Patrick Neary
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances, (2018)
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I could relate to a lot of this! The phrase "the camino provides" in particular can make me wince. I'm more of the "be prepared" school of thought. And I wasn't a fan either of the 'mystic commentaries' of that one famous caministo.
But also, I have one really strong objection ...
Consider “why” you are going on a Camino, and be as specific as you can. This may seem silly, but as you walk, you’ll face choices that will require you to revisit the “why?” So you need to have the answer in your pocket.
I don't think this is important at all. Sometimes something just feels right, even if you can't put your finger on it. In Hawai`i people talk about trusting their naʻau, i.e. their guts, or intuition. If the idea of the Camino speaks to you, then it doesn't matter if you understand why it speaks to you. It just does.
Although I disagree with many points, it was interesting to read and well written. I am not sure if I'm romanticizing my caminos (which can very well be true) or if I was really lucky and had an easy roll - no blister, no pain, perfect backpack, good weather, etc etc.
What I totally agree with is that the camino requires some thinking and some common sense.
My questions after reading was: did you enjoy the experience? was it worth it? and why did you do it?
One thing I do agree with is your take on the graffiti, trash and stone stacking.
I will happily admit I am one of the pilgrims that knocks down the stacks of stones off of the kilometre markers and kicks the ones off of the path. Yes, I'm that guy. lol
Lighten up Walt.I too collect rubbish and have kicked hazardous rocks off the pathway. There are good reasons to leave the track in better condition than it was.
Seriously though, what gives you the self-appointed right to remove stones off the markers?
What harm are these little piles of stones doing to anyone other than adding to the unique pilgrimmage experience, especially for first timers?
There are pilgrims that I have met who have spoken about walking, contemplating, reminiscing and sometimes placing a stone on a marker for someone long departed or for someone who is special and who is in the Pilgrim's thoughts. I too have placed stones on markers especially for my late mother, who would be very happy if I could tell her that she is remembered on my Camino in this way.
Next time you sanctimoniously decide to knock stones off way markers, perhaps you might reflect that there could well be deeply personal reasons as to why, pilgrims who have long passed ahead of you, put the stones on the markers in the first place.
Buen Camino
I too collect rubbish and have kicked hazardous rocks off the pathway. There are good reasons to leave the track in better condition than it was.
Seriously though, what gives you the self-appointed right to remove stones off the markers?
What harm are these little piles of stones doing to anyone other than adding to the unique pilgrimmage experience, especially for first timers?
There are pilgrims that I have met who have spoken about walking, contemplating, reminiscing and sometimes placing a stone on a marker for someone long departed or for someone who is special and who is in the Pilgrim's thoughts. I too have placed stones on markers especially for my late mother, who would be very happy if I could tell her that she is remembered on my Camino in this way.
Next time you sanctimoniously decide to knock stones off way markers, perhaps you might reflect that there could well be deeply personal reasons as to why, pilgrims who have long passed ahead of you, put the stones on the markers in the first place.
Buen Camino
The words 'el Camino' mean 'the Way,' It can be taken to mean, depending on context, a road, a path, or a journey. It is NOT about a destination, per se, at least IMHO.
While the original, and many more contemporary pilgrims believed that the pilgrimage is all and solely about reaching the relics of the Apostle Saint James the Greater at Santiago, I postulate and advance the position that it is more about the experience of making the journey where we obtain the maximum benefits to our individual self. Yes, a goal in all aspects of life is a worthy thing. But one should not allow the goal to become the sole focus of the journey.
Also, many people, including me, have observed that the Camino is an apt metaphor for life. Most of life's issues, trials and tribulations, joys and challenges can be found while on your individual journey.
There are many good, generous and helpful people, and a few not so good, not so generous, and not so helpful people along the way. There is good weather and bad, warmer and colder, stiff wind and no wind, rain and drought. Once you understand these things, you can better start to see the metaphorical nature of the Camino, vis-a-vis life's journey. I try to walk in silence (difficult for me) some days. just to recharge my batteries... The Camino provides my recharge...
Yes, the Camino DOES provide. But this supposes that one is actually aware of what is going on around them. Also, the provision is a highly individual and specific issue. Sometimes the benefits are intangible, emotional, religious, or philosophical. Sometimes the benefits are more tangible, like a band-aid / plaster or some medication appearing when needed.
