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It is very common. The reaction to it varies widely. You are going to get a lot of advice! Cull through it as carefully as you probably did in planning your pilgrimage!Has anyone else experienced something similar?
It is very common. The reaction to it varies widely. You are going to get a lot of advice! Cull through it as carefully as you probably did in planning your pilgrimage!
Ah, thank you. I read the thread it was really helpful - articulated so much of what I've been feeling - and was shocked to feel. Now, its normalized it for me. I've been feeling the urge to write (I'm a professional writer) so I'm going to give myself time to do that and see what unfurls. I'm realizing part of it is grief - it just bought me to tears thinking about the simple life walking through beauty each day.
Hi
I completed the Camino frances from St Jean to Santiago last Thursday. I got back to the US on Saturday and was dog tired for quite a few days (to be expected) and have also been feeling really down. This is unusual for me since I tend to be a chipper person. Our camino was great, and although arduous was beautiful and I really enjoyed the simplicity of the life.
Since I got back, I've been tired, teary (cried watching Greys Anatomy - also not like me), and feel generally disorientated. Feels like I need to find new bearings and things that I cared about and relationships are all up in the air. I guess part of me is missing the camino and the simplicity of that life but I also just feel disorientated and I'm slightly under the weather physically (few aches and pains still and swollen glands). I didn't expect this. The camino was such an overwhelming experience - both in joy and physical challenge - not so much in spiritual connection which surprised me because I tend to be spiritually aware.
Has anyone else experienced something similar?
I'm highly intuitive and sensitive so I'm just letting it be and letting the tears and sadness well up but it would be nice to have my bearings again so I can move forward in work and life - at least on the camino the path ahead is always clear - just follow the arrows.
Ironically, I have a Chatres labyrinth in my garden and it grew over while I was on the camino. I am yearning to walk it and I tried for hours yesterday to recreate the path to the center and I just couldn't do it. Luckily, the man who installed it for me is coming over to look.
I posted previously that I was reduced to tears whilst on the Camino.I discovered an emotional side of me that seemed to have been suppressed by that old adage "real men don't cry".I now find that many things in life make me teary,from a piece of music to the suffering of humans or animals,or when I recall how I felt at Cruz de Ferro.I am grateful to the Camino for this and many other things and can't wait to return.Hi
I completed the Camino frances from St Jean to Santiago last Thursday. I got back to the US on Saturday and was dog tired for quite a few days (to be expected) and have also been feeling really down. This is unusual for me since I tend to be a chipper person. Our camino was great, and although arduous was beautiful and I really enjoyed the simplicity of the life.
Since I got back, I've been tired, teary (cried watching Greys Anatomy - also not like me), and feel generally disorientated. Feels like I need to find new bearings and things that I cared about and relationships are all up in the air. I guess part of me is missing the camino and the simplicity of that life but I also just feel disorientated and I'm slightly under the weather physically (few aches and pains still and swollen glands). I didn't expect this. The camino was such an overwhelming experience - both in joy and physical challenge - not so much in spiritual connection which surprised me because I tend to be spiritually aware.
Has anyone else experienced something similar?
I'm highly intuitive and sensitive so I'm just letting it be and letting the tears and sadness well up but it would be nice to have my bearings again so I can move forward in work and life - at least on the camino the path ahead is always clear - just follow the arrows.
Ironically, I have a Chatres labyrinth in my garden and it grew over while I was on the camino. I am yearning to walk it and I tried for hours yesterday to recreate the path to the center and I just couldn't do it. Luckily, the man who installed it for me is coming over to look.
Probably due to the fact you were on VDLP which has a very sifferent vibe than the Frances. More walking, less "Camino family".No,
I actually cannot share this experience.
It was not a 'revelation'. It was not a 'best thing ever to happen to me'..it was complex, exhausting and painful on so many levels. Personal growth at its finest.
Probably due to the fact you were on VDLP which has a very sifferent vibe than the Frances. More walking, less "Camino family".
I did the last 100+ km from Sarria on the Camino Frances due to logistical problems for the injured in the group.Probably due to the fact you were on VDLP which has a very sifferent vibe than the Frances. More walking, less "Camino family".
Oops, but that is an even worse stretch to find "that Camino feeling". Doubt many come back from walking that stretch feeling they have seen the light.I did the last 100+ km from Sarria on the Camino Frances due to logistical problems for the injured in the group.
