Camino conversations

[NualaOC]

I had lunch with my brother this week. He asked about my Camino plans and why I keep wanting to go back. I could have talked for hours about how the Camino has enriched my life…. but I’ve learned to curb my enthusiasm when talking to the uninitiated! I kept it simple and answered his questions as concisely as I could - not easy for an Irish woman

When he asked what I like most about the Camino, I explained how I have a brain that is constantly active and firing in many different directions. Within a couple of days on the Camino I settle into a state of calm mindfulness that I rarely achieve in real life. There’s something about the simplicity of walking that does great things for the mind and the soul.

He was curious to know why I choose to carry my pack, instead of using Jacotrans. This was a funny one as he assumed it had something to do with my natural stubbornness! I said that carrying a pack means that I must consciously lighten my load. I’ve learned how much I can comfortably carry and more importantly, how little I actually need. As other forum members have remarked, this resonates into other areas of my life. It’s nice to have some little comforts, but I know for sure that they aren’t what makes me truly happy.

But there’s also another reason why I LOVE carrying my pack - when I put it on, I feel about 30 years younger! Although I’m happy in my own skin and don’t want to return to my 20s, I love the feeling of setting out on the path and feeling strong, confident, optimistic and pretty carefree. This also reminds me of some other important stuff - that I am happiest when I am outdoors and that mountains are special places for me. Perhaps a legacy from many years in the scout movement.

I went on to explain that this year we (husband and I) will walk from Ponferrada to Finisterre and ‘finish’ the Camino Frances. The brother remarked ’so that’s the end of it then?’ I just smiled…… I decided not to share my plans for the Ingles later this year, maybe del Salvador/Primitivo in 2016…. and then there’s the Norte, Madrid and a few others……

I could also have told him that the Camino has made me REALLY look forward to retirement! Or, that when walking with my husband, we realise that the Camino truly is a metaphor for life. Sometimes we walk alone and sometimes we walk together. We often walk at a different pace and we process the experience in very different ways. But we support each other through its ups and downs and we are glad to be in it together!

Buen Camino all. The countdown app on my computer tells me that mine is now just 22 days away

 

[SabsP]

Thank you!

 

[Anemone del Camino]

As I read your post NualaOC I can see you smile. You are right about feeling 20 again when wearing a backpack! When I was 23 I went to Europe for the summer, while working on my Master's: my backpack was 85 liters and filled with books! I am now oh so much wiser ;0)

 

[wayfarer]

Beautifully put Nuala, thank you.

 

[NualaOC]

As I read your post NualaOC I can see you smile. You are right about feeling 20 again when wearing a backpack! When I was 23 I went to Europe for the summer, while working on my Master's: my backpack was 85 liters and filled with books! I am now oh so much wiser ;0)

Anemone, I wasn't so wise when we walked from SJPdeP in 2013. I carried a ridiculous amount of stuff and ended up posting 3kgs home from Puenta La Reina. The hard lessons are best ones - I didn't make that mistake again!

 

[wawpdx]

Even though I had backpacking experience, I wouldn't have had the courage to even start this journey when I was 20 or 30 or 40!

 

[KinkyOne]

I had lunch with my brother this week. He asked about my Camino plans and why I keep wanting to go back. I could have talked for hours about how the Camino has enriched my life…. but I’ve learned to curb my enthusiasm when talking to the uninitiated! I kept it simple and answered his questions as concisely as I could - not easy for an Irish woman

When he asked what I like most about the Camino, I explained how I have a brain that is constantly active and firing in many different directions. Within a couple of days on the Camino I settle into a state of calm mindfulness that I rarely achieve in real life. There’s something about the simplicity of walking that does great things for the mind and the soul.

He was curious to know why I choose to carry my pack, instead of using Jacotrans. This was a funny one as he assumed it had something to do with my natural stubbornness! I said that carrying a pack means that I must consciously lighten my load. I’ve learned how much I can comfortably carry and more importantly, how little I actually need. As other forum members have remarked, this resonates into other areas of my life. It’s nice to have some little comforts, but I know for sure that they aren’t what makes me truly happy.

But there’s also another reason why I LOVE carrying my pack - when I put it on, I feel about 30 years younger! Although I’m happy in my own skin and don’t want to return to my 20s, I love the feeling of setting out on the path and feeling strong, confident, optimistic and pretty carefree. This also reminds me of some other important stuff - that I am happiest when I am outdoors and that mountains are special places for me. Perhaps a legacy from many years in the scout movement.

