Northern Laurie
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Northern Way (2017)
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https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/going-home.28506/#post-236527I just finished my first Camino and today is two weeks back home.
Camino homesickness is hitting hard, which is arguably why I've been participating in so many forum conversations in the last couple of days. I did not expect that - I thought once I'd finished, I wouldn't need the forum so much. In fact, it is the opposite. I need / want it much more.
Summing it up, it feels like I've changed, but nothing else has. In picking up my backpack, I'd gotten rid of a lot of baggage. Coming home, I have to pick it all up again. My life is pretty amazing and I have a lot to be thankful for - but right now I have to keep reminding myself of that an awful lot. As I reread that last sentence, I realize I just gave myself the reminder that I need (reciting all the things I was thankful for in the moment was how I kept going sometimes. I will have to restart that practice!)
I saw a thread a few days ago about a book on coming home, and I will read it soon. But I must believe I am not alone in the post-Camino blues. Anyone willing to share what they felt, and how they coped?
Many thanks
Northern Laurie (otherwise known as Laureen, the Canadian in a long skirt and flower hat on the Camino del Norte, the slow lady, and who knows what other nicknames).
Wonderfully stated comments (as were everyone's)! That said, I wish I had an APOC chapter near me, but I'd have a 90 mile drive into Chicago, which is the closest chapter and a crazy city to navigate for someone like me...I don't even like to use the cruise control on my car!I too go into a deep post-Camino funk each time I return. The fact that I am a depressed person does not helps. But, one adapts and overcomes.
My annual Camino usually is done by mid June. However, I then have to get prepared to return to Santiago to work for a month as a voluntario at the Pilgrim Office rom mid-July through mid-August. My hope and intention is to continue to volunteer do that until they no longer want me back, or until old age argues against it... But, I will go down fighting to participate in the Camino, even if only vicariously.
As others have correctly stated above, I find my best way to deal with my late August to next spring Camino funk is three part:
(1) I participate daily in this forum, sharing helpful advice and suggestions when and where I can. I find helping others to be the best balm for my depression....and I learn something new nearly every day...
(2) I plan my next Camino. I use all resources at hand to research, assess, plan, and even map my planned next Camino. While no such plan survives the first day's walking, it nonetheless keeps me sane in the off-time...and
(3) I am an APOC member and participate in monthly activities staged by my local chapter. This keeps me around others who share the affinity for the Camino de Santiago. You can learn more and join at http://www.americanpilgrims.org/
I hope this helps.
Of course there's only one guaranteed cure ........ Camino no.2!
it's what i call: sweet grief.
I loved this phrase too!What a wonderful phrase. Your post was lovely.
I have been sick for up to two full weeks on each of my 3 Caminos. Not with stomach issues thankfully, but with some of the worst sore throats and thick phlegm in all of my (many) years on the planet. I figure I caught these nasty little infections either on the plane coming over, or in the albergues in close proximity to other cougher/hackers. Not fun, but I was able to march on each and every day. Glad my issues were not related to my stomach...had that on an Italy trip and that's a whole different story!Laurie--I have felt like that on return also. Not this time!
I typically will get ill once on a walk. My first walk in 2015, I had a virus that set me back for a few days.
On my second Camino in Spain, the night before I flew back, I ate some food that really disagreed with me, and was exceptionally ill all night.
But that stuff is minimal, and just a bit of a byproduct of traveling.
THIS trip though--and I just got back nine days ago--I got extremely ill. Ill to the point of high fever, and difficulties breathing. I am still coughing a lot at night, and sleeping on the couch so as not to bother husband. It's now been twenty-four days.
The virus I got in Spain followed me throughout the trip like a shadow. I was ill, weak, and not walking as far as I usually do. After two and a half days in bed, I started walking, but I was weak.
The entire trip was a hotel experience, except for a few nights. I made a good friend ill, apparently.
Be glad your time in Spain was wonderful. It in itself is a blessing, and not to be taken for granted.
Be glad you are back, and start planning for next year's journey. As the song says, "Love the One You're With". Be there now, but keep an eye on the next journey, and relish what you've learned about minimalism, Spanish cuisine, and travel! Take some long, long walks and just realize that while your trip was amazing, it was amazing for the grace of "you know who" and also some great luck.
