- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Portuguese from Lisbon Apr 29, 2023
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Because they are there. I don't see it as embracing my suffering - largely because that sounds a bit overdramatic as a description for an hour or two of time spent walking in less attractive surroundings. Even in the industrial suburbs there is usually something that catches my eye and gives me material to reflect on. My only absolute rule for my pilgrimages is that I walk every step of the way from start to finish unless that is physically impossible or wildly impractical: eg on the Via Francigena I crossed from Dover to Calais by ferry rather than swimming or walking on water...WHY I WALK THROUGH CAMINO INDUSTRIAL AREAS
I thoroughly enjoy the industrial outskirts of big cities - not the big factories and offices per se; but the industrial estates with small engineering shops; car workshops and ‘stuff going on’. That’s more real life happening all around you than you’ll find in an ornate church or a pristine city centre.WHY I WALK THROUGH CAMINO INDUSTRIAL AREAS
Three Quick Questions: have you ever suffered in your life? Did you get through the suffering? Did that suffering make you a stronger person?
I answer yes to all three questions. That is why I walk through huge cities, pound the pavement when it presents itself, industrial areas, BRING IT ON! And I love it because I know that suffering in life is inevitable.
Working through suffering makes us stronger. There is no new life without a bit of suffering.
When you are out there on the Camino trudging along, know that allowing yourself to suffer a bit will enhance and enrich your Camino experience.
Before you jump in that taxi to bypass that industrial zone, think about all you have sacrificed so far just to be able to walk this Pilgrimage to the burial site of Saint James. Really give it the old college try before you hang up the towel. Rest if you need to. Walk slower. Struggle a bit. You will be a much stronger and joyful person. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. Fr Scott
Or go off-piste and find an alternative safe way round.Pilgrims should take a bus or other transportation if there is some kind of danger noted (road constuction, busy highway, fire, etc.). In some areas it is recommended to take the bus around hazards.
In my life, I have been extremely fortunate to experience very little of what I would call "suffering." Certainly I made no significant sacrifices to be able to walk the Camino. Besides, I don't see as suffering, the challenge of walking through an industrial area, or being sore and cranky after a long walk.Before you jump in that taxi to bypass that industrial zone, think about all you have sacrificed so far just to be able to walk this Pilgrimage
Duly noted my friend!WHY I DON'T (ALWAYS) WALK THROUGH CAMINO INDUSTRIAL AREAS
1. Walking on concrete for extended periods of time aggravates my pre-existing injuries, leading to (actual, physical) suffering and a risk that I might not finish my camino at all if I stupidly persevere with something my body is quite clearly telling me I should not be doing
2. (in absence of physical reasons as above) It is boring. It's not "suffering" by any definition of that word I'd use - it's just easy, and boring. If I wanted to walk through industrial areas, I have plenty of opportunity to do that at home (and no, I don't do it there either typically)
3. I don't feel the need to adhere to someone's else's criteria as to what a camino "should" be. You live by your rules, my friend, and I'll just make my own.
But the horses left a lasting impression, as a notable sight after Roncesvalles, like somehow they’d seen it all before, encouraging pilgrims to be careful but to keep walking the path however it presents itself.
The car dealerships, heavy equipment sales and repair, the miscellaneous industries, the mega TV studio complex as you approach Santiago, reminds me that Spain and Spaniards are not that different then the rest of us. I was so tempted to enter the Mercedes car dealership and just browse. I kept thinking, I should buy a used one at the end of my Camino and tour the rest of Spain for an extended time. Perhaps next time, April 2023.WHY I WALK THROUGH CAMINO INDUSTRIAL AREAS
Three Quick Questions: have you ever suffered in your life? Did you get through the suffering? Did that suffering make you a stronger person?
I answer yes to all three questions. That is why I walk through huge cities, pound the pavement when it presents itself, industrial areas, BRING IT ON! And I love it because I know that suffering in life is inevitable.
