For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here. (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation) |
---|
Think of it as time out for yourself , to clear your head and live simply for the duration you are on it . After awhile you will be amazed at what comes into your head while walking and you will go home a different person , whether that is spiritual or just wiser I do not know but definitely a changed outlook .Hello,
I'm planning to do my first Camino this April 09 starting from SJDP; I really don't know why I'm doing this .
I don't think I have prepared for the Camino mentally; Currently I see my Camino going to be a long walks for few weeks than a pilgrimage.
I'm not a religious person, hence wondering if I could prepare mentally and spiritually for the Camino in some other way?. I'm used to doing endurance activities, however I don't see Camino as a challenging event. I do have the sincere desire to do Camino but I have no clarity on why I'm doing the Camino. If anyone else has come across this situation pls share your thoughts.
I really don't know why I'm doing this .
Haven't you answered your own question?I have no clarity on why I'm doing the Camino.
hello, I am religious but have realized that it is not a religious event any longer. This year will be my doing my twelfth Camino. I do the Camino for the peace and tranquility it brings me as I walk this way, somedays I will stay a few days in certain cities simply to enjoy the culture. Do the Camino and just simply walk and enjoy it ciaoHello,
I'm planning to do my first Camino this April 09 starting from SJDP; I really don't know why I'm doing this .
I don't think I have prepared for the Camino mentally; Currently I see my Camino going to be a long walks for few weeks than a pilgrimage.
I'm not a religious person, hence wondering if I could prepare mentally and spiritually for the Camino in some other way?. I'm used to doing endurance activities, however I don't see Camino as a challenging event. I do have the sincere desire to do Camino but I have no clarity on why I'm doing the Camino. If anyone else has come across this situation pls share your thoughts.
The Camino is a wonderful, beautiful walk across Spain. Plenty of time to look and see a glorious green world as the kilometers drop away behind you. the reasons for being on the Camino reveal themselves day by day. You don‘t have to know them to begin, they will find you.Hello,
I'm planning to do my first Camino this April 09 starting from SJDP; I really don't know why I'm doing this .
I don't think I have prepared for the Camino mentally; Currently I see my Camino going to be a long walks for few weeks than a pilgrimage.
I'm not a religious person, hence wondering if I could prepare mentally and spiritually for the Camino in some other way?. I'm used to doing endurance activities, however I don't see Camino as a challenging event. I do have the sincere desire to do Camino but I have no clarity on why I'm doing the Camino. If anyone else has come across this situation pls share your thoughts.
Yes it always baffled me when they ask you in the pilgrim office if your purpose was spiritual or 'sportive'.A lot of people have complicated reasons
HelloHello,
I'm planning to do my first Camino this April 09 starting from SJDP; I really don't know why I'm doing this .
I don't think I have prepared for the Camino mentally; Currently I see my Camino going to be a long walks for few weeks than a pilgrimage.
I'm not a religious person, hence wondering if I could prepare mentally and spiritually for the Camino in some other way?. I'm used to doing endurance activities, however I don't see Camino as a challenging event. I do have the sincere desire to do Camino but I have no clarity on why I'm doing the Camino. If anyone else has come across this situation pls share your thoughts.
As good a reason as any but what interests me is that there is a choice and out of other walks you decided to walk in Spain, assuming its Camino de Santiago Francè. At the end when collecting your Compestela at the pilgrim office when asked the question what was your reason I'm going to guess you'll say maybe spiritual!I just want to go for a walk
As to answer that specific question, my hope is when I complete the Camino, I will have an answer, and it’s not a Whity reply. I have been reading forums that are specific to reasons for taking this pilgrimage, I find the reason vary from person to person, which is obvious. I’m not a religious person, but maybe after my experience of walking, I will be.As good a reason as any but what interests me is that there is a choice and out of other walks you decided to walk in Spain, assuming its Camino de Santiago Francè. At the end when collecting your Compestela at the pilgrim office when asked the question what was your reason I'm going to guess you'll say maybe spiritual!