Well, from the grinding poverty of the farmers on the Via de la Plata and the 'ghost towns' of the impoverished villages in some of this region, to the 'razzamattaz' of the last 100+ kms on the Frances, you may have a point. I loved it all.Oops, but that is an even worse stretch to find "that Camino feeling". Doubt many come back from walking that stretch feeling they have seen the light.
Well, from the grinding poverty of the farmers on the Via de la Plata and the 'ghost towns' of the impoverished villages in some of this region, to the 'razzamattaz' of the last 100+ kms on the Frances, you may have a point. I loved it all.
Sorry to leave the OP, but I think that this point of "grinding poverty" in Spain must be clarified for new pilgrims.
There isn't "grinding poverty" anywhere in the EU (including Spain).
Of course there is poverty in Spain, but all people have free access to education and hospitals and there are different solutions for providing acommodation and food.
Those poor "farmers" that you can see on VdLP propably are retired people who earn a pension from the Gov. and grow some goats/sheep for complementing their income or just for entertainment.
Yes, it is a very usual reaction. Be kind to yourself, and start planning the next adventure - however big or small that might be.Hi
I completed the Camino frances from St Jean to Santiago last Thursday. I got back to the US on Saturday and was dog tired for quite a few days (to be expected) and have also been feeling really down. This is unusual for me since I tend to be a chipper person. Our camino was great, and although arduous was beautiful and I really enjoyed the simplicity of the life.
Since I got back, I've been tired, teary (cried watching Greys Anatomy - also not like me), and feel generally disorientated. Feels like I need to find new bearings and things that I cared about and relationships are all up in the air. I guess part of me is missing the camino and the simplicity of that life but I also just feel disorientated and I'm slightly under the weather physically (few aches and pains still and swollen glands). I didn't expect this. The camino was such an overwhelming experience - both in joy and physical challenge - not so much in spiritual connection which surprised me because I tend to be spiritually aware.
Has anyone else experienced something similar?
I'm highly intuitive and sensitive so I'm just letting it be and letting the tears and sadness well up but it would be nice to have my bearings again so I can move forward in work and life - at least on the camino the path ahead is always clear - just follow the arrows.
Ironically, I have a Chatres labyrinth in my garden and it grew over while I was on the camino. I am yearning to walk it and I tried for hours yesterday to recreate the path to the center and I just couldn't do it. Luckily, the man who installed it for me is coming over to look.
It is very common. The reaction to it varies widely. You are going to get a lot of advice! Cull through it as carefully as you probably did in planning your pilgrimage!
I suffered severelyHi
I completed the Camino frances from St Jean to Santiago last Thursday. I got back to the US on Saturday and was dog tired for quite a few days (to be expected) and have also been feeling really down. This is unusual for me since I tend to be a chipper person. Our camino was great, and although arduous was beautiful and I really enjoyed the simplicity of the life.
Since I got back, I've been tired, teary (cried watching Greys Anatomy - also not like me), and feel generally disorientated. Feels like I need to find new bearings and things that I cared about and relationships are all up in the air. I guess part of me is missing the camino and the simplicity of that life but I also just feel disorientated and I'm slightly under the weather physically (few aches and pains still and swollen glands). I didn't expect this. The camino was such an overwhelming experience - both in joy and physical challenge - not so much in spiritual connection which surprised me because I tend to be spiritually aware.
Has anyone else experienced something similar?
I'm highly intuitive and sensitive so I'm just letting it be and letting the tears and sadness well up but it would be nice to have my bearings again so I can move forward in work and life - at least on the camino the path ahead is always clear - just follow the arrows.
Ironically, I have a Chatres labyrinth in my garden and it grew over while I was on the camino. I am yearning to walk it and I tried for hours yesterday to recreate the path to the center and I just couldn't do it. Luckily, the man who installed it for me is coming over to look.
I suffered severely after my first camino. I later found out that it is a common phenomenon in professional athletes when they cease intense training. Be kind to yourself but KEEP WALKING. It is a shock to your body to stopHi
I completed the Camino frances from St Jean to Santiago last Thursday. I got back to the US on Saturday and was dog tired for quite a few days (to be expected) and have also been feeling really down. This is unusual for me since I tend to be a chipper person. Our camino was great, and although arduous was beautiful and I really enjoyed the simplicity of the life.
Since I got back, I've been tired, teary (cried watching Greys Anatomy - also not like me), and feel generally disorientated. Feels like I need to find new bearings and things that I cared about and relationships are all up in the air. I guess part of me is missing the camino and the simplicity of that life but I also just feel disorientated and I'm slightly under the weather physically (few aches and pains still and swollen glands). I didn't expect this. The camino was such an overwhelming experience - both in joy and physical challenge - not so much in spiritual connection which surprised me because I tend to be spiritually aware.