Being provided something, even intangible, does just happen, very serendipitously I might add, at least in my experience over six Caminos. Sometimes, one is not even aware that they have been 'gifted' until after - sometimes well after - they finish the actual walking. The effect is different for every pilgrim.
For many, the effect does not settle in until months after their return to a previous life. For me, it was seeing yellow directional arrows used by a developer near my then home in Virginia after my first Camino. It took a conscious effort to avoid yanking the steering wheel to follow the arrows...that made things click in my mind...but I digress...
In a way, this is like someone who suffers from PTS and experiences something in daily life that triggers negative memories from their past. I actually was diagnosed with this condition and know what I am talking about in this regard. However, the difference is that for many of us Camino veterans, the memories and flashbacks are positive. The flashbacks bring us back to a far better time and place, when we were on Camino.
True, it is possible to walk any Camino with 'blinders' on, like a horse in harness pulling a cart or wagon. But to do a Camino that way, to me, avoids the premise of the journey. Unless one is open to all that the Camino delivers to you, good and bad, the experience is diminished.
To walk a Camino and participate in the Camino experience, according to your comfort level, is when all of the magic happens. If one treats the Camino as a forced march or singular mission, with one focus, to get to the destination, the beauty of the entire journey is lost.
I do not disagree with any of what you wrote in your OP. Over my Caminos, I have at times had similar observations and thoughts. But, for me at least, the overall positive effect of the Camino, reaching into months and years beyond the actual experience, literally changed my life back in the world."
To me, the Camino continues to provide. It gets me up every morning to check and participate in this forum community. I spend from one to two hours daily trying to help others, and maintaining bonds with the many friends I have made over the years. It takes me to monthly walks with my local chapter of American Pilgrims on Camino (APOC).
The lure of the Camino, and the intensive yearning or desire to be part of this ever-unfolding mystically wonderful human experience and community takes me back to the Camino once yearly, to walk another route. Sometimes it is a month-long pilgrimage. Other times, it is two weeks or less. I will do this as long as my health permits.
Finally, it is the realization that I have received so much from my Camino experiences that I return every summer to work for one month as a volunteer at the Pilgrim Office in Santiago. I do this to give back, to contribute, to help in any way I am asked, and to grow as a human being.
Growth and learning are good things. To learn something new, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant each day is a blessing. IMHO, when we stop learning and challenging, when we stop being curious, that is when we start to die.
This experience is the center of my life, I live for it all year. I plan for it, budget for it, and literally countdown the days until I return... as of today... 24 days until I fly to Santiago de Compostela.
The Camino is many things to many people. To some, the Camino provides more. To some, it provides less. But everyone comes away changed in some way. For many, like myself, the changes are profound and, hopefully, lifelong.
I encourage you, and anyone else who might think they had a less than positive experience, to give it one more try. Consider a different route, or different time of year. It may change your perspective, experience and the results achieved.
Hope this helps.
Good questions! My wife and I were looking for something challenging and spiritual to do together during our retirement. The Camino seemed to fit the bill. My personal goal was to offer praise and thanks to God for a great life: great wife, kids, grandkids, career, now retirement. As a former soldier and long distance runner, I knew the Camino would be a challenge, but one we would prepare for.........Worth it? Yes, certainly.
Thank you, @t2andreo , for a wonderful post ... I loved reading it and will re-visit it, probably quite frequently!
PS I hope you don’t mind ... I’ve copied it, so I can read it off-line.
Please, be my guest. I am flattered to be remembered, let alone copied and saved.
Excellent!! Well said.The words 'el Camino' mean 'the Way,' It can be taken to mean, depending on context, a road, a path, or a journey. It is NOT about a destination, per se, at least IMHO.
While the original, and many more contemporary pilgrims believed that the pilgrimage is all and solely about reaching the relics of the Apostle Saint James the Greater at Santiago, I postulate and advance the position that it is more about the experience of making the journey where we obtain the maximum benefits to our individual self. Yes, a goal in all aspects of life is a worthy thing. But one should not allow the goal to become the sole focus of the journey.
Also, many people, including me, have observed that the Camino is an apt metaphor for life. Most of life's issues, trials and tribulations, joys and challenges can be found while on your individual journey.
There are many good, generous and helpful people, and a few not so good, not so generous, and not so helpful people along the way. There is good weather and bad, warmer and colder, stiff wind and no wind, rain and drought. Once you understand these things, you can better start to see the metaphorical nature of the Camino, vis-a-vis life's journey. I try to walk in silence (difficult for me) some days. just to recharge my batteries... The Camino provides my recharge...
