Refusing to be bystanders

[billbennettoz]

This just landed in my inbox - and I thought it sums up my attitude at the moment, less than four weeks out from starting my first Camino. It's a quote from Howard Schultz, who started up Starbucks:

“There are moments in our lives when we summon the courage to make choices that go against reason, against common sense and the wise counsel of people we trust. But we lean forward nonetheless because, despite all risks and rational argument, we believe that the path we are choosing is the right and best thing to do. We refuse to be bystanders, even if we do not know exactly where our actions will lead."

How apt for the Camino!

 

[fortview]

If there was a "like " button here, I'd hit it
Really think you will have a great camino!

 

[billbennettoz]

If there was a "like " button here, I'd hit it
Really think you will have a great camino!

Thank you fortview! Those words of Schultz's, no doubt referring to business decisions, are just so perfect when considering the camino!

 

[David]

I just hit the virtual 'like' button too!

Buen Camino Pilgrim :wink:

 

[fraluchi]

It's a quote from Howard Schultz, who started up Starbucks: “There are moments in our lives [...] We refuse to be bystanders, even if we do not know exactly where our actions will lead."

Great quote from an exceptional entrepreneur. However, many people who didn't know exactly where their actions led are not quotable. At best :roll:

 

[jillscherling]

This is so very appropriate! Putting this on my Camino bookmark to read again. I'm targeting Fall 2015! Thank you for sharing with us. Buen Camino!

 

[Freedrik]

'summon the courage to make choices that
go against reason, against common sense"

Why you think that walking the Camino goes against
common sense or reason?

Profound quote but...

 

[Rebekah Scott]

I can think of a lot of ways this applies to pilgrims.

Pilgrims often inhabit their role fully. They are travelers across a landscape, observing and contemplating and doing all kinds of inner work. Sadly, it often translates to a disconnect with the landscape they are traveling across! Which means they are bystanders at village festivals and processions -- they smile and take pictures, then scuttle off without engaging with anyone. When the bells ring for Mass, the pilgrims cluster together out on the porch, they do not go inside or take part in worship -- which is supposedly the heart, soul, and purpose of pilgrimage!

When they see another pilgrim throw trash on the ground, they say nothing. They keep walking and leave it lying there for someone else to clean up -- they are pilgrims, just passing through. Why make trouble? It´s none of their business. Or they stand by and watch while others clean up the litter or the kitchen, or chop the onions, or struggle with tent-flaps or ponchos. The are observing, watching, keeping out of the way. Bystanding.

I think this may be just a phase in pilgrim role-playing. The longer one walks, the more he comes out of his observer role and into full interaction with the Camino and his fellow pilgrims. At least I hope that is true.

 

[soch]

Bystanding

Have you noticed how Rebekah Scott's elegant and insightful posts go very well with coffee and croissant ? Her reflections on humankind's sad weaknesses are lightened by a saving compassion.

Great to see her back on form.

soch