Maybe the answer will be more questions but simply highlighting that if you or other first timers, like I once was all those months ago remain open, leave behind expectations, collect your sellos in your fiercely guarded pilgrim passport and at the Pilgrim office you may or may not visit to collect your certificate or Compestela. You may have to decide between being a religious/spiritual pilgrim or take your chances with other. I havn't seen the other certificate presented to pilgrims but all I've met on my three Caminos admit to spiritual even though it could be other to secure the corresponding Compestela, its just a piece of paper or is it, I wish you a buen enlightened camino pilgrimAs to answer that specific question, my hope is when I complete the Camino, I will have an answer, and it’s not a Whity reply. I have been reading forums that are specific to reasons for taking this pilgrimage, I find the reason vary from person to person, which is obvious. I’m not a religious person, but maybe after my experience of walking, I will be.
Personally I call it 'mental exfoliation'.
Like everyone said, you don't need any reason worked out in advance. You don't need to explain to people why. Trust the process. It will all become apparent.
I was walking the Camino for a few kilometers with a young Korean pilgrim. I remarked at one point that the Camino gives one lots of time to think. My companion immediately replied, “Yes, and plenty of time not to think.” I’ve remembered that observation of his ever since. Such wisdom, such truth!Hello,
I'm planning to do my first Camino this April 09 starting from SJDP; I really don't know why I'm doing this .
I don't think I have prepared for the Camino mentally; Currently I see my Camino going to be a long walks for few weeks than a pilgrimage.
I'm not a religious person, hence wondering if I could prepare mentally and spiritually for the Camino in some other way?. I'm used to doing endurance activities, however I don't see Camino as a challenging event. I do have the sincere desire to do Camino but I have no clarity on why I'm doing the Camino. If anyone else has come across this situation pls share your thoughts.
My first camino was the same. Somewhere along the road, things changed, hopefully you too will have a Damascus momentHello,
I'm planning to do my first Camino this April 09 starting from SJDP; I really don't know why I'm doing this .
I don't think I have prepared for the Camino mentally; Currently I see my Camino going to be a long walks for few weeks than a pilgrimage.
I'm not a religious person, hence wondering if I could prepare mentally and spiritually for the Camino in some other way?. I'm used to doing endurance activities, however I don't see Camino as a challenging event. I do have the sincere desire to do Camino but I have no clarity on why I'm doing the Camino. If anyone else has come across this situation pls share your thoughts.
A great lesson, in philosophy it's the awareness of the difference between being and becoming. A listening post for the UniverseMy companion immediately replied, “Yes, and plenty of time not to think.” I’ve remembered that observation of his ever since. Such wisdom, such truth!
Semantically, I think I understand this. However, I am trying to figure out what this difference really means in a personal sense. A bit of elementary googling tells me that this is an important question that has bothered philosophers for ages.the difference between being and becoming
Only you can answer that, @C clearly ....I think I identify more with becoming than being. What does this mean?
No one walks the Camino for no reason. You will figure it out as you go. For me it is always for religious reasons and for the people you meet along the way. Others walk it for the challenge, others because they have seen the movie and think it will be fun, others for health reasons, etc.Hello,
I'm planning to do my first Camino this April 09 starting from SJDP; I really don't know why I'm doing this .
I don't think I have prepared for the Camino mentally; Currently I see my Camino going to be a long walks for few weeks than a pilgrimage.
I'm not a religious person, hence wondering if I could prepare mentally and spiritually for the Camino in some other way?. I'm used to doing endurance activities, however I don't see Camino as a challenging event. I do have the sincere desire to do Camino but I have no clarity on why I'm doing the Camino. If anyone else has come across this situation pls share your thoughts.
Well said. Does anyone need a real reason to walk the Camino? My thought exactly, at some point along my journey, I will ask myself the same question. Will I have an answer? Not likely. Maybe instead of asking why? The question should be why not?I walked the Frances in stages over 2 years. I still don't know WHY I was compelled to do so. To keep returning until I 'finished' (haha, the Camino is never over!).