Yes, the Camino DOES provide. But this supposes that one is actually aware of what is going on around them. Also, the provision is a highly individual and specific issue. Sometimes the benefits are intangible, emotional, religious, or philosophical. Sometimes the benefits are more tangible, like a band-aid / plaster or some medication appearing when needed.
Being provided something, even intangible, does just happen, very serendipitously I might add, at least in my experience over six Caminos. Sometimes, one is not even aware that they have been 'gifted' until after - sometimes well after - they finish the actual walking. The effect is different for every pilgrim.
For many, the effect does not settle in until months after their return to a previous life. For me, it was seeing yellow directional arrows used by a developer near my then home in Virginia after my first Camino. It took a conscious effort to avoid yanking the steering wheel to follow the arrows...that made things click in my mind...but I digress...
In a way, this is like someone who suffers from PTS and experiences something in daily life that triggers negative memories from their past. I actually was diagnosed with this condition and know what I am talking about in this regard. However, the difference is that for many of us Camino veterans, the memories and flashbacks are positive. The flashbacks bring us back to a far better time and place, when we were on Camino.
True, it is possible to walk any Camino with 'blinders' on, like a horse in harness pulling a cart or wagon. But to do a Camino that way, to me, avoids the premise of the journey. Unless one is open to all that the Camino delivers to you, good and bad, the experience is diminished.
To walk a Camino and participate in the Camino experience, according to your comfort level, is when all of the magic happens. If one treats the Camino as a forced march or singular mission, with one focus, to get to the destination, the beauty of the entire journey is lost.
I do not disagree with any of what you wrote in your OP. Over my Caminos, I have at times had similar observations and thoughts. But, for me at least, the overall positive effect of the Camino, reaching into months and years beyond the actual experience, literally changed my life back in the world."
To me, the Camino continues to provide. It gets me up every morning to check and participate in this forum community. I spend from one to two hours daily trying to help others, and maintaining bonds with the many friends I have made over the years. It takes me to monthly walks with my local chapter of American Pilgrims on Camino (APOC).
The lure of the Camino, and the intensive yearning or desire to be part of this ever-unfolding mystically wonderful human experience and community takes me back to the Camino once yearly, to walk another route. Sometimes it is a month-long pilgrimage. Other times, it is two weeks or less. I will do this as long as my health permits.
Finally, it is the realization that I have received so much from my Camino experiences that I return every summer to work for one month as a volunteer at the Pilgrim Office in Santiago. I do this to give back, to contribute, to help in any way I am asked, and to grow as a human being.
Growth and learning are good things. To learn something new, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant each day is a blessing. IMHO, when we stop learning and challenging, when we stop being curious, that is when we start to die.
This experience is the center of my life, I live for it all year. I plan for it, budget for it, and literally countdown the days until I return... as of today... 24 days until I fly to Santiago de Compostela.
The Camino is many things to many people. To some, the Camino provides more. To some, it provides less. But everyone comes away changed in some way. For many, like myself, the changes are profound and, hopefully, lifelong.
I encourage you, and anyone else who might think they had a less than positive experience, to give it one more try. Consider a different route, or different time of year. It may change your perspective, experience and the results achieved.
Hope this helps.
I wholeheartedly agree with Pat that you should prepare physically and define what you want from the Camino. Having said that, he gave me the impression that he was unwilling to have the journey change him. His suggestions are practical if all you desire is a long walk that will not push you beyond your comfort zone. And, in truth, that is what many people want. However, for those who want to test some of their limits and who are open to change, the unknowns and the unexpected turns and challenges will be embraced. He is right to point out that you are breaking no rules by taking any or all of his advice. For example, shortcuts. If your goals are not impacted by hopping on a bus, or if your body needs a break, why not? However, you are not being foolish to take only some or none of his advice.
I used the Dintaman and Landis guidebook and was happy with it, started in St. Jean with no regrets, was not bothered by occasional snoring, preferred the municipal albergues over private rooms in pensiones because of the social aspects, laundry facilities, communal meals. Everyone is different and will have "Their Own Camino" (no "tut-tut"). Pat had his, I had mine. You will have one different from either of ours. I approached and carried out my Camino as a Pilgrimage. It was very difficult and it did change me. For others, this may not be the goal or the result. So be it. That is up to them. So, to be smart, one should consider Pat's advice and figure out what you want to achieve and what you will be willing to accept and endure.
