Coincidence, synchronicity or a message?

bystander · Apr 5, 2015

If things had gone to plan in only a few days from I would have been starting my first Camino.

As I have written elsewhere illness, injury and medical advice disrupted and made me postpone those plans for a year.

Still in recovery from my latest bout with the medics I, yesterday, went shopping. Having shopped I staggered with two bags of goods the 40 metres back to my car.

Having dumped the bags in the car I slumped in pain, gasping for breath like a fish out of water, and thought "What an idiot, what a mess and you're dreaming of walking 800km across Spain. Forget it fool. Read the runes."

Returning home I dropped into an armchair, regained my breath and turned on the television.

The first programme that flickered onto the screen was a travel log of two men making a journey from Santander to Santiago de Compostela.

Edith Frost · Apr 5, 2015

Seriously… don't give up.

JabbaPapa · Apr 5, 2015

It took me over two years to prepare for my 2014 Camino -- and I've still not fully overcome the negative physical conditions in question, so I need another Camino this year.

The trick is, you have to train and train, and then plan your Camino around the problem ; and don't start the Camino until you're sure that whatever workarounds and compromises you find will be sufficient.

People shouldn't use the pack transport services IMO -- except for those with medical reasons, who often should.

My daily stages last year varied between 5 and 35 KM. In 1994 I averaged 40 KM, a marathon a day.

It's not any kind of race, just walk as you can, with a daily distance that feels right on a completely daily basis -- however many KM that might be.

Do NOT plan ANY daily stages in advance of actually setting your feet on the Camino ; you could just as well be forced into some very short stages every day as you could discover hidden strength that will take you further than you imagined. The hiking is a daily task, and as long as you keep it up, eventually you'll get to Compostela -- in your own time, and with your own strengths and weaknesses.

Andpartner · Apr 5, 2015

Hi Bystander, what programme was that? Maybe I can find it on 'catch up'. I'd like to see that. We came home from our CF via Santander/Portsmouth ferry last Oct. Thank you

pilgrim b · Apr 5, 2015

bystander said:
If things had gone to plan in only a few days from I would have been starting my first Camino.

As I have written elsewhere illness, injury and medical advice disrupted and made me postpone those plans for a year.

Still in recovery from my latest bout with the medics I, yesterday, went shopping. Having shopped I staggered with two bags of goods the 40 metres back to my car.

Having dumped the bags in the car I slumped in pain, gasping for breath like a fish out of water, and thought "What an idiot, what a mess and you're dreaming of walking 800km across Spain. Forget it fool. Read the runes."

Returning home I dropped into an armchair, regained my breath and turned on the television.

The first programme that flickered onto the screen was a travel log of two men making a journey from Santander to Santiago de Compostela.

Hi Bystander how are those bones healing and the shingles sounds like life it is still a little tough and painful?Hope you are feeling much better soon and that you will be able to think once more of doing your camino. May Blessings come your way this Easter time friend!

easydoesit · Apr 5, 2015

bystander said:
If things had gone to plan in only a few days from I would have been starting my first Camino.

As I have written elsewhere illness, injury and medical advice disrupted and made me postpone those plans for a year.

Still in recovery from my latest bout with the medics I, yesterday, went shopping. Having shopped I staggered with two bags of goods the 40 metres back to my car.

Having dumped the bags in the car I slumped in pain, gasping for breath like a fish out of water, and thought "What an idiot, what a mess and you're dreaming of walking 800km across Spain. Forget it fool. Read the runes."

Returning home I dropped into an armchair, regained my breath and turned on the television.

The first programme that flickered onto the screen was a travel log of two men making a journey from Santander to Santiago de Compostela.

Hi Bystander-I believe everything happens for a reason and maybe the message is not now not never, I hope you are on the mend and will once again begin to plan your trip even if you have to modify your plans.

bystander · Apr 5, 2015

Andpartner said:
Hi Bystander, what programme was that? Maybe I can find it on 'catch up'. I'd like to see that. We came home from our CF via Santander/Portsmouth ferry last Oct. Thank you

Andpartner, on BBC - Two Hairy Bikers

KinkyOne · Apr 6, 2015

There surely are messsages and "coincidences" whatever someone could call them. For example, half an hour ago I was searching the net about poste restante in Spain and the link I opened gave an example for post office in Valencia which will be my starting point in 62 days. Isn't that nice, I mean like some kind of approval that I'm doing the right stuff

And I don't really train no more. OK, it's a bit easier at 45yo, but I'm so dead scared that I would twist my ankle again (reminiscence of 2011 Camino when 2 weeks prior to departure I twisted it during jogging and made it only to Logrono in tears) or my knees would demand less walk & more rest (as last year). But all of other signs are the right one. Like "if one doors closes the other will opens" (mostly regarding funds). Of course you should or even shouldn't believe in "conspiracy theory" because they are exactly that

Hope you're OK and soon in ready-steady-go mood

lovelight · Apr 6, 2015

i would say it's a sign that camino is the way for you for sure in shamanism synchronicities are believed to be signs that the person receiving them is on the right path

Magwood · Apr 6, 2015

Best wishes for a speedy recovery and a return to camino fitness.

bystander · Apr 6, 2015

lovelight said:
i would say it's a sign that camino is the way for you for sure in shamanism synchronicities are believed to be signs that the person receiving them is on the right path

Jung believed that synchronicity was evidence of the paranormal!

Al the optimist · Apr 6, 2015

Keep the faith Bystander!!!

Kanga · Apr 6, 2015

It is bad enough facing the disappointment - but to have it rubbed in by the tv - too much! It's the Book of Job writ large. I send my good wishes for a full recovery.

