Mental Preparation Are you ready ?

[Villeneuve1979]

In a way, which one of us can say truly say that we are ready and prepared for everything that the Camino will bring.In some ways it is probably preferable to remain in splendid ignorance. I however, am not ready. As I pen this peice from my study at home in York (instead of resting up at the Hotel Des Arceaux in Bayonne on the eve of my walk on the Camino Frances, Jan 4.

On the eve of my departure (lastnight) I experienced a full-scale panic attack. Its intensity was mercifully brief but its message was far reaching and instaneous. I suffer from episodal clinical depression, and whilst I had been spared my conditions worst excesses this year, I had been under more stress in 2011 than I was conciously aware of.

I made the decision to walk with my heart, and when my head and heart are not opposed to each other I will make it to St Jean. That time has not yet come to pass, but I will know when Im ready, and my experiences will be all the richer for it Im sure !

I write this post, just in case it is off any comfort to any one else in a similar situation.

'Buen Camino' to all you intrepid hardy walkers that will be out there in Jan and Feb. Say a prayer for me when you reach Sant Comp, and I will pray for you too !

Happy New Year

Damian

 

[Arn]

Damian,

When you are ready...the Camino will be there!

Arn

 

[Abbeydore]

Yes Damian, when the head takes over from the body it's horrible, pleased you are able to talk about it. I know a lady you can talk too in Scotland, on the phone, Kathleen Haden - Reverse Therapy. If you put in google. Good Luck with your next round of preparations, your first lot will help the second.
David

 

[Lydia Gillen]

Hi Damien,

Wise to stay at home when your head i.e. all the lessons you have learnt throughout life, tell you that you are not ready at this present moment.

Your time will come. I first read about the Camino in the 1980 but the practical difficulty of caring for four very small sons was my head over heart decision.

The Camino de Santiago has been there a long time and will endure.

In the meantime may the good Lord bless you as you journey on your own personal camino

regards,

 

[duncan pm]

I empathise entirely.
I am preparing for my long awaited return to the Camino. Physically every day, mentally and emotionally too.
I have a protracted history of depression and am no stranger to anxiety and panic - ghastly and crippling they truly are.
I wish you well in the lovely city of York and that time and circumstance will converge to take you on your camino when it is best for you.
The concerns you express are close to my heart, I wish you the very best and every kind thought.

 

[+@^^]

suggestion....
take your heart
but leave your head at home
.
when your head is ready, let it catch up with the rest of you
that way everybody is happy
.
your heart goes on wild and dangerous trips to far-away places
and your head stays at home opening the mail and vaccuming the rugs in the tv room

 

[lindamuchmore]

suggestion....
take your heart
but leave your head at home
.
when your head is ready, let it catch up with the rest of you
that way everybody is happy
.
your heart goes on wild and dangerous trips to far-away places
and your head stays at home opening the mail and vaccuming the rugs in the tv room

LOVE this comment

 

[jemitch65]

Hello Damian. Thank you for sharing this post. I do believe in the power of prayer and yes, I will add your name to my prayers in the cathedral in Santiago de Compestela. I will begin my journey from St. Jean on May 23. So many things are passing through my mind about this trip I am making it is difficult to sort them other than to deal with each detail one at a time. In short, this trip is overwhelming for me too. I have never been to Europe before or been away from my wife and children for as long a time as this trip will take. I agree with you. Lead with your heart. I guess it is where the soul resides. Whatever is drawing me to Santiago, I am sure it will be realized there and not in my head. Buen camino.