Oh, by the way, toilet paper will take years to degrade in the outdoors. Take a Ziploc baggie with you and transport your paper to the next waste bin, rather than leave it in the field. The bacteria in soil will degrade poop, if it is buried, but not the paper. Buen Camino.
Thanks to all who provided advice and encouragement along the way! Here is my wrap up of advice for future first-timer pilgrims.
http://pat-the-expat.com/2018/06/12/__trashed/
Thank you Pat. I read your comments/blog with interest as a future first-time pilgrim. I'm not that spontaneous and more of a "be as well prepared as possible" type of person. That's why I have started my training over 12 months out. Each of us is unique and no two people will have exactly the same experience - that said I appreciate advice and enjoy reading the insights, comments and descriptions of others. I had never even heard of the Camino until last year. Once I did some research it did indeed "call to me". I just know in my heart I will get (learn) whatever I am meant to on this pilgrimage. Thank you Pat and all the other pilgrims past and future for investing your time for mutual benefit. Buen Camino!Thanks to all who provided advice and encouragement along the way! Here is my wrap up of advice for future first-timer pilgrims.
http://pat-the-expat.com/2018/06/12/__trashed/
Seriously though, what gives you the self-appointed right to remove stones off the markers?
The same self-appointed right you and others have to put the stones on the markers in the first place.
I work in the environmental field, and one topic that always comes up at international conferences is: how do you get visitors to stop stacking rocks in natural areas? It’s a problem in Japan, the US, Mexico, Greece ... anywhere or any spot that might be considered ‘sacred.’ In some areas it’s a nuisance. In some areas (like Hawai’i) it’s considered culturally offensive.
The irony is that, visitors will always claim it’s some sort of ancient tradition. I have never once seen a source for this. I’d be interested in seeing one.
And until I see a source, I can’t help but seeing modern rock stacking as a lesser form of graffiti.
Oh, the stones along the Camino Frances ... I think we can discuss this for ever and ever. They used to enrage me at first because they are visual pollution to my eyes but I've grown more sanguine and now I just occasionally swipe a few stones off a waymarker while I pass by, with a happy feeling actually. I feel that I helped to clean "The Way" or more generally the environmentHow do you get people to stop? Maybe signs, policing or education perhaps?
Yes, you find lots of stuff on the internet that refers to practices in the Bronze age, or in Tibet or in the Alps or the Scottish Highlands etc etc. I doubt that you find reliable sources that show that pilgrims on the way to Santiago, from the 1100s or so onwards, where building the kind of stone cairns that multiply and spread along the Camino Frances in the 2000s. Medieval and later pilgrims were following well established trade roads - the roads that are now used by motor traffic, you are not walking on them or in those people's footsteps for the most part - and there was no need for those kind of cairns. It's a modern practice / ritual / passtime / imitation.Historically, pilgrims have been placing stones in piles, for various reasons along the way for centuries. It is an ancient traditional practice that continues to this day. Simple rudimentary Internet research suggests this harmless practice dates back to the Bronze Age and earlier.
The words 'el Camino' mean 'the Way,' It can be taken to mean, depending on context, a road, a path, or a journey. It is NOT about a destination, per se, at least IMHO.
While the original, and many more contemporary pilgrims believed that the pilgrimage is all and solely about reaching the relics of the Apostle Saint James the Greater at Santiago, I postulate and advance the position that it is more about the experience of making the journey where we obtain the maximum benefits to our individual self. Yes, a goal in all aspects of life is a worthy thing. But one should not allow the goal to become the sole focus of the journey.
Also, many people, including me, have observed that the Camino is an apt metaphor for life. Most of life's issues, trials and tribulations, joys and challenges can be found while on your individual journey.
There are many good, generous and helpful people, and a few not so good, not so generous, and not so helpful people along the way. There is good weather and bad, warmer and colder, stiff wind and no wind, rain and drought. Once you understand these things, you can better start to see the metaphorical nature of the Camino, vis-a-vis life's journey. I try to walk in silence (difficult for me) some days. just to recharge my batteries... The Camino provides my recharge...
Yes, the Camino DOES provide. But this supposes that one is actually aware of what is going on around them. Also, the provision is a highly individual and specific issue. Sometimes the benefits are intangible, emotional, religious, or philosophical. Sometimes the benefits are more tangible, like a band-aid / plaster or some medication appearing when needed.
