Reality check

[celined]

Sorry if this is a common and redundant topic, but here you go. I was lucky enough to be able to walk the Camino Frances from SJPP to Finisterre and Muxcia last month. I feel so grateful for the whole experience. I was expecting to feel some difficulty going back home. I know that I have to find a job and sort my life out but my only desire is to go back on the trail, not to escape reality and daily life but because this is what real life is about.Thanks to the Camino, I feel peaceful and strong and I hope this will never fade. I guess that as it was the first Camino for me, the others won't be as meaningful but I might be wrong? Buen Camino everyone!

 

[stevenjarvis]

Congratulations on reaching the sea ! I hope your job hunting and life sorting are all the better for your recent experience.. there are many that argue that they are all part of our individual Camino. As far as other Caminos and how meaningful they will be, I think they will build on your first, and bring you something new. Buen Camino

 

[mralisn]

Hi celined,

It is nice to read of your feelings of being grateful, have peace, keeping strong. Thank you for sharing. Perhaps many of us feel the same in trying to sustain the mindset from the Camino after we return. Such an enormous challenge to not let fade.

Having different experiences pre/mid/post walks have had the most significant impact in my life. While each have been very different, they remain special because it is still a continuing experience. Three different journeys, however, when all strung together one life changing experience. It's time to add a 4th. I think my first was the most meaningful, but it didn't devalue the next two. On my first, it was extremely social. The second, more solitary and reflective. On the third, more of a provider and looked after others in many ways. Again, different experiences as I wanted to make sure not to "recreate" any other.

I hope you do get to return again. When you do, I bet you have a different approach which will surely reveal new experiences and opportunities.

For now, maybe finding some time to go for long walks (what most people think as long, we think as normal ) will help continue your heart strong as you re-enter life at home. This always works for me.

Keep a smile,
Simeon

 

[Al the optimist]

"I guess that as it was the first Camino for me, the others won't be as meaningful but I might be wrong? Buen Camino everyone!"
Personally I seem to grow more "oneness" with each Camino. My friends say (and I agree) that in the two years I have been walking I have changed. I hope they mean for the better. They do say and I do feel much calmer and unstressed.

 

[lizlane]

Everything will be okay Celine! I lost my job which was actually affording me a real savings account for my pilgrimage, got denied unemployment benefits, will likely lose my home of nine years, not to mention the agonizing distress of what will become of my two precious Cocker Spaniels and the unending well of anger that my boss didn't fire me in August when I could have hopped a plane! Now I have all the time in the world to go to Spain but no money. Before, I had all the money and no time! Such is the irony of my journey...One day I will return from Spain to face the trials you now do as countless others before us have! There is a path. Be still and watchful. It will open before you!

It is a special soul that recognizes the value of another way to live, seizes the opportunity to embrace it and a free spirit that refuses to release it! Embracing the new journey you face is just an extension of your pilgrimage! Don't let the world suck your soul from you...

 

[pilgrim b]

There is a path. Be still and watchful. It will open before you!

It is a special soul that recognizes the value of another way to live, seizes the opportunity to embrace it and a free spirit that refuses to release it! Embracing the new journey you face is just an extension of your pilgrimage! Don't let the world suck your soul from you…

I feel a real empathy towards you lizlane in your present circumstances of no job no money. I also believe your words quoted above came from deep within your own Spirit.
Just take ownership of them and be encouraged, that is the Way, your way.

 

[lizlane]

Thanks for the encouragement! I just believe that there is more to being a pilgrim than donning a backpack and hopping a plane! And that putting the pack in the closet and getting on with life doesn't mean the journey has ended...

 

[celined]

Thanks all for your contributions! I feel on the Camino again, being surrounded by caring and kind people!
Lizlane I am so sorry to hear about your hardships and I hope that bit by bit things will change for the better. I am very lucky as I can stay at my parents', which helps tremendously.
' Before, I had all the money and no time!' Yes, I can understand that! I have been in a hamster's wheel for a while..work, work but time flies and it is important to live in the moment whenever possible.
There are no problems, only solutions...it is easy to say this I know but I believe it! Take care of yourself!

 

[celined]

"I guess that as it was the first Camino for me, the others won't be as meaningful but I might be wrong? Buen Camino everyone!"
Personally I seem to grow more "oneness" with each Camino. My friends say (and I agree) that in the two years I have been walking I have changed. I hope they mean for the better. They do say and I do feel much calmer and unstressed.

Thanks Al for posting! It is interesting to hear that your friends have noticed a change. I believe you are right, this is only a beginning and each journey can help out finding serenity.

 

[celined]

Hi celined,

It is nice to read of your feelings of being grateful, have peace, keeping strong. Thank you for sharing. Perhaps many of us feel the same in trying to sustain the mindset from the Camino after we return. Such an enormous challenge to not let fade.

Having different experiences pre/mid/post walks have had the most significant impact in my life. While each have been very different, they remain special because it is still a continuing experience. Three different journeys, however, when all strung together one life changing experience. It's time to add a 4th. I think my first was the most meaningful, but it didn't devalue the next two. On my first, it was extremely social. The second, more solitary and reflective. On the third, more of a provider and looked after others in many ways. Again, different experiences as I wanted to make sure not to "recreate" any other.

I hope you do get to return again. When you do, I bet you have a different approach which will surely reveal new experiences and opportunities.

For now, maybe finding some time to go for long walks (what most people think as long, we think as normal ) will help continue your heart strong as you re-enter life at home. This always works for me.

Keep a smile,
Simeon

Thanks Simeon for sharing your experience and your wise words! I have not been on long walks but I jog long distances which has got a similar positive effect on me. For sure I will go back on the trail! Take care, Celine

 

[celined]

It's interesting how many people seem to feel the same way. I had injured my ankle and even so I felt so good heading out each cool morning walking and enjoying being in the countryside. The first weeks back at work was a bit of a let down and we missed it terribly. I wished we lived closer but being from Canada I can only afford to go every few years - also to get enough vacation time to go for 6 weeks. No question the Camino has become an integral part of my life - good luck with you job search and maybe one day we see you on the way

Thanks for your post Russell. I am lucky as I live in france now so it is easy and cheap to go to Spain. Thanks for your good wishes! Buen camino! Celine

 

[Al the optimist]

That you used the word serenity is a bit of a coincidence as on Friday a friend said I seemed more serene!