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Ah, Michener. Thanks @davebugg for getting me out of my chair and into the book room. I've always been fond of "If you wish an early sight of the Holy Land you must be up at dawn", from the mouth of a character in "Caravans". I love the ambiguous implication.“If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home.” - James Michener
I must be related in some way to Colin Fletcher based on your first quote. Lol!!When thinking about distance walking, be it Camino or backpacking, I have gathered a some favorite quotations. I am sure many of you might also have some that they would enjoy sharing.
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"I find that the three truly great times for thinking thoughts are when I am standing in the shower, sitting on the john, or walking. And the greatest of these, by far, is walking."
- Colin Fletcher
"I had better admit right away that walking can in the end become an addiction ... even in this final stage it remains a delectable madness, very good for sanity, and I recommend it with passion."
- Colin Fletcher
"We don’t stop hiking because we grow old – we grow old because we stop hiking."
– Finis Mitchel
“If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home.”
- James Michener
"Returning home is the most difficult part of long-distance hiking; you have grown outside the puzzle and your piece no longer fits."
- Cindy Ross
I met a Pilgrim along the way, an English man who's name escapes me but we where up a mountain outside a bar enjoying last orders before the albergue curfew. I shared something I carry with me always but what he offered me in return blew my tiny little mind. Mine was simply,
'yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery, life is a gift thats why it's called the present'.
He thanked me and before we retired for the evening and with 5 minutes left before doors closed he explained that from a young age he wrote the following quote on the ceiling in his bedroom and he would read it last thing at night and first thing every morning until he was able to memorize verbatim. He explained that he has encouraged his two children too do the same and the entire family can recite the quote word for word and I had the pleasure of experiencing in a starry night in the middle of nowhere with a kindred spirit...(Before continuing don't be put off by its length and fyi he finished it just in time before the door to our nights accommodation was locked and it has resonated with me every day since September and I've been trying to memorize for my next Camino in September so that others can contemplate on the power of the words in Max Ehrmann 'Desiderata'
- Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy
Thanks. Emerson is more relevant today than 99% of what is produced in contemporary culture today.Hardly contemporary but still most relevant is
"Few people know how to take a walk. The qualifications are endurance, plain clothes, old shoes, an eye for nature, good humor, vast curiosity, good speech, good silence
and nothing too much...."
----Ralph Waldo Emerson,
----Country Life, 1858.
I really loved the four quotes. Especially the one from Cindy Ross. It is something I struggle with and it does not get easier after each Camino. In fact the struggle becomes more difficult and lasts longer and longer. Also with regards to the Michener post. By far one of the most important things we gave our children was travel and not on tours but striking out on our own. By the time both of my girls were 22 Danielle had been on every continent except Antártica. She would have even made it there too except her boat had major engine problems and her trip was cancelled. MyWhen thinking about distance walking, be it Camino or backpacking, I have gathered a some favorite quotations. I am sure many of you might also have some that they would enjoy sharing.
--------------------------------------------
"I find that the three truly great times for thinking thoughts are when I am standing in the shower, sitting on the john, or walking. And the greatest of these, by far, is walking."
- Colin Fletcher
"I had better admit right away that walking can in the end become an addiction ... even in this final stage it remains a delectable madness, very good for sanity, and I recommend it with passion."
- Colin Fletcher
"We don’t stop hiking because we grow old – we grow old because we stop hiking."
– Finis Mitchel
“If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home.”
- James Michener
"Returning home is the most difficult part of long-distance hiking; you have grown outside the puzzle and your piece no longer fits."
- Cindy Ross
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