Being provided something, even intangible, does just happen, very serendipitously I might add, at least in my experience over six Caminos. Sometimes, one is not even aware that they have been 'gifted' until after - sometimes well after - they finish the actual walking. The effect is different for every pilgrim.
For many, the effect does not settle in until months after their return to a previous life. For me, it was seeing yellow directional arrows used by a developer near my then home in Virginia after my first Camino. It took a conscious effort to avoid yanking the steering wheel to follow the arrows...that made things click in my mind...but I digress...
In a way, this is like someone who suffers from PTS and experiences something in daily life that triggers negative memories from their past. I actually was diagnosed with this condition and know what I am talking about in this regard. However, the difference is that for many of us Camino veterans, the memories and flashbacks are positive. The flashbacks bring us back to a far better time and place, when we were on Camino.
True, it is possible to walk any Camino with 'blinders' on, like a horse in harness pulling a cart or wagon. But to do a Camino that way, to me, avoids the premise of the journey. Unless one is open to all that the Camino delivers to you, good and bad, the experience is diminished.
To walk a Camino and participate in the Camino experience, according to your comfort level, is when all of the magic happens. If one treats the Camino as a forced march or singular mission, with one focus, to get to the destination, the beauty of the entire journey is lost.
I do not disagree with any of what you wrote in your OP. Over my Caminos, I have at times had similar observations and thoughts. But, for me at least, the overall positive effect of the Camino, reaching into months and years beyond the actual experience, literally changed my life back in the world."
To me, the Camino continues to provide. It gets me up every morning to check and participate in this forum community. I spend from one to two hours daily trying to help others, and maintaining bonds with the many friends I have made over the years. It takes me to monthly walks with my local chapter of American Pilgrims on Camino (APOC).
The lure of the Camino, and the intensive yearning or desire to be part of this ever-unfolding mystically wonderful human experience and community takes me back to the Camino once yearly, to walk another route. Sometimes it is a month-long pilgrimage. Other times, it is two weeks or less. I will do this as long as my health permits.
Finally, it is the realization that I have received so much from my Camino experiences that I return every summer to work for one month as a volunteer at the Pilgrim Office in Santiago. I do this to give back, to contribute, to help in any way I am asked, and to grow as a human being.
Growth and learning are good things. To learn something new, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant each day is a blessing. IMHO, when we stop learning and challenging, when we stop being curious, that is when we start to die.
This experience is the center of my life, I live for it all year. I plan for it, budget for it, and literally countdown the days until I return... as of today... 24 days until I fly to Santiago de Compostela.
The Camino is many things to many people. To some, the Camino provides more. To some, it provides less. But everyone comes away changed in some way. For many, like myself, the changes are profound and, hopefully, lifelong.
I encourage you, and anyone else who might think they had a less than positive experience, to give it one more try. Consider a different route, or different time of year. It may change your perspective, experience and the results achieved.
Hope this helps.
Thanks to all who provided advice and encouragement along the way! Here is my wrap up of advice for future first-timer pilgrims.
http://pat-the-expat.com/2018/06/12/__trashed/
My holiday was great! How was yours? My camino was pretty good too, except it was very different than what people who did 25 caminos before told me. But then again, YMMV! Buen Camino!You are very welcome to your views but i walked 25 caminos and it appears your holiday did not go well
.... So, a note for those realists, and everyone in fact. If you really want to really improve the environment of The Way, instead of re-positioning piles of stones, why don't you collect up a sack of those drifting and ubiquitous white tissues. We can all agree that they are an offensive sight, whether they take hours, weeks or years to degrade. Pack it in, pack it out.
My opinion, is to leave the stones piled on the markers, clear off the piles on the path, they can be a hazard, don't judge people's reasons for placing a stone on a marker or cross, deeply personal, none of our business and examine why you feel the need to knock them off. Might as well remove all the stones at the cruze de ferro, same thing right?
The words 'el Camino' mean 'the Way,' It can be taken to mean, depending on context, a road, a path, or a journey. It is NOT about a destination, per se, at least IMHO.
While the original, and many more contemporary pilgrims believed that the pilgrimage is all and solely about reaching the relics of the Apostle Saint James the Greater at Santiago, I postulate and advance the position that it is more about the experience of making the journey where we obtain the maximum benefits to our individual self. Yes, a goal in all aspects of life is a worthy thing. But one should not allow the goal to become the sole focus of the journey.
Also, many people, including me, have observed that the Camino is an apt metaphor for life. Most of life's issues, trials and tribulations, joys and challenges can be found while on your individual journey.