I thought the reason would become glaringly clear and obvious. It didnt't.
But I discovered I did enjoy (mostly) the walking from one place to another, and just being there, doing something I never thought I'd do, and having the time and space to just BE. Spending time in peace and quiet, listening to the wind soughing in the trees, watching it make patterns of fields of green wheat, hearing birds sing, watching clouds whisper across the sky.
To be totally in the NOW, without external pressures, stress melted away, I felt like ME again. I needed that.
I've since walked the Kumano Kodo in Japan (a real challenge) and the Portuguese camino from Valenca (which was a very strange experience due to several unexpected events happening back at home which I didn't know how to process/deal with at the time. And it took me months afterwards, but that is a different and personal story.)
But there is something about walking which is so cleansing, relaxing, calming. Something about the slow routine of sleep, walk eat, that is healing, calming.
Do you really need a reason to walk the Camino?
EDIT: I'm going back to Spain in mid-March to join a friend for a few days from Estella to Belorado. And apart from spending time with my friend (and we can chat on whatsapp) I don't really know why I'm going when I could go anywhere else in Europe for a few days, sight see in some new city, revisit an old favourite city, hell, I could even go skiing, or I could sit at home by the fire and catch up on netflix box sets. But no, I am going to cart a backpack for 20+km a day, sleep in a horrid little sack, wear heavy boots, probably get really cold and wet, trudge up hills, ..... and wonder WHY THE HELL AM I HERE?
Can someone tell me??? Please!
Nike stole this slogan/motto from me some years ago. "Just Do It!" One foot in front of the other. Talk to people when you want to, meander on your own when you will. Enjoy the countryside. Help others in need. Smile. And if you're lucky when you get to the cathedreal in Santiago they'll swing that magnificent smoking botafumerio for you...now that makes it all worth while.Hello,
I'm planning to do my first Camino this April 09 starting from SJDP; I really don't know why I'm doing this .
I don't think I have prepared for the Camino mentally; Currently I see my Camino going to be a long walks for few weeks than a pilgrimage.
I'm not a religious person, hence wondering if I could prepare mentally and spiritually for the Camino in some other way?. I'm used to doing endurance activities, however I don't see Camino as a challenging event. I do have the sincere desire to do Camino but I have no clarity on why I'm doing the Camino. If anyone else has come across this situation pls share your thoughts.
You might find the terrain to be a challenge. You really cannot train for it. Watch where you are going or go where you are watching. If you come down the natural path into Roncesvalles, be mindful of your footing. Easy to get hurt in that area. Paved road is safer but longer. As to your question, sometimes I wonder why I did it and why am I going to do it again. Going to help out on a limited mobility Camino in June with Patrick and Justin of "I'll Push You". After that, I'll work my way back to SJPdP and start my second CF.Hello,
I'm planning to do my first Camino this April 09 starting from SJDP; I really don't know why I'm doing this .
I don't think I have prepared for the Camino mentally; Currently I see my Camino going to be a long walks for few weeks than a pilgrimage.
I'm not a religious person, hence wondering if I could prepare mentally and spiritually for the Camino in some other way?. I'm used to doing endurance activities, however I don't see Camino as a challenging event. I do have the sincere desire to do Camino but I have no clarity on why I'm doing the Camino. If anyone else has come across this situation pls share your thoughts.
I’m the same as you. This March will be my third Camino and this time I plan to walk from SJPdP to Santiago with my mate from Canada. I have no religious belief but love northern Spain, food, drink and nature. I love being outdoors, walking and meeting people. I love the history of the Camino and since hearing of Santiago de Compostela in 1965 I’ve been fascinated by the place.Hello,
I'm planning to do my first Camino this April 09 starting from SJDP; I really don't know why I'm doing this .
