How has the Camino changed you.

mlhhome · Aug 29, 2023

Greetings,
My apologies to the Moderators if this a duplicate thread…searching through >60,000 questions isn’t an exact science….
please modify as needed.

I have noticed since my Camino experiences (6X), I have developed some new routines, habits and perspective. For example, I quietly slip out of my bed, make coffee and eat my first breakfast (banana) in the complete dark on my tiptoes desperately trying to be completely silent. This is a learned behavior from my pre-dawn routine on the Camino. I have many others (all good), but before I ramble too much; I would like to learned about yours.

Thanks

Mike

alexwalker · Aug 29, 2023

Many threads here on the subject:

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/search/3503251/?q=life+change+camino&c[title_only]=1&o=date

mlhhome · Aug 29, 2023

alexwalker,
Many thanks; another lesson in humility.
I appreciate your help to delete/close this thread to avoid having unnecessary content on the Form.

lalaone · Aug 29, 2023

mlhhome said:
For example, I quietly slip out of my bed, make coffee and eat my first breakfast (banana) in the complete dark on my tiptoes desperately trying to be completely silent.

I had the same experience. We lived in a Victorian-era rowhome with old wood floors. The stairs were so creaky...until returning home from the Camino. Then the old staircase never creaked! That's when I realized the Camino had taught me to walk very lightly. Thanks for the fun reminder mlhhome!

Tincatinker · Aug 29, 2023

When I first encountered Camino I was young, fit and attractive. Now I am old, grumpy and even my dog avoids me. I blame Camino

OZAJ · Aug 30, 2023

I have written before that on the Camino, the small stuff evaporates.

To a certain extent I have been able to carry that into "normal" life, whatever that might mean.

Dennis Pack · Aug 30, 2023

I lived for 4 years in a subsistence culture on a remote island in the Pacific before my first Camino at 72 ... I was actually disappointed that I found the Norte much easier than I was hoping. I did love it, though, and spent more time absorbed in the Spanish culture than in the Pilgrim experience.
Now I'm looking forward to heading back to Ribadesella next week to complete the last 400 km of the Norte at 76 with a whole different perspective.
Buen Camino

RRat · Aug 31, 2023

mlhhome said:
Greetings,
My apologies to the Moderators if this a duplicate thread…searching through >60,000 questions isn’t an exact science….
please modify as needed.

I have noticed since my Camino experiences (6X), I have developed some new routines, habits and perspective. For example, I quietly slip out of my bed, make coffee and eat my first breakfast (banana) in the complete dark on my tiptoes desperately trying to be completely silent. This is a learned behavior from my pre-dawn routine on the Camino. I have many others (all good), but before I ramble too much; I would like to learned about yours.

Thanks

Mike

My friends avoid me. All I talk about is my Camino. They are so tired of it

HappyValerie · Aug 31, 2023

Tincatinker said:
When I first encountered Camino I was young, fit and attractive. Now I am old, grumpy and even my dog avoids me. I blame Camino

Should have taken your dog on the Camino!

Rita Flower · Aug 31, 2023

Camino #1 - Learnt I could do what before had seemed impossible. Grew my courage and sense of self.
Camino #2 - Learnt I am better walking alone and not to ‘go along’ with the ideas of others. I really do know what’s best for me.
Camino #3 - Experienced timeless time - there is only this day, this hour, this moment; moment after moment after moment. Right now I am practicing this in my every day life as best I can - most definitely a work in progress.

DwainS · Aug 31, 2023

RRat said:
My friends avoid me. All I talk about is my Camino. They are so tired of it

Me to. They expect a short reply when asking a question about my camino. My reply is never short.

Trekker One · Aug 31, 2023

I'll be honest, any changes or effect the Camino has had on me are relatively short lived.
You do have that 'Camino glow' when returning home but in time the realities of life at home gradually wears the feeling away.
So periodically one needs to head back for a 'recharge.'
Covid threw a wrench into the recharge schedule, but I am heading out again in late September for another boost.

NYSE · Aug 31, 2023

mlhhome said:
Greetings,
My apologies to the Moderators if this a duplicate thread…searching through >60,000 questions isn’t an exact science….
please modify as needed.

I have noticed since my Camino experiences (6X), I have developed some new routines, habits and perspective. For example, I quietly slip out of my bed, make coffee and eat my first breakfast (banana) in the complete dark on my tiptoes desperately trying to be completely silent. This is a learned behavior from my pre-dawn routine on the Camino. I have many others (all good), but before I ramble too much; I would like to learned about yours.

Thanks

Mike

I lost 25 pounds and kept 20 off. Oh, and now I dream of walking another camino.

Tickbush · Sep 1, 2023

After returning from the Camino, I find that, every morning, I'm craving a cafe con leche. So, I've decided to buy a fancy espresso/frothing machine. There are many on the market, so I'm wondering if any of you have one that you would particularly recommend. A lot of them require pods, but I want to use fresh coffee. I appreciate any info that's out there.

Roland49 · Sep 1, 2023

More humble, more calm, more open.
But also way more addicted to walking, nature and new people!

How about you?

Camino Chrissy · Sep 1, 2023

My main change is that I think about the Camino every day and have been drawn to this forum as it has given me something "extra" to fill some time in retirement, and I enjoy planning the next one. Being preoccupied though isn't necessarily a good thing. Also I have met some great people and occasionally see them beyond our virtual chats. I too, talk about the Camino to anyone who who asks about it. I do stop if I notice their eyes have glazed over.
Unfortunately I do not think I have become a better person overall. In fact I sometimes think my camino "tunnel vision" has stunted my growth in other areas.