I just finished my first Camino and today is two weeks back home.
Camino homesickness is hitting hard, which is arguably why I've been participating in so many forum conversations in the last couple of days. I did not expect that - I thought once I'd finished, I wouldn't need the forum so much. In fact, it is the opposite. I need / want it much more.
Summing it up, it feels like I've changed, but nothing else has. In picking up my backpack, I'd gotten rid of a lot of baggage. Coming home, I have to pick it all up again. My life is pretty amazing and I have a lot to be thankful for - but right now I have to keep reminding myself of that an awful lot. As I reread that last sentence, I realize I just gave myself the reminder that I need (reciting all the things I was thankful for in the moment was how I kept going sometimes. I will have to restart that practice!)
I saw a thread a few days ago about a book on coming home, and I will read it soon. But I must believe I am not alone in the post-Camino blues. Anyone willing to share what they felt, and how they coped?
Many thanks
Northern Laurie (otherwise known as Laureen, the Canadian in a long skirt and flower hat on the Camino del Norte, the slow lady, and who knows what other nicknames).
Yes, Yes, and Yes!(2) I plan my next Camino. I use all resources at hand to research, assess, plan, and even map my planned next Camino. While no such plan survives the first day's walking, it nonetheless keeps me sane in the off-time...
Amiga, if you feel that you can I would be grateful if you would expand on that. If not then let it be.There was definitely the strange moment I realized I was a tourist and not a pilgrim. It was bittersweet.
My favorite cure at the end of any Camino is to find T2a... outside the Pilgrim Office and scream to anyone who can hear me, "This man is a fraud!" just like the movie.I too go into a deep post-Camino funk each time I return. The fact that I am a depressed person does not helps. But, one adapts and overcomes.
My annual Camino usually is done by mid June. However, I then have to get prepared to return to Santiago to work for a month as a voluntario at the Pilgrim Office rom mid-July through mid-August. My hope and intention is to continue to volunteer do that until they no longer want me back, or until old age argues against it... But, I will go down fighting to participate in the Camino, even if only vicariously.
As others have correctly stated above, I find my best way to deal with my late August to next spring Camino funk is three part:
(1) I participate daily in this forum, sharing helpful advice and suggestions when and where I can. I find helping others to be the best balm for my depression....and I learn something new nearly every day...
(2) I plan my next Camino. I use all resources at hand to research, assess, plan, and even map my planned next Camino. While no such plan survives the first day's walking, it nonetheless keeps me sane in the off-time...and
(3) I am an APOC member and participate in monthly activities staged by my local chapter. This keeps me around others who share the affinity for the Camino de Santiago. You can learn more and join at http://www.americanpilgrims.org/
I hope this helps.
I suffer from this affliction, as do many I am sure. It took me weeks to really get back into my world. Although I was at work, my mind was not there and I still think about another Camino frequently. I stay in touch with Camino friends and plot my return... haven't found a cure and it has been 5 months.I just finished my first Camino and today is two weeks back home.
Camino homesickness is hitting hard, which is arguably why I've been participating in so many forum conversations in the last couple of days. I did not expect that - I thought once I'd finished, I wouldn't need the forum so much. In fact, it is the opposite. I need / want it much more.
Summing it up, it feels like I've changed, but nothing else has. In picking up my backpack, I'd gotten rid of a lot of baggage. Coming home, I have to pick it all up again. My life is pretty amazing and I have a lot to be thankful for - but right now I have to keep reminding myself of that an awful lot. As I reread that last sentence, I realize I just gave myself the reminder that I need (reciting all the things I was thankful for in the moment was how I kept going sometimes. I will have to restart that practice!)
I saw a thread a few days ago about a book on coming home, and I will read it soon. But I must believe I am not alone in the post-Camino blues. Anyone willing to share what they felt, and how they coped?
Many thanks
Northern Laurie (otherwise known as Laureen, the Canadian in a long skirt and flower hat on the Camino del Norte, the slow lady, and who knows what other nicknames).
I just finished my first Camino and today is two weeks back home.