Working through suffering makes us stronger. There is no new life without a bit of suffering.
When you are out there on the Camino trudging along, know that allowing yourself to suffer a bit will enhance and enrich your Camino experience.
Before you jump in that taxi to bypass that industrial zone, think about all you have sacrificed so far just to be able to walk this Pilgrimage to the burial site of Saint James. Really give it the old college try before you hang up the towel. Rest if you need to. Walk slower. Struggle a bit. You will be a much stronger and joyful person. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. Fr Scott
Duly noted my friend! Suffering may be stretching it a bit.I do not mean to be rude or aggressive but the idea of "suffering" because we are forced to walk through an industrialized area shows how so many people who by the luck of who knows what, were born into a country that equates this with suffering. Yes, a camino can be difficult, and yes some may succumb to an blister, bone spur or for a few unfortunate souls something much more serious. But overall I believe that we are stretching (I am just as guilty as anyone on this front) of saying we are suffering on the camino. A shin splint or blister is really painful and you may have some real pain for a short period of time. In this you may be temporarily suffer for a few hours or days. Others may have chronic conditions that they do suffer with that are exacerbated by camino. But walking by the airport into Burgos or along the highway into Leon is far from suffering. At best it is a big Yeck!
Great response Rita!! Thanx. Have a fantastic Camino! Peace.I am currently on Via de la Plata and left the hot hot plains about a week ago. I can honestly say I did not enjoy many elements of the first part of this Camino. I was resistant and grumpy - I just couldn’t find the joy. Then through various circumstances there were some days when I walked in the indescribably hot afternoon. The first time felt so hard; I couldn’t wait to get to our destination; it felt like it would never end. The next time I realised that this was just temporary, it would end, and most importantly that I was OK and could do this (I had plenty of water and my umbrella)
My experience is that overcoming or even just surviving difficulties can make me stronger; not so much the difficulty itself but meaning I make of it.
Interestingly after I left those scorching plains I missed them. I still do; I think because a lot of the time I was focused on my own feelings of misery rather than what was actually in front of me.
Metals are tempered with fire and for me so is the human spirit. I feel stronger and more free when I mine the juice of difficulty rather than avoid it.
PS. I also know when to walk slower, shorter, or take a bus or taxi. There are the challenges that grow your inner muscle and those that can cause permanent damage. The wisdom is to know the difference.
"one needs to do a camino in order to achieve maximum benefit." What does this mean--are there words left out?The suffering I do on a camino is the work I do to hold space for those who need to point out - yet again - how one needs to do a camino in order to achieve maximum benefit.
Yes, and challenge is the biggest doorway in to that. Maybe not 'suffering' - maybe just dissatisfaction or disappointment or stress. Whatever you call it, we create it in response to difficulty - and it is optional. Avoiding simple unpleasantness means we miss learning how to access the joy of contentment with whatever life brings.Just like the Camino, there are many paths to insight
What's wrong with that? It's not life's job to entertain us.It is boring
Maybe maybe not. There's suffering leading to more suffering and suffering leading to the end of suffering. We can cultivate the second kind. Or not.don't subscribe to the idea that suffering makes anyone stronger, it just makes them suffer and I'm sure when it's over people are more relieved than stronger.
I hear you and I also hold the opinion that every person decides what they want their Camino to be. So whether people walk every step or not, is not my Camino.WHY I WALK THROUGH CAMINO INDUSTRIAL AREAS
Three Quick Questions: have you ever suffered in your life? Did you get through the suffering? Did that suffering make you a stronger person?
I answer yes to all three questions. That is why I walk through huge cities, pound the pavement when it presents itself, industrial areas, BRING IT ON! And I love it because I know that suffering in life is inevitable.
Working through suffering makes us stronger. There is no new life without a bit of suffering.
When you are out there on the Camino trudging along, know that allowing yourself to suffer a bit will enhance and enrich your Camino experience.