I don't think I have prepared for the Camino mentally; Currently I see my Camino going to be a long walks for few weeks than a pilgrimage.
I'm not a religious person, hence wondering if I could prepare mentally and spiritually for the Camino in some other way?. I'm used to doing endurance activities, however I don't see Camino as a challenging event. I do have the sincere desire to do Camino but I have no clarity on why I'm doing the Camino. If anyone else has come across this situation pls share your thoughts.
I went to walk 10 days of the Camino Frances in 2016 from Pamplona to Burgos. I live in Spain, I am a history freak and in no way religious. The whole point was that a friend of mine from Scotland ( a serious agnostic ) had decided to walk the Frances alone from SJPDP for as far as he could and my wife was outraged that I could leave him unaccompanied for the whole walk and so I decided to chum him for a bit. As I said I am a history freak so the prospect of encountering so many places that I had only read about was intoxicating. When I met my friend in Pamplona he had already acquired a group of like-minded peregrinos and it was very easy to fit in with their vibe. As we walked we met seminarians, monks and nuns on the Camino which concentrated the spirituality and we also met Korean Buddhists sharing the spirituality but from a different base.. I was particularly touched by the individual spirituality of the volunteers sitting in their Ermitas in the middle of nowhere stamping credenciales and handing out advice and support as required. I remember one day in particular - Estella to Logrono - when my friend and I ended up walking with a South African Trauma Surgeon. As ever we told our stories to him and he told us his - particularly about his teenage daughter who had contracted bone cancer in an arm. They removed the bone and replaced it with a titanium bone and she made a complete recovery. As he finished his story we walked into a tiny village with a 1000 years old church with an amazing mozarabe font. We stopped to admire both and the doctor said that we should walk on and he stayed in the church. My friend asked if I thought that we had offended him with something we had said. For me though it had suddenly struck our friend how much he had to be thankful for and just wanted to take a few moments say thank you. For me that was the Camino.Hello,
I'm planning to do my first Camino this April 09 starting from SJDP; I really don't know why I'm doing this .
I don't think I have prepared for the Camino mentally; Currently I see my Camino going to be a long walks for few weeks than a pilgrimage.
I'm not a religious person, hence wondering if I could prepare mentally and spiritually for the Camino in some other way?. I'm used to doing endurance activities, however I don't see Camino as a challenging event. I do have the sincere desire to do Camino but I have no clarity on why I'm doing the Camino. If anyone else has come across this situation pls share your thoughts.
Hello,
I'm planning to do my first Camino this April 09 starting from SJDP; I really don't know why I'm doing this .
I don't think I have prepared for the Camino mentally; Currently I see my Camino going to be a long walks for few weeks than a pilgrimage.
I'm not a religious person, hence wondering if I could prepare mentally and spiritually for the Camino in some other way?. I'm used to doing endurance activities, however I don't see Camino as a challenging event. I do have the sincere desire to do Camino but I have no clarity on why I'm doing the Camino. If anyone else has come across this situation pls share your thoughts.
I went to walk 10 days of the Camino Frances in 2016 from Pamplona to Burgos. I live in Spain, I am a history freak and in no way religious. The whole point was that a friend of mine from Scotland ( a serious agnostic ) had decided to walk the Frances alone from SJPDP for as far as he could and my wife was outraged that I could leave him unaccompanied for the whole walk and so I decided to chum him for a bit. As I said I am a history freak so the prospect of encountering so many places that I had only read about was intoxicating. When I met my friend in Pamplona he had already acquired a group of like-minded peregrinos and it was very easy to fit in with their vibe. As we walked we met seminarians, monks and nuns on the Camino which concentrated the spirituality and we also met Korean Buddhists sharing the spirituality but from a different base.. I was particularly touched by the individual spirituality of the volunteers sitting in their Ermitas in the middle of nowhere stamping credenciales and handing out advice and support as required. I remember one day in particular - Estella to Logrono - when my friend and I ended up walking with a South African Trauma Surgeon. As ever we told our stories to him and he told us his - particularly about his teenage daughter who had contracted bone cancer in an arm. They removed the bone and replaced it with a titanium bone and she made a complete recovery. As he finished his story we walked into a tiny village with a 1000 years old church with an amazing mozarabe font. We stopped to admire both and the doctor said that we should walk on and he stayed in the church. My friend asked if I thought that we had offended him with something we had said. For me though it had suddenly struck our friend how much he had to be thankful for and just wanted to take a few moments say thank you. For me that was the Camino.