Camino homesickness is hitting hard, which is arguably why I've been participating in so many forum conversations in the last couple of days. I did not expect that - I thought once I'd finished, I wouldn't need the forum so much. In fact, it is the opposite. I need / want it much more.
Summing it up, it feels like I've changed, but nothing else has. In picking up my backpack, I'd gotten rid of a lot of baggage. Coming home, I have to pick it all up again. My life is pretty amazing and I have a lot to be thankful for - but right now I have to keep reminding myself of that an awful lot. As I reread that last sentence, I realize I just gave myself the reminder that I need (reciting all the things I was thankful for in the moment was how I kept going sometimes. I will have to restart that practice!)
I saw a thread a few days ago about a book on coming home, and I will read it soon. But I must believe I am not alone in the post-Camino blues. Anyone willing to share what they felt, and how they coped?
Many thanks
Northern Laurie (otherwise known as Laureen, the Canadian in a long skirt and flower hat on the Camino del Norte, the slow lady, and who knows what other nicknames).
Oh my. Same here! We arrived home September 26 and I am constantly looking at videos and reading the posts here. As soon as we hit home, we started to plan next years journey! The first week back was all about sharing the experience with my friends and family. After that, downhill with work and humdrum life. The thing that keeps me in good spirits is planning for next year! Hang in! Keep walking!I just finished my first Camino and today is two weeks back home.
Camino homesickness is hitting hard, which is arguably why I've been participating in so many forum conversations in the last couple of days. I did not expect that - I thought once I'd finished, I wouldn't need the forum so much. In fact, it is the opposite. I need / want it much more.
Summing it up, it feels like I've changed, but nothing else has. In picking up my backpack, I'd gotten rid of a lot of baggage. Coming home, I have to pick it all up again. My life is pretty amazing and I have a lot to be thankful for - but right now I have to keep reminding myself of that an awful lot. As I reread that last sentence, I realize I just gave myself the reminder that I need (reciting all the things I was thankful for in the moment was how I kept going sometimes. I will have to restart that practice!)
I saw a thread a few days ago about a book on coming home, and I will read it soon. But I must believe I am not alone in the post-Camino blues. Anyone willing to share what they felt, and how they coped?
Many thanks
Northern Laurie (otherwise known as Laureen, the Canadian in a long skirt and flower hat on the Camino del Norte, the slow lady, and who knows what other nicknames).
Zipped right by your id, after liking your post. Anyway, good to see you here as well as FB, Jim!Hi Laurie it’s quite difficult when one gets back home. What I did was kept walking small walks, chat with positive people and I planned for next year. Walking Camino del Norte next year. So my advice is plan something for next year.
Buen Camino Jim
Hi my friend , yah have been forum member for a while....this is an interesting post nice to read fellow pilgrims thoughts....good news just got my Camino del Norte guide and passport in post today...after I come back from Seville will.start planning for next year...sorry to hear you’ve been struggling always here if you need a chat..your friend JimZipped right by your id, after liking your post. Anyway, good to see you here as well as FB, Jim!
Wonderfully stated comments (as were everyone's)! That said, I wish I had an APOC chapter near me, but I'd have a 90 mile drive into Chicago, which is the closest chapter and a crazy city to navigate for someone like me...I don't even like to use the cruise control on my car!
Thank you for the good suggestion, however, my personality falls into being a follower more than a leader, so I probably would not be very comfortable organizing a new chapter in my area. I do visit my sister in law every March who lives in a condo in Pompano Beach. If you live near there maybe we could meet up for lunch and "talk Camino".I must drive about 50 miles towards Miami to participate in all my local APOC chapter activities. So, I understand where you are coming from. But, I am willing to bet that there are others in the same situation, and closer to you.
I suggest that you join APOC, contact them, and inquire about starting a local chapter. They can assist with identifying people who live in selected states or postal codes. Perhaps they might even help by sending an all members e-mail to announce formation of a new IL chapter. Given the downstate location of Chicago in Illinois, you might pull people from northern IN, and southern WI as well...if my geography serves me right...
I have thought about doing the same thing along the Florida Atlantic coast from Palm Beach north. Our nearest chapters are in Miami (an hour away) and Orlando, or Jacksonville. The latter two chapters are 3-4 hours away.