Before you jump in that taxi to bypass that industrial zone, think about all you have sacrificed so far just to be able to walk this Pilgrimage to the burial site of Saint James. Really give it the old college try before you hang up the towel. Rest if you need to. Walk slower. Struggle a bit. You will be a much stronger and joyful person. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. Fr Scott
I walk through them too, but not for any other reason other than they are there. I dont think of it as suffering but just as part of the Camino.WHY I WALK THROUGH CAMINO INDUSTRIAL AREAS
Three Quick Questions: have you ever suffered in your life? Did you get through the suffering? Did that suffering make you a stronger person?
I answer yes to all three questions. That is why I walk through huge cities, pound the pavement when it presents itself, industrial areas, BRING IT ON! And I love it because I know that suffering in life is inevitable.
Working through suffering makes us stronger. There is no new life without a bit of suffering.
When you are out there on the Camino trudging along, know that allowing yourself to suffer a bit will enhance and enrich your Camino experience.
Before you jump in that taxi to bypass that industrial zone, think about all you have sacrificed so far just to be able to walk this Pilgrimage to the burial site of Saint James. Really give it the old college try before you hang up the towel. Rest if you need to. Walk slower. Struggle a bit. You will be a much stronger and joyful person. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. Fr Scott
I feel the same way.I walk through them too, but not for any other reason than they are there. I dont think of it as suffering but just as part of the Camino.
Hmmm... A wee bit over the top, in my humble opinion...WHY I WALK THROUGH CAMINO INDUSTRIAL AREAS
Three Quick Questions: have you ever suffered in your life? Did you get through the suffering? Did that suffering make you a stronger person?
I answer yes to all three questions. That is why I walk through huge cities, pound the pavement when it presents itself, industrial areas, BRING IT ON! And I love it because I know that suffering in life is inevitable.
Working through suffering makes us stronger. There is no new life without a bit of suffering.
When you are out there on the Camino trudging along, know that allowing yourself to suffer a bit will enhance and enrich your Camino experience.
Before you jump in that taxi to bypass that industrial zone, think about all you have sacrificed so far just to be able to walk this Pilgrimage to the burial site of Saint James. Really give it the old college try before you hang up the towel. Rest if you need to. Walk slower. Struggle a bit. You will be a much stronger and joyful person. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. Fr Scott
Buen camino whatever you do!Duly noted my friend! Suffering may be stretching it a bit.
WHY I WALK THROUGH CAMINO INDUSTRIAL AREAS
Three Quick Questions: have you ever suffered in your life? Did you get through the suffering? Did that suffering make you a stronger person?
I answer yes to all three questions. That is why I walk through huge cities, pound the pavement when it presents itself, industrial areas, BRING IT ON! And I love it because I know that suffering in life is inevitable.
Working through suffering makes us stronger. There is no new life without a bit of suffering.
When you are out there on the Camino trudging along, know that allowing yourself to suffer a bit will enhance and enrich your Camino experience.
Before you jump in that taxi to bypass that industrial zone, think about all you have sacrificed so far just to be able to walk this Pilgrimage to the burial site of Saint James. Really give it the old college try before you hang up the towel. Rest if you need to. Walk slower. Struggle a bit. You will be a much stronger and joyful person. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. Fr Scott
What about a used Lamborghini .... (tractor)The car dealerships, heavy equipment sales and repair, the miscellaneous industries, the mega TV studio complex as you approach Santiago, reminds me that Spain and Spaniards are not that different then the rest of us. I was so tempted to enter the Mercedes car dealership and just browse. I kept thinking, I should buy a used one at the end of my Camino and tour the rest of Spain for an extended time. Perhaps next time, April 2023.
OK .... let everyone have their own take on what the Camino is/is not. I for one couldn't disagree with you more....Duly noted my friend!
