I started my first Camino on the
Camino Frances at the end of my 59th year on 24 April 2013. I celebrated by 60th birthday on 5 June, in the cathedral at Santiago - at a Pilgrim's Mass. This adventure was my gift to myself to celebrate the first half of my life - okay so I am an optimist. I walked alone but met dozens of fabulous, fascinating people from all over the world. I am only sorry that I failed to obtain e-mail addresses from most of them. I will continue to regret that. Oh well, there is always next year...
The first few days into the pilgrimage, Starting from SJPdP, I was asking myself "just what the %^&* have you gotten yourself into?" That indoctrination period was followed by 10-days of rain, snow showers, and mud - lots of mud. It was during that time that a passage from Psalm 118 came to me. I think it is from Psalms 118.24. It goes like this: " This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad..."
Now, I am not an overly religious person, observant, but not over the top. However, I found myself repeating it as I walked, sort of like a mantra in yoga or meditation / relaxation therapy. But it lacked the balance to be a rhythmic chant. So, I simply added a syllable to the end. Call it "Oy," a fitting Yiddish explanation of fatigue or frustration. So, it actually works if you chant it to yourself as "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad...Oy!" Put it to a stead left - right - left -right walking pace and it DOES WORK. Go figure!
I know this sounds religious but it was really a practical thing. From my military experiences many years ago I recalled marching or running in formation during training to the chant of a (usually vulgar) "jodie." These are rhythmic chants with an eight-count cycle. SO, if you are walking in the rain and mud, repeating this to yourself as you endure and persevere is both therapeutic and it helps count off your steps. More importantly, it focused me on the journey instead of the discomfort of the moment. Try it...or something similar. It helped me get through the worst days.
Also, here are a few thoughts to bear in mind as you begin. Most people learn them after a few days, but if you know what to expect, your Camino will be better.
1. Everyone does their own Camino, in their own way, at their own pace. There is no one size fits all model - for anything relating to the Camino.
2. Do not criticize or judge others, as you do not know their entire back story. This is particularly true when you see "slack packers." the folks who have their heavy packs or even luggage moved ahead by courier service and are carrying only a day pack. These folks are not elitist or lazy. There is usually a perfectly valid reason for what they are doing, one that is of no consequence to you and YOUR Camino.
3. Proceed at your own pace, doing only what you feel comfortable doing on a particular day. The Camino is not a race or endurance contest. Santiago de Compostela will be there when you arrive, it is not going anywhere. Do not fear for that.
4. Respect everyone. Treat everyone as an equal. Help everyone - sometimes whether they want the help or not. The rewards will be evident.
Buen Camino
Tom (from Virginia)