My reason for not doing so is that, while I know I would be good at organizing and standing up a local chapter, but I am unsure whether I want to devote that much ongoing time to administration. Anything that gets in the way or my current Camino activities is a no-go for the present time. This said, if you live along the mid-Atlantic coast of Florida, drop me a PM...who knows...
I hope this helps.
Thank you for the good suggestion, however, my personality falls into being a follower more than a leader, so I probably would not be very comfortable organizing a new chapter in my area. I do visit my sister in law every March who lives in a condo in Pompano Beach. If you live near there maybe we could meet up for lunch and "talk Camino".
Another good suggestion to give some thought. Thanks. My husband and I go to Gulf Shores AL for January/February (we get away from snow), but I will definately try to let you know when in March we visit her. We fly so I will not have a car. I will PM you for future contacts.I do live about 30 minutes from Pompano Beach, to the north. When the time for you to visit your sister comes closer, or if you get tired of cold northern winters sooner, drop me a PM and we can share contact information. I would be thrilled to meet.
Another idea about forming a new APOC chapter is to just do the preliminary work to identify others, then tact the group via e-mail and in short order find someone from that group to take the lead. That is what I would do in your situation.
In fact, having just read what I wrote, I may do it anyway here in Florida...hmmm....
I hope this helps.
Oh, I'm fine...but it take awhile to get back on the horse. Good to hear from youHi my friend , yah have been forum member for a while....this is an interesting post nice to read fellow pilgrims thoughts....good news just got my Camino del Norte guide and passport in post today...after I come back from Seville will.start planning for next year...sorry to hear you’ve been struggling always here if you need a chat..your friend Jim
My favorite cure at the end of any Camino is to find T2a... outside the Pilgrim Office and scream to anyone who can hear me, "This man is a fraud!" just like the movie.
I've found what has helped me was to join a local camino group. We meet up each month and have dinner followed next day by a walk. The camino fellowship helps with the 'coming down' off the camino.I just finished my first Camino and today is two weeks back home.
Camino homesickness is hitting hard, which is arguably why I've been participating in so many forum conversations in the last couple of days. I did not expect that - I thought once I'd finished, I wouldn't need the forum so much. In fact, it is the opposite. I need / want it much more.
Summing it up, it feels like I've changed, but nothing else has. In picking up my backpack, I'd gotten rid of a lot of baggage. Coming home, I have to pick it all up again. My life is pretty amazing and I have a lot to be thankful for - but right now I have to keep reminding myself of that an awful lot. As I reread that last sentence, I realize I just gave myself the reminder that I need (reciting all the things I was thankful for in the moment was how I kept going sometimes. I will have to restart that practice!)
I saw a thread a few days ago about a book on coming home, and I will read it soon. But I must believe I am not alone in the post-Camino blues. Anyone willing to share what they felt, and how they coped?
Many thanks
Northern Laurie (otherwise known as Laureen, the Canadian in a long skirt and flower hat on the Camino del Norte, the slow lady, and who knows what other nicknames).
Northern Laurie, I know exactly how you feel. Your post brought tears to my eyes. My husband and I finished the Camino Frances on Monday, 16 October after spending 51 days on the trail from St Jean Pied de Port. We found the daily ritual addictive and felt cloistered from the world’s issues, but now that we are home, not only does the television and newspaper tell us about the mess the world is in and the inhumanity of people to each other, we have to do housework, pay bills, plan and prepare meals, etc and it all feels a bit overwhelming. I long to be on the trail again.I just finished my first Camino and today is two weeks back home.
Camino homesickness is hitting hard, which is arguably why I've been participating in so many forum conversations in the last couple of days. I did not expect that - I thought once I'd finished, I wouldn't need the forum so much. In fact, it is the opposite. I need / want it much more.
Summing it up, it feels like I've changed, but nothing else has. In picking up my backpack, I'd gotten rid of a lot of baggage. Coming home, I have to pick it all up again. My life is pretty amazing and I have a lot to be thankful for - but right now I have to keep reminding myself of that an awful lot. As I reread that last sentence, I realize I just gave myself the reminder that I need (reciting all the things I was thankful for in the moment was how I kept going sometimes. I will have to restart that practice!)
