Look Around You!

[John Finn]

I find it extrordinary how few pilgrims seem to take the time to stop and look back where they've come from. Their heads are fixed in forward mode (and in many cases seemingly on the few yards directly in front of them). Are they afraid that like Lot's wife they might be turned into a pillar of salt should they look behind them?

One of the joys of the Camino is to stop every now and then and take in a 360 degree view of the countryside. It's amazing what wonderful vistas present themselves, landscapes that gladden the heart and make the spirit sing.

Don't look back may be good life advice but definitely not on the Camino.

 

[Davey Boyd]

I find it extrordinary how few pilgrims seem to take the time to stop and look back where they've come from. Their heads are fixed in forward mode (and in many cases seemingly on the few yards directly in front of them). Are they afraid that like Lot's wife they might be turned into a pillar of salt should they look behind them?

One of the joys of the Camino is to stop every now and then and take in a 360 degree view of the countryside. It's amazing what wonderful vistas present themselves, landscapes that gladden the heart and make the spirit sing.

Don't look back may be good life advice but definitely not on the Camino.

Yes I have noticed that too. Sometimes I turn around and say to the people I am with "Look"! And they say Wow! Sometimes the view behind is impressive, more so because you can congratulate yourself that you have just walked that!

It gets even weirder when you walk BACK from Santiago, that really confuses people!

Davey

 

[Castilian]

One of the joys of the Camino is to stop every now and then and take in a 360 degree view of the countryside

I agree. In fact, I think that's advisable not just in the Camino but whenever you are out in the countryside.

I would also suggest to look up (i.e.: to the sky, the stars...). Many people miss that too because they are used to look just in front and/or down.

 

[MTtoCamino]

I wondered the same as well but in my mind it may be from conditioning from always needing to have music in the ears or the phone in use. Technology is great but I believe it is taking away some of the natural awareness & simple enjoyment of nature.

As I type this on my IPad I realize maybe I am no better... I wonder how long I can go without my Camino fix!

 

[JohnMcM]

...........

One of the joys of the Camino is to stop every now and then and take in a 360 degree view of the countryside. It's amazing what wonderful vistas present themselves, landscapes that gladden the heart and make the spirit sing.........

Great post John and a very special for everyone regardless of what Camino they walk.
Buen (looking around you) Camino

 

[Albertagirl]

I think that I look forward because my eyes are in the front of my head, and I am going somewhere. Also, I want to protect myself from the dangers of the route as I move forward: look where you're going. But mostly, I am looking for the adventures and beauty ahead of me, toward my pilgrim goal.

 

[Ahhhs]

I do think many people are so focused on "getting there" that they are rushing forward as fast as they can. I've been amazed at how few people stop to look or take photos at some of the amazing view points.

 

[MTtoCamino]

I think that I look forward because my eyes are in the front of my head, and I am going somewhere. Also, I want to protect myself from the dangers of the route as I move forward: look where you're going. But mostly, I am looking for the adventures and beauty ahead of me, toward my pilgrim goal.

Albertagirl
One of the things I appreciated as you moved along was your ability to go your pace. You never seemed hurried or in a race. When you return I suspect you will be very aware of what is around you, not just the trail in front of you. I am very surprised someone can have a pilgrim goal as I only walk in faith, as things are revealed. Another example of how we each approach this experience. Much like a bible study it is the others around you that make you think. Thanks for that.

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

Your post brought back one of those unexpected delights of the Camino. Towards the end of a long day we were walking up towards the Alto de la Grayera on our way to Navarette when on the road someone had written:
Stop! Look behind you!

So we did and it was a wonderful reminder to savour the moment and the landscape all around us.

For none of us know what our futures hold:
We may not walk this Way again

 

[dduroy]

We just returned home. I was surprised at how many people treated their day as a race with head down, moving forward. It seemed to me that my snail pace walking was a blessing sometimes.

On the same note, when my wife stops for a break, she likes to hang out for awhile. I would get anxiety about getting back on the road. I spoke to myself several times to relax and realize the trail wasn't going anywhere.

 

[Sandune]

I find it extrordinary how few pilgrims seem to take the time to stop and look back where they've come from. Their heads are fixed in forward mode (and in many cases seemingly on the few yards directly in front of them). Are they afraid that like Lot's wife they might be turned into a pillar of salt should they look behind them?

One of the joys of the Camino is to stop every now and then and take in a 360 degree view of the countryside. It's amazing what wonderful vistas present themselves, landscapes that gladden the heart and make the spirit sing.

Don't look back may be good life advice but definitely not on the Camino.

I totally agree with you! I find it amazing how many people chatter constantly and never look up, around or back.

 

[jennie]

I find it extrordinary how few pilgrims seem to take the time to stop and look back where they've come from. Their heads are fixed in forward mode (and in many cases seemingly on the few yards directly in front of them). Are they afraid that like Lot's wife they might be turned into a pillar of salt should they look behind them?

One of the joys of the Camino is to stop every now and then and take in a 360 degree view of the countryside. It's amazing what wonderful vistas present themselves, landscapes that gladden the heart and make the spirit sing.

Don't look back may be good life advice but definitely not on the Camino.

oh yes i fully agree, i did often take the time to stop and look back,not only does it give you a different and wonderful view but also it can be very motivating to see how far you have travelled, you can say to yourself wow i did that great advice from you john,

 

[angus55morrison]

oh yes i fully agree, i did often take the time to stop and look back,not only does it give you a different and wonderful view but also it can be very motivating to see how far you have travelled, you can say to yourself wow i did that great advice from you john,

I find it extrordinary how few pilgrims seem to take the time to stop and look back where they've come from. Their heads are fixed in forward mode (and in many cases seemingly on the few yards directly in front of them). Are they afraid that like Lot's wife they might be turned into a pillar of salt should they look behind them?

One of the joys of the Camino is to stop every now and then and take in a 360 degree view of the countryside. It's amazing what wonderful vistas present themselves, landscapes that gladden the heart and make the spirit sing.

Don't look back may be good life advice but definitely not on the Camino.

When walking in 2012 I kept thinking about the field of stars,and having left an albergue in the dark crossing a black countryside with my head torch and on stopping for a breather I looked back from whence I came ,and saw more stars than I'd ever seen in my life . Buen Camino.

 

[domigee]

I often stop and look back, always amazed at the ground I've covered (or more likely climbed ) - if anything it gives me a chance to catch my breath

 

[domigee]

When walking in 2012 I kept thinking about the field of stars,and having left an albergue in the dark crossing a black countryside with my head torch and on stopping for a breather I looked back from whence I came ,and saw more stars than I'd ever seen in my life . Buen Camino.

I remember leaving O'Cebreiro in August 2012, still in the dark and seeing more shooting stars than I had ever seen. It was wonderful