I went on to explain that this year we (husband and I) will walk from Ponferrada to Finisterre and ‘finish’ the Camino Frances. The brother remarked ’so that’s the end of it then?’ I just smiled…… I decided not to share my plans for the Ingles later this year, maybe del Salvador/Primitivo in 2016…. and then there’s the Norte, Madrid and a few others……

I could also have told him that the Camino has made me REALLY look forward to retirement! Or, that when walking with my husband, we realise that the Camino truly is a metaphor for life. Sometimes we walk alone and sometimes we walk together. We often walk at a different pace and we process the experience in very different ways. But we support each other through its ups and downs and we are glad to be in it together!

Buen Camino all. The countdown app on my computer tells me that mine is now just 22 days away

No need to add anything. It's just perfect.
And for me 27 days and counting down

Ultreia!

 

[NualaOC]

No need to add anything. It's just perfect.
And for me 27 days and counting down

Ultreia!

Thank you KinkyOne and Buen Camino to you! I will look forward to your posts.

 

[JohnMcM]

I had lunch with my brother this week. He asked about my Camino plans and why I keep wanting to go back. I could have talked for hours about how the Camino has enriched my life…. but I’ve learned to curb my enthusiasm when talking to the uninitiated! I kept it simple and answered his questions as concisely as I could - not easy for an Irish woman

When he asked what I like most about the Camino, I explained how I have a brain that is constantly active and firing in many different directions. Within a couple of days on the Camino I settle into a state of calm mindfulness that I rarely achieve in real life. There’s something about the simplicity of walking that does great things for the mind and the soul.

He was curious to know why I choose to carry my pack, instead of using Jacotrans. This was a funny one as he assumed it had something to do with my natural stubbornness! I said that carrying a pack means that I must consciously lighten my load. I’ve learned how much I can comfortably carry and more importantly, how little I actually need. As other forum members have remarked, this resonates into other areas of my life. It’s nice to have some little comforts, but I know for sure that they aren’t what makes me truly happy.

But there’s also another reason why I LOVE carrying my pack - when I put it on, I feel about 30 years younger! Although I’m happy in my own skin and don’t want to return to my 20s, I love the feeling of setting out on the path and feeling strong, confident, optimistic and pretty carefree. This also reminds me of some other important stuff - that I am happiest when I am outdoors and that mountains are special places for me. Perhaps a legacy from many years in the scout movement.

I went on to explain that this year we (husband and I) will walk from Ponferrada to Finisterre and ‘finish’ the Camino Frances. The brother remarked ’so that’s the end of it then?’ I just smiled…… I decided not to share my plans for the Ingles later this year, maybe del Salvador/Primitivo in 2016…. and then there’s the Norte, Madrid and a few others……

I could also have told him that the Camino has made me REALLY look forward to retirement! Or, that when walking with my husband, we realise that the Camino truly is a metaphor for life. Sometimes we walk alone and sometimes we walk together. We often walk at a different pace and we process the experience in very different ways. But we support each other through its ups and downs and we are glad to be in it together!

Buen Camino all. The countdown app on my computer tells me that mine is now just 22 days away

I wish I had said that

 

[gretzel]

I had lunch with my brother this week. He asked about my Camino plans and why I keep wanting to go back. I could have talked for hours about how the Camino has enriched my life…. but I’ve learned to curb my enthusiasm when talking to the uninitiated! I kept it simple and answered his questions as concisely as I could - not easy for an Irish woman

When he asked what I like most about the Camino, I explained how I have a brain that is constantly active and firing in many different directions. Within a couple of days on the Camino I settle into a state of calm mindfulness that I rarely achieve in real life. There’s something about the simplicity of walking that does great things for the mind and the soul.

He was curious to know why I choose to carry my pack, instead of using Jacotrans. This was a funny one as he assumed it had something to do with my natural stubbornness! I said that carrying a pack means that I must consciously lighten my load. I’ve learned how much I can comfortably carry and more importantly, how little I actually need. As other forum members have remarked, this resonates into other areas of my life. It’s nice to have some little comforts, but I know for sure that they aren’t what makes me truly happy.

But there’s also another reason why I LOVE carrying my pack - when I put it on, I feel about 30 years younger! Although I’m happy in my own skin and don’t want to return to my 20s, I love the feeling of setting out on the path and feeling strong, confident, optimistic and pretty carefree. This also reminds me of some other important stuff - that I am happiest when I am outdoors and that mountains are special places for me. Perhaps a legacy from many years in the scout movement.