I worry about the suggestion that walking through industrial areas can be equated to suffering. It might be unpleasant, even boring, but it's hardly suffering.WHY I WALK THROUGH CAMINO INDUSTRIAL AREAS
Three Quick Questions: have you ever suffered in your life? Did you get through the suffering? Did that suffering make you a stronger person?
Thank you for your heartfelt response. There are definitely many different levels of suffering. Peace!I worry about the suggestion that walking through industrial areas can be equated to suffering. It might be unpleasant, even boring, but it's hardly suffering.
I put some thought into this earlier this year when I started walking the Caminho do Tejo and then the CP. Circumstances limited the flexibility that I had, and if I was to spend a couple of days in Santiago, I had to walk the Central Route from Porto. I was aware that many here suggest taking the train for at least part of that day.
It seems to me that whether it is Porto, Leon, Burgos or anywhere else, the urban and industrial areas at the outskirts of these cities are the places where people live and work, raise their families, earn their income, play sport, attend their churches, and so many other things. It seemed to me that it would be disdainful not to walk through these areas. Concrete and asphalt are going to be harder on one's feet than other surfaces. The aesthetic appeal of historic city centres or the bucolic ambience of more rural settings isn't there to distract one from these less appealing places. But these are the places where the local people live out the bulk of their lives, and equally deserving of being part of my pilgrimage as any of the other places I walked.
As for suffering, I think there are many people who walk in physical, mental and emotional pain. I try not to recall too vividly walking the pilgrim shuffle each evening for the first week or so of my first pilgrimage, or later on the sight of a woman whose blisters covered large parts of both feet. These were just the obvious signs of physical suffering that pilgrims were coping with.
I remember losing my brother when I next walked the CF. Even though I knew that he was likely to die while I was away, I was in anguish for days afterwards whether to return home or not, even though I had told him before I left that I wouldn't. And the grief continued even when I knew that I wouldn't go back for his funeral. The company of other pilgrims was so important to me at that time, even if they might not have realised why.
I am sure that there are many similar or more traumatic stories along the Camino. After all, in any year we are the walking equivalent of a reasonably sized city in most countries, and could expect to have amongst us somewhat similar problems.
Perhaps I am wrong, but I think there is also a different strength in knowing when one might not be gaining in physical, mental or emotional strength by struggling through, and having the courage to accept that.
If the worst suffering you experience is walking through an industrial area, consider yourself very lucky. And if perhaps you get a little better insight into the way that ordinary people are living day to day, that would add to the wealth of experiences that make up your pilgrimage. And that might make you a better, and stonger, person in a myriad of ways.
Duly noted. Maybe I explained myself better in this video. Peace.Have suffered enough in my life, I don't need "experiences on the Camino" to add to it. Walking through industrial areas is not suffering. They are just there.
Didn't Mother Teresa advocate this kind of philosophy while forcing her nuns to use dull needles for injections on the poor. That suffering brought them closer to Jesus? Just one of the reasons why she isn't on my admiration list.
Please stop judging those who may need a bus or taxi, you have no idea why they are riding for a while. Give them a break!
I missed the river route and "suffered" through the industrial one. I saw only one other pilgrim into Burgos and he and I walked together for safety in navigating. It ended up being one of the most serendipitous and uplifting conversations I had during my entire Camino. My lesson? Never discount where the Camino leads you...Yes, there are industrial areas I walked through on the Camino Frances. However, given the choice when walking into Burgos between walking around the airport and through the industrial area or finding and walking along the river, I'll chose the river route. Much more inspirational. So I miss some suffering...c'est la vie!
Having been dragged up as a Catholic (with an Irish mother) and gone to a Jesuit grammar school (complete with regular beatings), I am thoroughly familiar with the 'offer your suffering up to Jesus' proposition. Walking the Camino just involves taking the rough with the smooth. This applies to life as a whole anyway, and I really don't see any value in pretending there is something sacred in it.WHY I WALK THROUGH CAMINO INDUSTRIAL AREAS
Three Quick Questions: have you ever suffered in your life? Did you get through the suffering? Did that suffering make you a stronger person?