DwainS · Sep 1, 2023

Camino Chrissy said:
My main change is that I think about the Camino every day and have been drawn to this forum as it has given me something "extra" to fill some time in retirement, and I enjoy planning the next one. Being preoccupied though isn't necessarily a good thing. Also I have met some great people and occasionally see them beyond our virtual chats. I too, talk about the Camino to anyone who who asks about it. I do stop if I notice their eyes have glazed over.
Unfortunately I do not think I have become a better person overall. In fact I sometimes think my camino "tunnel vision" has stunted my growth in other areas.

I turned 65 to day and I am now retired. This part of my life I planned on travelling to parts of the world I have never seen before. But since finishing my Camino Francés in June I am obsessed with doing another Camino. Already in my mind I want to do the Portuguese route and than the Norte or Frances again. I hope this obsession doesn't stop me from seeing other parts of Europe or the world. I too now have the tunnel vision focused only on the Caminos. But at this point in my life I always smile when I think about doing another Camino and that's all that counts.

PaulW · Sep 3, 2023

Tickbush said:
After returning from the Camino, I find that, every morning, I'm craving a cafe con leche. So, I've decided to buy a fancy espresso/frothing machine. There are many on the market, so I'm wondering if any of you have one that you would particularly recommend. A lot of them require pods, but I want to use fresh coffee. I appreciate any info that's out there.

Sage Bambino. Fantastic!

Stivandrer · Sep 3, 2023

I am waking up every morning at 6 o´clock. Between 5:57 and 6:04!! -except today where I slept till 7:45 after 4 coughing and sniffling nights, so I deserved this late one. Very few late mornings...
I usually wake up rested and want "to get on with it". Luckily I still walk to my job only 3 kms away, come rain and shine, walking in my 10th set of boots
I have my hunting grounds where I can find my daily Café Cortado, a most needed ingredient to my life.
And yes the urge to connect everything in daily life to the Camino life, must be kept on the inside, quotes and all, friends get so tired......

malingerer · Sep 3, 2023

Thoroughly agree with you and I don't even have a dog!

The only sincere reply I can make however to the question "How has the Camino changed me? " and I have simply to say : "Forever "

Samarkand.

DoughnutANZ · Sep 3, 2023

I am now in awe of many Spanish people and I have a slightly better understanding of their culture and history. I am in love with Valencia however I also enjoy a number of other Spanish cities. I have learnt that having a stretch goal that contributes in some way to others brings energy and fun into my life.

I remarked to myself while walking the 30 minute trip from the London tube station to my AirBnB with my backpack on my back while on my way home that I can't remember when I last felt this good and ruminating on how to keep feeling so good.

When I returned and told a friend he suggested that the feeling of wellbeing was more than just my increased fitness and suppleness but also had a mental content that came from the fabulous Spanish people who I had met.

Hasta la próxima.

linkster · Sep 3, 2023

I use silicon ear plugs because my wife snores.

Camino Chrissy · Sep 3, 2023

linkster said:
I use silicon ear plugs because my wife snores.

Buy her a pair, too.

HappyValerie · Sep 3, 2023

Camino Chrissy said:
Buy her a pair, too.

For the nostrils.

JesperK · Sep 26, 2023

RRat said:
My friends avoid me. All I talk about is my Camino. They are so tired of it

Many of us have been through that. After a while you can just see it in their faces: oh no another camino lecture.

@Ditts · Oct 3, 2023

DwainS said:
I turned 65 to day and I am now retired. This part of my life I planned on travelling to parts of the world I have never seen before. But since finishing my Camino Francés in June I am obsessed with doing another Camino. Already in my mind I want to do the Portuguese route and than the Norte or Frances again. I hope this obsession doesn't stop me from seeing other parts of Europe or the world. I too now have the tunnel vision focused only on the Caminos. But at this point in my life I always smile when I think about doing another Camino and that's all that counts.

same

rojasa · Oct 3, 2023

I am learning that the 800+/- kms to Santiago were but just the beginning of my pilgrimage...Camino-inspired (and maybe somewhat odd) habits include regularly using a hot water coil, feeling utterly out of sorts if I don't start the day by walking, traveling with less, living with less, giving away more and more stuff, listening more and talking less...and spending every waking minute dreaming of Spain...

Barbara · Saturday at 3:03 PM

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Zara123 · Saturday at 12:40 AM

I struggle with social anxiety and I was wandering if anybody with the same issue had a positive experience on the Camino walking alone. I saw lots of posts and videos people talking about forming...

Bryonydays · Monday at 5:01 PM

I am currently walking the Camino Frances with my parents and am enjoying every moment. I brought some euros with me and loaded money onto a cash passport as I thought this would be safe...

Bedspring · Friday at 6:08 PM

Hello, I have reserved a night in an Albergue and the confirmation says Fecha de entrada: 2024-06-05. In the UK we would write this as 05-06-2024, is that what this means, 5th June 2024, I am...

SBurgess · Sunday at 10:46 PM

I can see where this will help in the eternal search for an open alberque. These "pilgrims" will by-pass many towns and communities during their "walk" leaving many alberques available for...

Frankybaby66 · Tuesday at 12:28 PM

I'm always a little apprehensive about posting anything approaching humour on this Forum, for fear of upsetting someone. But here goes . . . I heard this a few years ago, and it made me smile...

How has the Camino changed you.

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