I went on to explain that this year we (husband and I) will walk from Ponferrada to Finisterre and ‘finish’ the Camino Frances. The brother remarked ’so that’s the end of it then?’ I just smiled…… I decided not to share my plans for the Ingles later this year, maybe del Salvador/Primitivo in 2016…. and then there’s the Norte, Madrid and a few others……

I could also have told him that the Camino has made me REALLY look forward to retirement! Or, that when walking with my husband, we realise that the Camino truly is a metaphor for life. Sometimes we walk alone and sometimes we walk together. We often walk at a different pace and we process the experience in very different ways. But we support each other through its ups and downs and we are glad to be in it together!

Buen Camino all. The countdown app on my computer tells me that mine is now just 22 days away

 

[gretzel]

Ireally hope you have a lovely camino...I am starting my first in Sept 15 and am so nervous...when I read your story it made me feel excited...thanks to this forum I can continue to plan my adventure

 

[NualaOC]

Ireally hope you have a lovely camino...I am starting my first in Sept 15 and am so nervous...when I read your story it made me feel excited...thanks to this forum I can continue to plan my adventure

Thank you Gretzel. It's totally normal to feel nervous! You are embarking on an adventure and great experiences only happen when we leave our comfort zone. September is a lovely time to walk. You'll meet lots of interesting people, including many fellow Canadians. Buen Camino

 

[norelle]

I was just telling a friend on the weekend how carrying my backpack makes me feel happy, strong - and younger! The camino is so supportive of mindfulness .

thank you for your post, Nuala!

buen camino

 

[katief]

I had lunch with my brother this week. He asked about my Camino plans and why I keep wanting to go back. I could have talked for hours about how the Camino has enriched my life…. but I’ve learned to curb my enthusiasm when talking to the uninitiated! I kept it simple and answered his questions as concisely as I could - not easy for an Irish woman

When he asked what I like most about the Camino, I explained how I have a brain that is constantly active and firing in many different directions. Within a couple of days on the Camino I settle into a state of calm mindfulness that I rarely achieve in real life. There’s something about the simplicity of walking that does great things for the mind and the soul.

He was curious to know why I choose to carry my pack, instead of using Jacotrans. This was a funny one as he assumed it had something to do with my natural stubbornness! I said that carrying a pack means that I must consciously lighten my load. I’ve learned how much I can comfortably carry and more importantly, how little I actually need. As other forum members have remarked, this resonates into other areas of my life. It’s nice to have some little comforts, but I know for sure that they aren’t what makes me truly happy.

But there’s also another reason why I LOVE carrying my pack - when I put it on, I feel about 30 years younger! Although I’m happy in my own skin and don’t want to return to my 20s, I love the feeling of setting out on the path and feeling strong, confident, optimistic and pretty carefree. This also reminds me of some other important stuff - that I am happiest when I am outdoors and that mountains are special places for me. Perhaps a legacy from many years in the scout movement.

I went on to explain that this year we (husband and I) will walk from Ponferrada to Finisterre and ‘finish’ the Camino Frances. The brother remarked ’so that’s the end of it then?’ I just smiled…… I decided not to share my plans for the Ingles later this year, maybe del Salvador/Primitivo in 2016…. and then there’s the Norte, Madrid and a few others……

I could also have told him that the Camino has made me REALLY look forward to retirement! Or, that when walking with my husband, we realise that the Camino truly is a metaphor for life. Sometimes we walk alone and sometimes we walk together. We often walk at a different pace and we process the experience in very different ways. But we support each other through its ups and downs and we are glad to be in it together!

Buen Camino all. The countdown app on my computer tells me that mine is now just 22 days away

Hello Nuala..........you have put my thoughts and feelings on my experience of Camino so very well...I have just returned from completing St. Jean to Leon., returning in September to finish in Finisterre/Muxia....For a month life was lived one step at a time.......everything slowed down to that pace, every flower looked at, every church tower photographed especially the ones with storks atop.....the villages explored, the views admired........like you I am also happiest when walking in wide open spaces and like you it is good to heft the backpack and feel healthy and able and strong and young again, even though I am no Spring Chick.......thank you for your post.so very well written.......Buen Caminos.

 

[NualaOC]

Thank you KatieF - I have lots of stork photos too! I could watch them for hours.