There are many good, generous and helpful people, and a few not so good, not so generous, and not so helpful people along the way. There is good weather and bad, warmer and colder, stiff wind and no wind, rain and drought. Once you understand these things, you can better start to see the metaphorical nature of the Camino, vis-a-vis life's journey. I try to walk in silence (difficult for me) some days. just to recharge my batteries... The Camino provides my recharge...
Yes, the Camino DOES provide. But this supposes that one is actually aware of what is going on around them. Also, the provision is a highly individual and specific issue. Sometimes the benefits are intangible, emotional, religious, or philosophical. Sometimes the benefits are more tangible, like a band-aid / plaster or some medication appearing when needed.
Being provided something, even intangible, does just happen, very serendipitously I might add, at least in my experience over six Caminos. Sometimes, one is not even aware that they have been 'gifted' until after - sometimes well after - they finish the actual walking. The effect is different for every pilgrim.
For many, the effect does not settle in until months after their return to a previous life. For me, it was seeing yellow directional arrows used by a developer near my then home in Virginia after my first Camino. It took a conscious effort to avoid yanking the steering wheel to follow the arrows...that made things click in my mind...but I digress...
In a way, this is like someone who suffers from PTS and experiences something in daily life that triggers negative memories from their past. I actually was diagnosed with this condition and know what I am talking about in this regard. However, the difference is that for many of us Camino veterans, the memories and flashbacks are positive. The flashbacks bring us back to a far better time and place, when we were on Camino.
True, it is possible to walk any Camino with 'blinders' on, like a horse in harness pulling a cart or wagon. But to do a Camino that way, to me, avoids the premise of the journey. Unless one is open to all that the Camino delivers to you, good and bad, the experience is diminished.
To walk a Camino and participate in the Camino experience, according to your comfort level, is when all of the magic happens. If one treats the Camino as a forced march or singular mission, with one focus, to get to the destination, the beauty of the entire journey is lost.
I do not disagree with any of what you wrote in your OP. Over my Caminos, I have at times had similar observations and thoughts. But, for me at least, the overall positive effect of the Camino, reaching into months and years beyond the actual experience, literally changed my life back in the world."
To me, the Camino continues to provide. It gets me up every morning to check and participate in this forum community. I spend from one to two hours daily trying to help others, and maintaining bonds with the many friends I have made over the years. It takes me to monthly walks with my local chapter of American Pilgrims on Camino (APOC).
The lure of the Camino, and the intensive yearning or desire to be part of this ever-unfolding mystically wonderful human experience and community takes me back to the Camino once yearly, to walk another route. Sometimes it is a month-long pilgrimage. Other times, it is two weeks or less. I will do this as long as my health permits.
Finally, it is the realization that I have received so much from my Camino experiences that I return every summer to work for one month as a volunteer at the Pilgrim Office in Santiago. I do this to give back, to contribute, to help in any way I am asked, and to grow as a human being.
Growth and learning are good things. To learn something new, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant each day is a blessing. IMHO, when we stop learning and challenging, when we stop being curious, that is when we start to die.
This experience is the center of my life, I live for it all year. I plan for it, budget for it, and literally countdown the days until I return... as of today... 24 days until I fly to Santiago de Compostela.
The Camino is many things to many people. To some, the Camino provides more. To some, it provides less. But everyone comes away changed in some way. For many, like myself, the changes are profound and, hopefully, lifelong.
I encourage you, and anyone else who might think they had a less than positive experience, to give it one more try. Consider a different route, or different time of year. It may change your perspective, experience and the results achieved.
Hope this helps.
I would have to agree with all of this I think. I think.....because with ADD reading long posts is hard for me
I’ll read it a few more times......
This part is a challenge for me.
This experience is the center of my life, I live for it all year. I plan for it, budget for it, and literally countdown the days until I return... as of today... 24 days until I fly to Santiago de Compostela.
I keep asking myself how I can best integrate all the benefits and learnings of the. Camino into my day to day life. If it’s a lesson in life, shouldn’t it work that way?
So far I have failed. My day to day work life at least; holds less and less interest for me with each passing Camino. Which brings all kinds of ‘head games’ into play, as my work life supports many many people.
It seems I am most content when walking in Spain. Life is simple, a stark contrast from my ‘normal’ life. And I feel more connected with my surroundings.
Maybe it takes a few more Caminos before it all falls in to place?
Has anyone worked it out yet...?
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