It is a lovely stroll through beautiful countryside, an opportunity to visit small villages, to meet local people if one takes time, to experience another culture....Hello,
I'm planning to do my first Camino this April 09 starting from SJDP; I really don't know why I'm doing this .
I don't think I have prepared for the Camino mentally; Currently I see my Camino going to be a long walks for few weeks than a pilgrimage.
I'm not a religious person, hence wondering if I could prepare mentally and spiritually for the Camino in some other way?. I'm used to doing endurance activities, however I don't see Camino as a challenging event. I do have the sincere desire to do Camino but I have no clarity on why I'm doing the Camino. If anyone else has come across this situation pls share your thoughts.
Hello,
I'm planning to do my first Camino this April 09 starting from SJDP; I really don't know why I'm doing this .
I don't think I have prepared for the Camino mentally; Currently I see my Camino going to be a long walks for few weeks than a pilgrimage.
I'm not a religious person, hence wondering if I could prepare mentally and spiritually for the Camino in some other way?. I'm used to doing endurance activities, however I don't see Camino as a challenging event. I do have the sincere desire to do Camino but I have no clarity on why I'm doing the Camino. If anyone else has come across this situation pls share your thoughts.
I think you'll fit right in. There's lots of different reasons (and non-reasons) for pilgrims to walk. The only real requirement (and even that's too strong a word) is to respect the reasons of others. A loose community forms readily among even those walking for wildly different reasons.Hello,
I'm planning to do my first Camino this April 09 starting from SJDP; I really don't know why I'm doing this .
I don't think I have prepared for the Camino mentally; Currently I see my Camino going to be a long walks for few weeks than a pilgrimage.
I'm not a religious person, hence wondering if I could prepare mentally and spiritually for the Camino in some other way?. I'm used to doing endurance activities, however I don't see Camino as a challenging event. I do have the sincere desire to do Camino but I have no clarity on why I'm doing the Camino. If anyone else has come across this situation pls share your thoughts.
I had no purpose. I could not tell you why I was going. I just knew I HAD to go. I figured I'd learn what I was doing out there as I walked. I walked SJPP to Santiago in the fall of 2019. I'll walk the Portuguese in May, 2020 and will be back on the Frances in Sept 2020. Nope. I don't know why I'll be going, but I know I will have some lessons I didn't even know I needed.Hello,
I'm planning to do my first Camino this April 09 starting from SJDP; I really don't know why I'm doing this .
I don't think I have prepared for the Camino mentally; Currently I see my Camino going to be a long walks for few weeks than a pilgrimage.
I'm not a religious person, hence wondering if I could prepare mentally and spiritually for the Camino in some other way?. I'm used to doing endurance activities, however I don't see Camino as a challenging event. I do have the sincere desire to do Camino but I have no clarity on why I'm doing the Camino. If anyone else has come across this situation pls share your thoughts.
Hello,
I'm planning to do my first Camino this April 09 starting from SJDP; I really don't know why I'm doing this .
I don't think I have prepared for the Camino mentally; Currently I see my Camino going to be a long walks for few weeks than a pilgrimage.
I'm not a religious person, hence wondering if I could prepare mentally and spiritually for the Camino in some other way?. I'm used to doing endurance activities, however I don't see Camino as a challenging event. I do have the sincere desire to do Camino but I have no clarity on why I'm doing the Camino. If anyone else has come across this situation pls share your thoughts.