I answer yes to all three questions. That is why I walk through huge cities, pound the pavement when it presents itself, industrial areas, BRING IT ON! And I love it because I know that suffering in life is inevitable.
Working through suffering makes us stronger. There is no new life without a bit of suffering.
When you are out there on the Camino trudging along, know that allowing yourself to suffer a bit will enhance and enrich your Camino experience.
Before you jump in that taxi to bypass that industrial zone, think about all you have sacrificed so far just to be able to walk this Pilgrimage to the burial site of Saint James. Really give it the old college try before you hang up the towel. Rest if you need to. Walk slower. Struggle a bit. You will be a much stronger and joyful person. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. Fr Scott
I'll go with this one. Suffering is inevitable. No need to go hunting for it. But assuming that one route would be suffering and making an effort to find an alternate route might end up wasted effort and/or missing out on something you didn't know was on the route you shunned. So, for me, "go with the flow."Because they are there. I don't see it as embracing my suffering - largely because that sounds a bit overdramatic as a description for an hour or two of time spent walking in less attractive surroundings. Even in the industrial suburbs there is usually something that catches my eye and gives me material to reflect on. My only absolute rule for my pilgrimages is that I walk every step of the way from start to finish unless that is physically impossible or wildly impractical: eg on the Via Francigena I crossed from Dover to Calais by ferry rather than swimming or walking on water...
I've had similar experiences on the "boring industrial" stretches. It's not always about where you are walking - it's often about who you are walking with.I missed the river route and "suffered" through the industrial one. I saw only one other pilgrim into Burgos and he and I walked together for safety in navigating. It ended up being one of the most serendipitous and uplifting conversations I had during my entire Camino. My lesson? Never discount where the Camino leads you...
Indeed, and suffering makes great art...in thought, in written word, via deeds and in visible expression.WHY I WALK THROUGH CAMINO INDUSTRIAL AREAS
Three Quick Questions: have you ever suffered in your life? Did you get through the suffering? Did that suffering make you a stronger person?
I answer yes to all three questions. That is why I walk through huge cities, pound the pavement when it presents itself, industrial areas, BRING IT ON! And I love it because I know that suffering in life is inevitable.
Working through suffering makes us stronger. There is no new life without a bit of suffering.
When you are out there on the Camino trudging along, know that allowing yourself to suffer a bit will enhance and enrich your Camino experience.
Before you jump in that taxi to bypass that industrial zone, think about all you have sacrificed so far just to be able to walk this Pilgrimage to the burial site of Saint James. Really give it the old college try before you hang up the towel. Rest if you need to. Walk slower. Struggle a bit. You will be a much stronger and joyful person. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. Fr Scott
While on the topic of suffering... My last two Caminos, Frances in April and The Primitivo in Sept 2022. I suffered shin splints on the last few days. Any and all advice welcome regarding stretching, resting while walking with shin splints. Walking The Norte Mar/April 2023.Indeed, and suffering makes great art...in thought, in written word, via deeds and in visible expression.
I’m definitely no expert but use shoes with good tread ( as soon as the tread starts wearing out) you are more susceptible to injury). Also, replace factory inserts with good high arch inserts. I use Active Orthaheel (Amazon). Hope that helps some. Buen Camino.While on the topic of suffering... My last two Caminos, Frances in April and The Primitivo in Sept 2022. I suffered shin splints on the last few days. Any and all advice welcome regarding stretching, resting while walking with shin splints. Walking The Norte Mar/April 2023.
Or the other way around !I've had similar experiences on the "boring industrial" stretches. It's not always about where you are walking - it's often about who you are walking with.
