiago de Compostela that doesn't pathologise the activity? This means trying to move beyond describing it as a compulsion to which we must submit. After all there are lots of things we might wish to repeat ad infinitum that are not always good for us, but we are able to discern the difference between compulsion and choice, and surely a pilgrimage is more meaningful than the sating of any particular appetite. I understand that some members when using the word 'addiction' in relation to their wish to walk again (& again), did so with humorous intent.
It's a beautiful sunny morning here is Scotland after days of gales and torrential rain so it is not grumpiness that prompted the post, rather that I always shudder slightly when the word 'addiction' is used in relation to something I consider to be an experience filled with joy, offering opportunities for reflection and reaffirming what is good about humanity.
As an addendum, I am familiar with the history (not the experience) of the use of psychotropic drugs such as peyote in spiritual practices aimed at expanding the consciousness of those who believe but that is a separate matter and not in any way associated with addiction.
I chose to use the word "connection" because to me that is what it is and I do not believe there are gaps whether I am on Camino or not! Keep on truckin!I understand the OP's voice on the subject and yes, a very sensitive and serious view.
I agree with Turga though. When I read of our love and desire to walk caminos again, I see no harm in the use of the word. I have a brother addicted to opiods for over ten years and love him, yet the word addiction used in context of a pilgrim does not bother me at all.
No. I’m also addicted to tobacco and I find it works the same way. You desperately want the next one.Does it matter what whether you call it an obsession or an addiction or intense ongoing love affair or .....?
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