JohnMcM · Apr 6, 2015

Bystander,
Wishing you well and a change of luck health-wise.
I'll be truly delighted for you when you eventually tell us you are on your way.
Buen Camino

david g · Apr 6, 2015

Bystander, my friend received a similar message. Browsing videos one night he came across "The Way", watched it and thought it sounded like something he'd like to try. He and his wife walked the Camino and on their last night in Santiago flipped on the television, only to find "The Way" playing. To end the adventure with what had started it all was perfect.

cecelia · Apr 6, 2015

JabbaPapa said:
It took me over two years to prepare for my 2014 Camino -- and I've still not fully overcome the negative physical conditions in question, so I need another Camino this year.

The trick is, you have to train and train, and then plan your Camino around the problem ; and don't start the Camino until you're sure that whatever workarounds and compromises you find will be sufficient.

People shouldn't use the pack transport services IMO -- except for those with medical reasons, who often should.

My daily stages last year varied between 5 and 35 KM. In 1994 I averaged 40 KM, a marathon a day.

It's not any kind of race, just walk as you can, with a daily distance that feels right on a completely daily basis -- however many KM that might be.

Do NOT plan ANY daily stages in advance of actually setting your feet on the Camino ; you could just as well be forced into some very short stages every day as you could discover hidden strength that will take you further than you imagined. The hiking is a daily task, and as long as you keep it up, eventually you'll get to Compostela -- in your own time, and with your own strengths and weaknesses.

Hi JabbaPapa,
From what you say it sounds like you have done an amazing job on your caminos, and you've certainly walked some impressive distances. We can all aspire to complete such accomplishments. I certainly admire them.

Even so, I can't help but wonder why you would think that other people should or shouldn't do things a certain way (eg. "People shouldn't use the pack transport services IMO -- except for those with medical reasons, who often should.") Surely there are others who do not have your strength, time, or fortitude or even will, who still have the right to choose their own way to complete their own camino?
With respect
Cecelia

JabbaPapa · Apr 6, 2015

cecelia said:
Even so, I can't help but wonder why you would think that other people should or shouldn't do things a certain way (eg. "People shouldn't use the pack transport services IMO -- except for those with medical reasons, who often should.") Surely there are others who do not have your strength, time, or fortitude or even will, who still have the right to choose their own way to complete their own camino?

It's just advice -- and surely there's no reason why I shouldn't provide the advice I think best, right ? Or are you advising otherwise ?

Certainly there are hardships on the Camino that not everyone will have the fortitude or the sheer bloody-mindedness to face up to -- and besides, ad impossibile nemo tenetur.

I'm just saying that walking every step of the way, if you can, carrying your pack the whole way is something that shines in the memory with surprising warmth ; more simply, the full experience is a good thing, and I'm sad for others when I see them missing out on it.

This has nothing to do with "rights" and "choosing your own way" -- and there aren't some pilgrims who are "better" than others ...

cecelia · Apr 6, 2015

JabbaPapa said:
It's just advice -- and surely there's no reason why I shouldn't provide the advice I think best, right ? Or are you advising otherwise ?

Certainly there are hardships on the Camino that not everyone will have the fortitude or the sheer bloody-mindedness to face up to -- and besides, ad impossibile nemo tenetur.

I'm just saying that walking every step of the way, if you can, carrying your pack the whole way is something that shines in the memory with surprising warmth ; more simply, the full experience is a good thing, and I'm sad for others when I see them missing out on it.

This has nothing to do with "rights" and "choosing your own way" -- and there aren't some pilgrims who are "better" than others ...

It appears we are in complete agreement - words alone can be a difficult way to make our intended meaning clear. Cheers.

CaminoDebrita · Apr 6, 2015

bystander said:
If things had gone to plan in only a few days from I would have been starting my first Camino.

As I have written elsewhere illness, injury and medical advice disrupted and made me postpone those plans for a year.

Still in recovery from my latest bout with the medics I, yesterday, went shopping. Having shopped I staggered with two bags of goods the 40 metres back to my car.

Having dumped the bags in the car I slumped in pain, gasping for breath like a fish out of water, and thought "What an idiot, what a mess and you're dreaming of walking 800km across Spain. Forget it fool. Read the runes."

Returning home I dropped into an armchair, regained my breath and turned on the television.

The first programme that flickered onto the screen was a travel log of two men making a journey from Santander to Santiago de Compostela.

I like Jabbapappa's advice: get the workarounds, and also, don't hesitate to utilities the help available. It is there for YOU. If you need a helping hand, take that hand. Walk a little. Enjoy the love. Relish in the view.

I believe firmly that synchronicity is a message that you are receptive to messages from God and the universe at large. It takes a perceptive observer to notice; a watchman to see; a keen listener.

Scott Sweeney · Apr 7, 2015

The thing to remember is that we and our bodies are fragile machines. And many times more than not your body is repairable. With care and slowly allowing your body to recover could still lead you to the Camino de Santiago. You do not need to walk the entire camino or receive a Compostela to feel as if you have completed something monumental in your life. Give your body time to heal and your body will tell you when you are ready for your Camino. Remember life is a journey and incredible Camino all in itself. I can say with 100% confidence that if you even walk one day on the Camino de Santiago you will be just as much of a pilgrim as the next person. Prayers your way.

Kathy F. · Apr 8, 2015

I'd take it as a sign. The Camino is in your cards and it is only a matter of time.
Get ready. . . .
Get set . . .

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Coincidence, synchronicity or a message?

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