I saw a thread a few days ago about a book on coming home, and I will read it soon. But I must believe I am not alone in the post-Camino blues. Anyone willing to share what they felt, and how they coped?
Many thanks
Northern Laurie (otherwise known as Laureen, the Canadian in a long skirt and flower hat on the Camino del Norte, the slow lady, and who knows what other nicknames).
I walked the Camino Frances in 2014 and I am still getting my camino fix by hanging out in these forums... I am dreaming of a camino #2 in future but since my return home I've had a child and I can't see myself walking with my toddler or leaving him for an extended period of time just yet.
Camino homesickness. At home, don't stop walking. To keep my Black Dog at bay I continue to do my daily workouts, carrying all my camino gear during my workouts. Everything that I used during my camino is now clean and properly packed in my backpack, including the good ole' roll of TP--ready to hit the camino on a minute notice. My recommendation to all caminantes is to don't stop walking, don't stop planning, and don't stop dreaming. Que la luz de Dios alumbre su camino.
Amiga, if you feel that you can I would be grateful if you would expand on that. If not then let it be.
I'm another of those who walk camino for a thousand reasons but not to the bones of Santiago.
I remember the first time I walked in to Santiago and made my way to the cathedral and joined the hundreds assembled for mass. I went out of curiosity but with respect in my heart for those I had walked with and who were gathered there. But it was not for me.
My pilgrimage was, is, and always will be to the end-of-the-world and the sundering seas but my camino is the journey, the road, the path, the 'way'.
I wish you well on your journey peregrina.
I just finished my first Camino and today is two weeks back home.
Camino homesickness is hitting hard, which is arguably why I've been participating in so many forum conversations in the last couple of days. I did not expect that - I thought once I'd finished, I wouldn't need the forum so much. In fact, it is the opposite. I need / want it much more.
Summing it up, it feels like I've changed, but nothing else has. In picking up my backpack, I'd gotten rid of a lot of baggage. Coming home, I have to pick it all up again. My life is pretty amazing and I have a lot to be thankful for - but right now I have to keep reminding myself of that an awful lot. As I reread that last sentence, I realize I just gave myself the reminder that I need (reciting all the things I was thankful for in the moment was how I kept going sometimes. I will have to restart that practice!)
I saw a thread a few days ago about a book on coming home, and I will read it soon. But I must believe I am not alone in the post-Camino blues. Anyone willing to share what they felt, and how they coped?
Many thanks
Northern Laurie (otherwise known as Laureen, the Canadian in a long skirt and flower hat on the Camino del Norte, the slow lady, and who knows what other nicknames).[/QUOTE
I finished my pilgrims back in June and sort of felt the same. The Camino has nudged my life in a different direction which is less about work and more about experience and how I feel.
Bottom line is that I go to Poto next May and walk another Camino which will finish in Fisterra.
Guess what....No more Camino blues as I work to save money for my next trip.
Maybe you should go again if it’s still in your system.
All the best
Martin
Hi Laurie, at Pilgrim House we developed a debriefing/journaling guide for pilgrims to work through as they head home. If you'd like me to send you a digital copy please PM me with your email and I can email it to you.
Take care,
Faith
This is wonderful Faith. Would you please send one to me as well? How do I PM you on here?
I love this thread.
This, by the way, is the first year in which I will not be going to Spain since 2015! I have planned to return in 2019, but I decided that four major overseas trips in a three-year period---from the beauty of the Pacific Northwest in Oregon--was enough for just a bit. I will be traveling nationally, and am planning on a road trip from Oregon to Wyoming. Husband is giving a talk about his book, which we launched about a year and a half ago.
My fix for Camino blues was to take up hiking in the state park just twenty-five minutes down the road, which will now go unmentioned as I had a Camino person show up and page me (via staff) over our radio system reserved for state park issues. Yikes!
My second fix was to write a book. I'm about 180 pages into it now, and looking to print in May (knock on wood). I hope to have about 200 pages or so of a good, solid little book. No, this one is not about Spain (apologies) but it is about my life, and my nearly eight years as an expatriate living in Cambodia.
