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Increase in awareness before Camino?

Mooncat

Active Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances (Fall 2015)
Something I have noticed during my preparations for my Camino and would like to hear other trekker's thoughts on this. As my start date approaches, I seem to have become more aware of the limiting health issues of many people around me, friends, coworkers, acquaintances. I am talking about issues that go beyond the minor and superficial. For example, last year I recall one friend having knee surgery, otherwise everyone in my circle of awareness seemed stable. This year, I know of two people who are dealing with brain aneurisms, one heart attack, a stroke, degenerative disc disorder, chemotherapy, high blood pressure complications, and a knee replacement. It almost seems like there is a negative health wave happening this year and it has increased my desire to get started on my journey while I still can. Or, was I just that clueless and callous with regard to what everyone deals with? Is this something other preparing Pilgrims have experienced? Thank you. Mooncat
 
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Mooncat! I understand your feelings...lately the same issues came up here in my life. Some minor physical issues for me ( nothing major but still had to postpone my April Camino till August ) , three years ago my dad died , still young being 66 .Also some coworkers, friends, neighbours got ill. Then again, at 46 , I have come to an age that these things can happen. And sure really bad stuff seems to happen to really good people!!!
For me it also came to a point that I was debating wether or not to go on another Camino ( fear of getting ill on the road, seeing a doc etc...) . I decided to go on with it anyway...By nature I'm someone who is scared rather easily and " glass is half empty rather than half full ".
In the end : we should be joyful and thankful that we still can walk! Unlike my fellow ex schoolmate who is now suffering from breastcancer.

Enjoy Mooncat!
 
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Sabine, thank you for your heartfelt reply. And, sorry about your dad. 66 is very young. And, also sorry for your friends who are now wrestling with health issues. Yes, I am very thankful to have overcome some difficulties and to be in good enough condition to plan for this upcoming trip. It is difficult for me to even talk about doing the Camino in the presence of someone who has been dealt a cruel blow by age or disease, because such things are no longer viable options for them. I wish......well, perhaps I will just say, yes, I am thankful for what I have. Mooncat
 
Well Mooncat, I'm sure you are a good friend to them.
Buen camino!
 
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With gentle and utmost humility
I propose..
Here is Your sign....
Go forth and do what the calling in your heart is dictating your mind to do..aided no doubt by a willing spirit
Go forth out your door,unto the path of stars with all the blessings a man can carry.
Go forth unto the calling path,answer,turn your feet toward the road and take the wind in your pocket,the sunshine for a companiero and the,smiling flowers,for company

Answer the question in your breast gentle Pelegrino

Speak with the spirit that drives you

Let there be a joyous reunion between yourselves

Grasp..oh fellow traveler,the stars unto expanding breast,reach those you can...kiss the rain..and the sun will kiss browning cheek in return
Let the wind
Take your hand and lead you on
Join those who also grasp the tide and run with joy to Santiago

Be ever so Blessed Pilgrim
 
For me, the glass is usually half full for just a minute, and then someone fills it up! I think your final comment is perfect: be joyful and thankful now!
 
While I've been to two funerals in as many weeks, I have 5 nieces and nephews with recent new babies. so, life goes on and grows and gets better. I'm just retired, but it's more of retired TO things rather than FROM anything. The freedom to do things you've always wanted to do. Things like ... a CAMINO. Yaaayyy.
There will always be sickness: my wife & I have had three surgeries between us in two years. So, as the children say:
'Ready or not, here I come!' Praise the Lord.
Buen Camino
 
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Yep, same effect here. I started noticing friends that wish me luck and then I realize that they have some impediment that would stop them (or at least make it very difficult) to walk the Camino. You start to ask yourself whether you're just lucky or is there something waiting around the bend. Probably just human nature and our evolution that had a predator behind every rock.
 
As we get older we begin to wear out. But believe me I think that a person will rust out quicker than they wear out. Every day that I wake up and get up is a good day and it is the only day I have to live today.
Think of five things that you have to be thankful for and thank God before you even put a foot out from under the duvet.!
 
I have found in the past that when I embark on something 'Good', very often things happen to (try and) prevent me from doing that thing. The Camino can be such a 'good' thing for many people. Therefore things happen to prevent us from going on Camino.
My 'solution' is to pray that I will be protected from harm and the way will be opened for me. God is good, but I think He likes us to ask! .
 
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I am heading out in September on my first Camino. I have decided to put this 65 year old body to the test because I don't feel 65! Much to my surprise, most of my college friends have told me that they could never do this.
Also, much to my surprise, I started to doubt myself.

So, I am moving forward with this challenge in gratitude for my ability to walk. Keeping the power of positive thinking!

Buen Camino
 
Nonnie, yes, self-doubt. It seems to go hand in hand with self-awareness. And, maybe that is much of what we are noticing in our journeys towards starting The Camino. I definitely have become much more aware of my strengths and areas I need to work on. And, also my limitations and limitations that others display. I am liking it. So, do we get to bring up conversations like this with perfect strangers on The Camino since many of us will have had similar preparatory experiences? Or, will we be labeled as nut cases if we venture beyond the esoteric in our conversations with fellow pilgrims? We shall see, shall we not? Mooncat
 
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