Has anyone else experienced something similar?
I'm highly intuitive and sensitive so I'm just letting it be and letting the tears and sadness well up but it would be nice to have my bearings again so I can move forward in work and life - at least on the camino the path ahead is always clear - just follow the arrows.
Ironically, I have a Chatres labyrinth in my garden and it grew over while I was on the camino. I am yearning to walk it and I tried for hours yesterday to recreate the path to the center and I just couldn't do it. Luckily, the man who installed it for me is coming over to look.
Thank you OP for your post. We returned from 120km with our start outside Sarria and I am truly struck with a bad case of the post Camino blues. Already trying to figure out how to get back and begin in St Jean and how to do this with a 10 year old child (who did fabulously and much better than she or I thought) as a single mom. Your words and the many posters here have helped me feel not alone. Thank you. x
I only know what I saw and experienced in many of the villages between Salamanca and Ourense. The villages were nearly empty, with a few old people and in a couple of cases literally an albergue and one bar run by the same family. There were no children, with all the playgrounds overgrown, derelict homes and businesses, and in one case we had the feeling that we were eating the only food. (of course the money we paid would buy more and other necessities for these people. ) Bring on the extra income from the pilgrims, as has happened over the last couple of decades for the northerners!Sorry to leave the OP, but I think that this point of "grinding poverty" in Spain must be clarified for new pilgrims.
There isn't "grinding poverty" anywhere in the EU (including Spain).
Of course there is poverty in Spain, but all people have free access to education and hospitals and there are different solutions for providing acommodation and food.
Those poor "farmers" that you can see on VdLP propably are retired people who earn a pension from the Gov. and grow some goats/sheep for complementing their income or just for entertainment.
Hi
I completed the Camino frances from St Jean to Santiago last Thursday. I got back to the US on Saturday and was dog tired for quite a few days (to be expected) and have also been feeling really down. This is unusual for me since I tend to be a chipper person. Our camino was great, and although arduous was beautiful and I really enjoyed the simplicity of the life.
Since I got back, I've been tired, teary (cried watching Greys Anatomy - also not like me), and feel generally disorientated. Feels like I need to find new bearings and things that I cared about and relationships are all up in the air. I guess part of me is missing the camino and the simplicity of that life but I also just feel disorientated and I'm slightly under the weather physically (few aches and pains still and swollen glands). I didn't expect this. The camino was such an overwhelming experience - both in joy and physical challenge - not so much in spiritual connection which surprised me because I tend to be spiritually aware.
Has anyone else experienced something similar?
I'm highly intuitive and sensitive so I'm just letting it be and letting the tears and sadness well up but it would be nice to have my bearings again so I can move forward in work and life - at least on the camino the path ahead is always clear - just follow the arrows.
Ironically, I have a Chatres labyrinth in my garden and it grew over while I was on the camino. I am yearning to walk it and I tried for hours yesterday to recreate the path to the center and I just couldn't do it. Luckily, the man who installed it for me is coming over to look.
I can relate well to your Camino Blues. I completed my Camino in October 2015. 800kms from St. Jean to Santiago. I went alone. I have never felt such joy and such freedom at any other time in my life. No responsibility. For 6 weeks I was nobody's wife, mother, nana, sister. I had a break from caring for my 88yr old mother and the stress and heartache associated with her dementia.
I cried with guilt, I cried for joy, I cried because after a week of walking I felt like a whole person and I had forgotten how good that felt. I cried walking tbrough the eucalyptus forest on my last day. I cried in the Pilgrim Office and couldn't speak.
The Camino changed my life. It is with me every day. My life back in New Zealand is still full on. It took me a year to talk about my experience. There was nobody to share it with so I share all you experiences on the Camino Forum each night before I go to sleep.
On the 27th August I fly to Lisbon to walj the Camino Portuguese.
Thank you all for keeping my Camino alive.
...I have never felt such joy and such freedom at any other time in my life. No responsibility. For 6 weeks I was nobody's wife, mother, nana, sister. I had a break from caring for my 88yr old mother and the stress and heartache associated with her dementia.
I cried with guilt, I cried for joy, I cried because after a week of walking I felt like a whole person and I had forgotten how good that felt. I cried walking tbrough the eucalyptus forest on my last day. I cried in the Pilgrim Office and couldn't speak.