Perhaps it is because of all of my travel and wanderlust for decades that I don't feel the pull too much. For me, I always give in to it when I feel it--as long as I can break away from those creatures I love without causing them too much pain.
Love to all!
Wonderful...let your light shine!And in the meantime I have committed to something absolutely wholeheartedly and with complete joy! I will be training to be a lay-chaplain in my church, which will let me perform marriages, funerals, baby naming ceremonies and other rites of passage for people who need them but that don't belong to any particular community of faith. I am sure some of you will resonate with the sense of being "called". I was called. Loudly. Pretty much every day on the Camino. And now I get to do it
Good to hear from you, @Albertagirl, and thank you for this. Absolutely. For some of us it is a retreat.What brings me back and keeps me longing for the camino is the sense that there is a potential for spiritual growth on the route that I do not find elsewhere. Going on camino is my alternative to going on retreat, and seems to work for me as retreats never have.
And Deb, so good to hear from you too! Please let us know when you have it written, OK?My second fix was to write a book.
Maybe, @Robo, maybe not.I think I need one more long Camino to straighten things out... Perhaps for some, we have seen a better way to live our lives?
Update number two - the Camino gave me the courage to make change, the wisdom to judge what is important to me, and to trust myself...
So I will be leaving a job of 10 years in the consulting engineering sector and working in the non-profit sector. From 60 hour work week to 28! I will be packing lightly indeed, but I am hoping to reap richness and wealth of a different type
Yes, completely surprising but actual feeling. When I took off the pack, I felt odd, like I should keep on walking with it. I wasn't tired or even sore, and I hope to have this feeling again..A very wise forum friend who has walked many caminos - Sillydoll - once commented on a similar thread, "Who would have thought you would miss your backpack?" So true, first comes the thrill of finishing, then the sigh of realising that you have finished. It certainly makes for an addiction, but one that is good for body and soul.
Ahhh Jim, good to see you here again. Tomorrow was the day I left, a year ago. And you, have it as bad as me, only with perhaps a bit more chance to go. Enjoy!!!! and keep us postedYou’ll be fine I just have handed in my notice..I work in IT and realised I’m not enjoying this....will be in Spain end of May then will return home and this time find a job more suitable
So happy for you. You will find what you needUpdate number two - the Camino gave me the courage to make change, the wisdom to judge what is important to me, and to trust myself...
So I will be leaving a job of 10 years in the consulting engineering sector and working in the non-profit sector. From 60 hour work week to 28! I will be packing lightly indeed, but I am hoping to reap richness and wealth of a different type
Yes, true for me, as well. Taking my pack off after each camino (especially my first one) felt odd, sad, and so "final"...so now I keep going back, which helps.Yes, completely surprising but actual feeling. When I took off the pack, I felt odd, like I should keep on walking with it. I wasn't tired or even sore, and I hope to have this feeling again..
I just finished my first Camino and today is two weeks back home.
Camino homesickness is hitting hard, which is arguably why I've been participating in so many forum conversations in the last couple of days. I did not expect that - I thought once I'd finished, I wouldn't need the forum so much. In fact, it is the opposite. I need / want it much more.
Summing it up, it feels like I've changed, but nothing else has. In picking up my backpack, I'd gotten rid of a lot of baggage. Coming home, I have to pick it all up again. My life is pretty amazing and I have a lot to be thankful for - but right now I have to keep reminding myself of that an awful lot. As I reread that last sentence, I realize I just gave myself the reminder that I need (reciting all the things I was thankful for in the moment was how I kept going sometimes. I will have to restart that practice!)
I saw a thread a few days ago about a book on coming home, and I will read it soon. But I must believe I am not alone in the post-Camino blues. Anyone willing to share what they felt, and how they coped?
Many thanks
Northern Laurie (otherwise known as Laureen, the Canadian in a long skirt and flower hat on the Camino del Norte, the slow lady, and who knows what other nicknames).
For me, the cure might be my next one - #10!Is there such a thing as a Cure, or if it existed do any of us wish to avail of it LOL!! Camino2, 3.....N, are just wonderful and glorious fixes
For me, the cure might be my next one - #10!
the camino which I am about to begin next month.
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