Since my first Camino in 2016 it's yearly for me too. Hopefully for many more years to come.I will be starting my third Camino this summer a gift I give myself every year
Hello,
I'm planning to do my first Camino this April 09 starting from SJDP; I really don't know why I'm doing this .
I don't think I have prepared for the Camino mentally; Currently I see my Camino going to be a long walks for few weeks than a pilgrimage.
I'm not a religious person, hence wondering if I could prepare mentally and spiritually for the Camino in some other way?. I'm used to doing endurance activities, however I don't see Camino as a challenging event. I do have the sincere desire to do Camino but I have no clarity on why I'm doing the Camino. If anyone else has come across this situation pls share
If you are fortunate enough some morning to be high above San Sebastian as the sun rises then you will know why you are there.
the desire to do it could be the reason..I don't think that you need a reason, just a desire to do it.
Hi bordatoueHello,
I'm planning to do my first Camino this April 09 starting from SJDP; I really don't know why I'm doing this .
I don't think I have prepared for the Camino mentally; Currently I see my Camino going to be a long walks for few weeks than a pilgrimage.
I'm not a religious person, hence wondering if I could prepare mentally and spiritually for the Camino in some other way?. I'm used to doing endurance activities, however I don't see Camino as a challenging event. I do have the sincere desire to do Camino but I have no clarity on why I'm doing the Camino. If anyone else has come across this situation pls share your thoughts.
No one walks the Camino for no reason.
Respectfully disputing these categorical statements.you must have a reason.
Hello,
I'm planning to do my first Camino this April 09 starting from SJDP; I really don't know why I'm doing this .
I don't think I have prepared for the Camino mentally; Currently I see my Camino going to be a long walks for few weeks than a pilgrimage.
I'm not a religious person, hence wondering if I could prepare mentally and spiritually for the Camino in some other way?. I'm used to doing endurance activities, however I don't see Camino as a challenging event. I do have the sincere desire to do Camino but I have no clarity on why I'm doing the Camino. If anyone else has come across this situation pls share your thoughts.
You know the answer already!I walked the Frances in stages over 2 years. I still don't know WHY I was compelled to do so. To keep returning until I 'finished' (haha, the Camino is never over!).
I thought the reason would become glaringly clear and obvious. It didnt't.
But I discovered I did enjoy (mostly) the walking from one place to another, and just being there, doing something I never thought I'd do, and having the time and space to just BE. Spending time in peace and quiet, listening to the wind soughing in the trees, watching it make patterns of fields of green wheat, hearing birds sing, watching clouds whisper across the sky.
To be totally in the NOW, without external pressures, stress melted away, I felt like ME again. I needed that.
I've since walked the Kumano Kodo in Japan (a real challenge) and the Portuguese camino from Valenca (which was a very strange experience due to several unexpected events happening back at home which I didn't know how to process/deal with at the time. And it took me months afterwards, but that is a different and personal story.)
But there is something about walking which is so cleansing, relaxing, calming. Something about the slow routine of sleep, walk eat, that is healing, calming.
Do you really need a reason to walk the Camino?
EDIT: I'm going back to Spain in mid-March to join a friend for a few days from Estella to Belorado. And apart from spending time with my friend (and we can chat on whatsapp) I don't really know why I'm going when I could go anywhere else in Europe for a few days, sight see in some new city, revisit an old favourite city, hell, I could even go skiing, or I could sit at home by the fire and catch up on netflix box sets. But no, I am going to cart a backpack for 20+km a day, sleep in a horrid little sack, wear heavy boots, probably get really cold and wet, trudge up hills, ..... and wonder WHY THE HELL AM I HERE?
Can someone tell me??? Please!
Is one old or is one becoming old?Only you can answer that, @C clearly ....
But here's my take...
Being is resting back in the here and now.
Becoming is leaning out of that into an imagined and unknowable future.
Some people plan every last thing, even in the middle of actually doing it. That's becoming.
