- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2017 Camino Frances,
2019 C. Portuguese (inland).
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There seems no adequate response that would not break the rules on political and religious posts. I can only wonder at the distopian world portrayed here, and be glad that I don't live in it.I’m sitting in my favourite chair looking at the garden through the glass doors. My first coffee for today is resting on the arm of my chair. It is still dark. Even the birds haven’t woken yet. It is perfectly still and quiet. I want to think about the Camino and I want to write about the Camino but I can’t. These are dark times. I have to be honest and brave enough to acknowledge that to myself, loud and clear. Our world is in such turmoil and it is filled with so much dreadful but wholly unnecessary suffering. Why do we have such poor and inept leaders in so many parts of the world? I sincerely wish that our troubles and the suffering of so many could be fixed with prayer. They can’t. Unfortunately I am an idealist. Like so many, I believe that everyone deserves a decent life. Everyone deserves a safe and secure home. And yet we seem to be getting further and further from that ideal by the day. Why? Why must it be this way? I cannot fix it. I doubt that we collectively can fix it................ The Camino is my escape from this awful truth. We are all at the mercy of the whims and wants of stupid men, men and women who care nothing for the Camino or those of us who understand what it is.
God save us all! Amen.
Which is not a bad thing. Because opening to what is wrong in the world is the precursor to figuring out what can be done to make it a better place. All the happy talk in the universe can't erase the truth of what life offers us, in those times that are difficult. And these are difficult times for all of us. Even, for some, dystopian.I have. Though not today. Not in this post.
Which is not a bad thing. Because opening to what is wrong in the world is the precursor to figuring out what can be done to make it a better place. All the happy talk in the universe can't erase the truth of what life offers us, in those times that are difficult. And these are difficult times for all of us. Even, for some, dystopian.
Sometimes turning away is not an option.
But getting stuck in the pain of it all is not a useful option, either.
The trick is to feel what you feel without being taken captive by it. Let it be, and let it flow.
And then do what you can do.
The challenge is in recognising your thinking, and accepting that only you have the ability to change those thoughts. So many stumble through their lives without seeing.
Likewise.I stay grateful
Here in Antigua, Guatemala there are thousands an thousands in need. I help people every chance i get and donate to Pilgrim house and any other needy place i can. I also find many positive things coming out of this pandemic. one example is that in my gated community i only knew 3 neighbors. Now know almost all of them and we have bonded And have Zoom events. There is a rainbow in every cloudThis is a very dark and depressing time. It may not be possible to drag oneself out of darkness and depression. I think that this is one of the social consequences of the pandemic. I believe that many others are in physically precarious or mentally depressed situations at present. We may not be able to heal the whole world, but perhaps we can make this time better for some of those whom we care about. It helps me to reverse my depression and despair by doing something practical for someone whose situation weighs on me. If you have, or can find, a little spare cash, give what you can to a charity that assists persons whose situation seems desperate to you, or volunteer with a charity. In your immediate setting, think of others who may be depressed and telephone them. You may be able to offer support or assistance that you did not know was needed until you called. Doing this kind of thing may not make me feel better, but it helps me to feel useful, and the situation seems a little less desperate for some others. The sun will come up again, but it is a little slow to do so right now.
I am so with you in your perceptions, not in the slightest bit religious myself, absolutely go down similar thought pathways. Ultimately, they don't lead anywhere other than despair. Let them spur you into action to bring happiness and joy to others. It is the only way forward and live the best and responsible life you can lead, based on your values. The world has always been a dark place for many. It is for those of us, who can, to make it a better place in our small ways. Don't underestimate the power of small deeds and kindnesses.I’m sitting in my favourite chair looking at the garden through the glass doors. My first coffee for today is resting on the arm of my chair. It is still dark. Even the birds haven’t woken yet. It is perfectly still and quiet. I want to think about the Camino and I want to write about the Camino but I can’t. These are dark times. I have to be honest and brave enough to acknowledge that to myself. Our world is in such turmoil and it is filled with so much dreadful but wholly unnecessary suffering. Why do we have such poor and inept leaders in so many parts of the world? I sincerely wish that our troubles and the suffering of so many could be fixed with prayer. They can’t. Unfortunately I am an idealist. Like so many, I believe that everyone deserves a decent life. Everyone deserves a safe and secure home. And yet we seem to be getting further and further from that ideal by the day. Why? Why must it be this way? I cannot fix it. I doubt that we collectively can fix it................ The Camino is my escape from this awful truth. We are at the mercy of the whims and wants of stupid men, men and women who care nothing for the Camino or those of us who understand what it is.
God save us all! Amen.
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Absolutely.Don't underestimate the power of small deeds and kindnesses.
Thanks @Tincatinker - your words will be recorded for posterity (or until my kids throw them away after my death - hopefully many years hence) in my journal.Kiwi-mama, may the fire I light tonight bring you a little light. May the wine I spill bring solace.
The dark days only serve, they do not rule.
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