Sharing Pilgrim Stories: Was Your Camino Life-changing?

[Irenie]

Greetings, friends, Here's my blog, Walking Through the Ages and the many stories pilgrims from this forum shared to answer my question. Thank you all for taking the time to reply with your unique experiences. I had so many that I have printed excerpts of the longer responses and linked them to the original forum page. I hope you enjoy reading and while you're on the page check out the December 13 post for earlier replies, as well as other entries from my Camino adventures. Buen Camino, Irene

"It’s the Season of Light, Change, Celebration and Sharing. The thread that runs through these stories is Gratitude. My hope is that we all continue to practice kindness, gratitude and compassion in our everyday lives, not just on the Camino or in December, but 365 days a year. That will be the power of the Camino."

https://walkingthroughtheages.com/2017/12/19/more-camino-stories/

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

I do not consider my Camino experience to be unique. Many get injured and cannot complete it. But when considering the personal effects and experiences of the Camino on anyone, I truly feel that the effect will be completely based on their purpose for doing it. In some cases, of course, this will not apply. But I do hope that for everyone on the Camino, they find what they are looking for, whatever their purpose may be.

 

[Irenie]

I do not consider my Camino experience to be unique. Many get injured and cannot complete it. But when considering the personal effects and experiences of the Camino on anyone, I truly feel that the effect will be completely based on their purpose for doing it. In some cases, of course, this will not apply. But I do hope that for everyone on the Camino, they find what they are looking for, whatever their purpose may be.

Thank you, @MichelleElynHogan. I love your sentiment, hoping "that for everyone on the Camino, they find what they are looking for, whatever their purpose may be." Buen Camino, Irene

 

[ISABEL linares]

Greetings, friends, Here's my blog, Walking Through the Ages and the many stories pilgrims from this forum shared to answer my question. Thank you all for taking the time to reply with your unique experiences. I had so many that I have printed excerpts of the longer responses and linked them to the original forum page. I hope you enjoy reading and while you're on the page check out the December 13 post for earlier replies, as well as other entries from my Camino adventures. Buen Camino, Irene

"It’s the Season of Light, Change, Celebration and Sharing. The thread that runs through these stories is Gratitude. My hope is that we all continue to practice kindness, gratitude and compassion in our everyday lives, not just on the Camino or in December, but 365 days a year. That will be the power of the Camino."

https://walkingthroughtheages.com/2017/12/19/more-camino-stories/

To all the peregrinos FELICES NAVIDADES AN PEACEFUL NEW YEAR.

 

[Irenie]

To all the peregrinos FELICES NAVIDADES AN PEACEFUL NEW YEAR.

I join @ISABEL linares in wishing everyone a New Year filled with joy and love to light up your path. Buen Camino.

 

[TMcA]

First, best wishes to all during this holiday season and during the coming new year.

I get the feeling that many people approaching the Camino expect it to be some form of transformative experience. I wonder if this is possibly a result of having viewed The Way. If it is transformative for you, I am happy for you and I hope that you can maintain whatever has been changed for the good after you return home. But for me, this has just not been the case. As the other posters have mentioned, each person's journey to the Camino is different as far as expectations and reason for walking. And so is the actual Camino...the people met and the experiences gained. For me the humanism of walking in the same direction for weeks at a time, meeting people from all over the world and hearing their differing points of view about life, politics, and even religion are what make these walks, pilgrimages for some, of course, so interesting and so memorable.

Buen Camino a todos.

Tom

 

[jo webber]

Did the Camino change me? No. Sorta. Kinda, yes.

There is less of a feeling of urgency in my life, the next village will be there when I get there. It isn't moving.
The memories are beautiful and will stay with my forever.
I am happier in the moment and can decide to be still in those moments.

The joy, the strength, the quiet inner feeling of ability.

 

[alaskadiver]

The Camino didn’t change us. We weren’t looking to be changed or needed that aspect of it. It was fun and a great way to touch my ancestral roots and history. We did learn that when we retire early in a few years we can make it part of our home free living. I plan to spend a couple to 3 months on the Camino just enjoying the walking at a slower pace. We’ll do the Frances then.

Husband and I already travel light, but learned we can do it even more ultralight

 

[Irenie]

First, best wishes to all during this holiday season and during the coming new year.

I get the feeling that many people approaching the Camino expect it to be some form of transformative experience. I wonder if this is possibly a result of having viewed The Way. If it is transformative for you, I am happy for you and I hope that you can maintain whatever has been changed for the good after you return home. But for me, this has just not been the case. As the other posters have mentioned, each person's journey to the Camino is different as far as expectations and reason for walking. And so is the actual Camino...the people met and the experiences gained. For me the humanism of walking in the same direction for weeks at a time, meeting people from all over the world and hearing their differing points of view about life, politics, and even religion are what make these walks, pilgrimages for some, of course, so interesting and so memorable.


Buen Camino a todos.

Tom

[/QUOTE]

First, best wishes to all during this holiday season and during the coming new year.

I get the feeling that many people approaching the Camino expect it to be some form of transformative experience. I wonder if this is possibly a result of having viewed The Way. If it is transformative for you, I am happy for you and I hope that you can maintain whatever has been changed for the good after you return home. But for me, this has just not been the case. As the other posters have mentioned, each person's journey to the Camino is different as far as expectations and reason for walking. And so is the actual Camino...the people met and the experiences gained. For me the humanism of walking in the same direction for weeks at a time, meeting people from all over the world and hearing their differing points of view about life, politics, and even religion are what make these walks, pilgrimages for some, of course, so interesting and so memorable.

Buen Camino a todos.

Tom

Thank you, @TMcA, for your reply. I think each of us interprets "life-changing" in a personal way. Your memorable experience will probably stay with you for a long time. Some pilgrims have called that "life affirming" or life-resetting" or maybe "just" memorable. Your description may not be unique, but the way your describe your walk, the Camino experience is different from many other journeys. I appreciate your sharing your Camino. Buen Camino, Irene

 

[Irenie]

The Camino didn’t change us. We weren’t looking to be changed or needed that aspect of it. It was fun and a great way to touch my ancestral roots and history. We did learn that when we retire early in a few years we can make it part of our home free living. I plan to spend a couple to 3 months on the Camino just enjoying the walking at a slower pace. We’ll do the Frances then.

Husband and I already travel light, but learned we can do it even more ultralight

Thank you, @alaskadiver. Sounds like you have another Camino and a time to spend walking in the future. Buen Camino, Irene

 

[Irenie]

Did the Camino change me? No. Sorta. Kinda, yes.

There is less of a feeling of urgency in my life, the next village will be there when I get there. It isn't moving.
The memories are beautiful and will stay with my forever.
I am happier in the moment and can decide to be still in those moments.

The joy, the strength, the quiet inner feeling of ability.

Thank you, @jo webber. I like how you wrote, "No. Sorta. Kinda, yes." Maybe change is a concept that is so personal, it takes us a while to consider how we might be different after a Camino. Wishing you beautiful memories and happy moments. Buen Camino, Irene