There lies the answer. Just accept the call on you from the Camino.I went because it sounded fun. I'm not religious or had any thing I was looking for answers. But I found what I didn't know I was searching for.
I've done six now and still haven't got a "reason". Nor do I feel the need for one. I do them for sheer pleasure. I'm a lazy hedonist. I love the walking in lonely countryside, the occasional stops for cafe con leche, the beers after a long trek, the occasional good company along the way. But mostly the walking. It's a kind of purposeful aimlessness. Purposeful in that every day gives you a place to aim for, aimless in that it doesn't really matter whether you get there or not. It's the going that matters. If there is a reason for you to do it, then it will probably reveal itself to you along the way. Actively looking for a reason, I imagine, would be like grasping a handful of smoke. Just enjoy the walk. It's magical. Buen Camino!Hello,
I'm planning to do my first Camino this April 09 starting from SJDP; I really don't know why I'm doing this .
I don't think I have prepared for the Camino mentally; Currently I see my Camino going to be a long walks for few weeks than a pilgrimage.
I'm not a religious person, hence wondering if I could prepare mentally and spiritually for the Camino in some other way?. I'm used to doing endurance activities, however I don't see Camino as a challenging event. I do have the sincere desire to do Camino but I have no clarity on why I'm doing the Camino. If anyone else has come across this situation pls share your thoughts.
Hello,
I'm planning to do my first Camino this April 09 starting from SJDP; I really don't know why I'm doing this .
I don't think I have prepared for the Camino mentally; Currently I see my Camino going to be a long walks for few weeks than a pilgrimage.
I'm not a religious person, hence wondering if I could prepare mentally and spiritually for the Camino in some other way?. I'm used to doing endurance activities, however I don't see Camino as a challenging event. I do have the sincere desire to do Camino but I have no clarity on why I'm doing the Camino. If anyone else has come across this situation pls share your thoughts.
No reason is a great reason to go. You’ll find purpose and meet yourself, and you may be surprised at the person you meet.Hello,
I'm planning to do my first Camino this April 09 starting from SJDP; I really don't know why I'm doing this .
I don't think I have prepared for the Camino mentally; Currently I see my Camino going to be a long walks for few weeks than a pilgrimage.
I'm not a religious person, hence wondering if I could prepare mentally and spiritually for the Camino in some other way?. I'm used to doing endurance activities, however I don't see Camino as a challenging event. I do have the sincere desire to do Camino but I have no clarity on why I'm doing the Camino. If anyone else has come across this situation pls share your thoughts.
i think you under estimated yourself .. there is a time and place ... there called angelsAs a leaner to the religious /spiritual side, I don't believe we're privy to the master plan. I do believe NOTHING is random. You are called to go. So was I. And I went, with absolutely no idea why I was going. And I wasn't exactly happy walking my first walk, faced many challenges, met many very difficult people and situations. In the final few days I was inventing swears because I was so frustrated and could not find any reason for having completed 6 weeks of torment. I returned home feeling rather broken and somehow betrayed because I think I had expectations for something big for myself. I couldn't make peace with why that camino had called me, why I went, and why I felt lost/neglected, even foolish.....
....and then it occurred to me....
I had, in my small way contributed to those I had met along the way...I fixed hundreds ( literally ) of blisters, debried ulcers, pulled a tooth, massaged legs, handed out simple meds, removed a bee from an eye, listened to stories of grief & loss & guilt & pain...I am licensed as both a registered nurse and mental health therapist and I carried both supplies and skills well beyond what I would have ever needed ( again, compelled to over pack these things ) ...I found peace in believing that my first camino wasn't mine at all. I was simply meant to be there ...to assist those who were struggling while walking their camino... Their stories will stay with me forever.
I've returned 5 times since and am planning my seventh camino for this July. Everyone you meet is a blessing or a lesson...and so you shall be to someone else.
The reason will come to you in time.
Buen Camino...Walk with joy
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?