The Camino changed my life. It is with me every day. My life back in New Zealand is still full on. It took me a year to talk about my experience. There was nobody to share it with so I share all you experiences on the Camino Forum each night before I go to sleep.
On the 27th August I fly to Lisbon to walj the Camino Portuguese.
Thank you all for keeping my Camino alive.
I would have loved that.I can relate well to your Camino Blues. I completed my Camino in October 2015. 800kms from St. Jean to Santiago. I went alone. I have never felt such joy and such freedom at any other time in my life. No responsibility. For 6 weeks I was nobody's wife, mother, nana, sister. I had a break from caring for my 88yr old mother and the stress and heartache associated with her dementia.
I cried with guilt, I cried for joy, I cried because after a week of walking I felt like a whole person and I had forgotten how good that felt. I cried walking tbrough the eucalyptus forest on my last day. I cried in the Pilgrim Office and couldn't speak.
The Camino changed my life. It is with me every day. My life back in New Zealand is still full on. It took me a year to talk about my experience. There was nobody to share it with so I share all you experiences on the Camino Forum each night before I go to sleep.
On the 27th August I fly to Lisbon to walj the Camino Portuguese.
Thank you all for keeping my Camino alive.
Additional bonus: training/walking partner and motivationRe: Post-Camino Slump.
1. Go to Farmer's Market.
2. Look inside little red wagon.
3. Pick up adorable puppy.
4. Take home puppy.
5. Ask family to watch puppy next fall for shortened Camino.
6. Slump gone!
Ahhh, that's such sincere and positive post about Camino..., uhhh..., I don't know what to say really, I'm just glad that you experienced it that way. You deserve it and also Camino deserve it. Thank you for such wonderful post!!!I can relate well to your Camino Blues. I completed my Camino in October 2015. 800kms from St. Jean to Santiago. I went alone. I have never felt such joy and such freedom at any other time in my life. No responsibility. For 6 weeks I was nobody's wife, mother, nana, sister. I had a break from caring for my 88yr old mother and the stress and heartache associated with her dementia.
I cried with guilt, I cried for joy, I cried because after a week of walking I felt like a whole person and I had forgotten how good that felt. I cried walking tbrough the eucalyptus forest on my last day. I cried in the Pilgrim Office and couldn't speak.
The Camino changed my life. It is with me every day. My life back in New Zealand is still full on. It took me a year to talk about my experience. There was nobody to share it with so I share all you experiences on the Camino Forum each night before I go to sleep.
On the 27th August I fly to Lisbon to walj the Camino Portuguese.
Thank you all for keeping my Camino alive.
Re: Post-Camino Slump.
1. Go to Farmer's Market.
2. Look inside little red wagon.
3. Pick up adorable puppy.
4. Take home puppy.
5. Ask fam
6. Slump gone!
Or greater slump all the way as you miss puppy dearly!3. Pick up adorable puppy.
4. Take home puppy.
5. Ask family to watch puppy next fall for shortened Camino.
6. Slump gone!
The best remedy is planning your next one. I've been trying to get back but I will in a fury in 2018. El Norte to Lisbon with finnester and muxia. 2015 my tears began after getting home oct 12thHi
I completed the Camino frances from St Jean to Santiago last Thursday. I got back to the US on Saturday and was dog tired for quite a few days (to be expected) and have also been feeling really down. This is unusual for me since I tend to be a chipper person. Our camino was great, and although arduous was beautiful and I really enjoyed the simplicity of the life.
Since I got back, I've been tired, teary (cried watching Greys Anatomy - also not like me), and feel generally disorientated. Feels like I need to find new bearings and things that I cared about and relationships are all up in the air. I guess part of me is missing the camino and the simplicity of that life but I also just feel disorientated and I'm slightly under the weather physically (few aches and pains still and swollen glands). I didn't expect this. The camino was such an overwhelming experience - both in joy and physical challenge - not so much in spiritual connection which surprised me because I tend to be spiritually aware.
Has anyone else experienced something similar?
I'm highly intuitive and sensitive so I'm just letting it be and letting the tears and sadness well up but it would be nice to have my bearings again so I can move forward in work and life - at least on the camino the path ahead is always clear - just follow the arrows.
Ironically, I have a Chatres labyrinth in my garden and it grew over while I was on the camino. I am yearning to walk it and I tried for hours yesterday to recreate the path to the center and I just couldn't do it. Luckily, the man who installed it for me is coming over to look.
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