Thank you for your excellent response.My opinions about suffering are 3 fold:
If you think an industrial area is suffering, then you will suffer. While I was on my camino (as a solo woman) I experienced: many blisters - some infected, a kidney stone that landed me in the hospital, a backpack that was thrown into the garbage, and 3 bouts of bed bugs. Did I suffer, oh yes I suffered! But it was also many lessons of my strength, resilience, perseverance, and being able to embrace the suffering. Feel all the suffering, feel the grief, the pain, the horror, the fear... And what is on the other side of that suffering? Growth, learning about yourself, what you can tolerate and what you can't. And if you can't tolerate it, then don't. For example, after my kidney stone, I suffered carrying my backpack. And then I realized I don't need to tolerate this anymore and sent my bag forward each day. I realized there are things that are put there for you to not have to suffer, especially if you think you have learned all the lessons you can and grown as much as you can. Asking for help is a form of ending suffering. Those Camino Angels are put there for a reason.
- Suffering is in your mind.
- There is growth on the other side of suffering.
- If you don't want to tolerate it anymore, then don't and do something about it.
I respectfully suggest a ‘bring it on’ embrace of suffering or that ‘suffering is in the mind’ is not helpful to anyone…not to the person with bad blisters, or in bad pain from too much pavement, or, moving away from the Camino to cancer patients or victims of drought and famine. Encouraging suffering is medieval in my view. The notion that one cannot grow and thrive spiritually without enduring suffering is potentially dangerous. I recall an incident from my earlier years where a neighbour consulted a priest about the fact her husband constantly beat her and her children. The priest told her to offer her suffering to god, and she would be rewarded in heaven. Suffering may be inevitable but it is not something I would encourage.WHY I WALK THROUGH CAMINO INDUSTRIAL AREAS
Three Quick Questions: have you ever suffered in your life? Did you get through the suffering? Did that suffering make you a stronger person?
I answer yes to all three questions. That is why I walk through huge cities, pound the pavement when it presents itself, industrial areas, BRING IT ON! And I love it because I know that suffering in life is inevitable.
Working through suffering makes us stronger. There is no new life without a bit of suffering.
When you are out there on the Camino trudging along, know that allowing yourself to suffer a bit will enhance and enrich your Camino experience.
Before you jump in that taxi to bypass that industrial zone, think about all you have sacrificed so far just to be able to walk this Pilgrimage to the burial site of Saint James. Really give it the old college try before you hang up the towel. Rest if you need to. Walk slower. Struggle a bit. You will be a much stronger and joyful person. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. Fr Scott
I don't sense that the OP's encouraging gratuitous suffering. That'd just be stupid - there's enough in life without adding to it.Encouraging suffering is medieval in my view.
When they're genuine, neither compassion nor wisdom are passive - and neither condone abuse. That's a horriffic story, saying much more about the priest than about the suffering.a neighbour consulted a priest about the fact her husband constantly beat her and her children. The priest told her to offer her suffering to god, and she would be rewarded in heaven. Suffering may be inevitable but it is not something I would encourage.
Fr Scott, Thank you for your advice.I’m definitely no expert but use shoes with good tread ( as soon as the tread starts wearing out) you are more susceptible to injury). Also, replace factory inserts with good high arch inserts. I use Active Orthaheel (Amazon). Hope that helps some. Buen Camino.
I had bad shin splints in an earlier Camino but since then I have used compression shin covers ( brand -Skins) .No more shin splints for me.While on the topic of suffering... My last two Caminos, Frances in April and The Primitivo in Sept 2022. I suffered shin splints on the last few days. Any and all advice welcome regarding stretching, resting while walking with shin splints. Walking The Norte Mar/April 2023.
1. I have not led a life blessedly free of all suffering.WHY I WALK THROUGH CAMINO INDUSTRIAL AREAS
Three Quick Questions: have you ever suffered in your life? Did you get through the suffering? Did that suffering make you a stronger person?
I answer yes to all three questions. That is why I walk through huge cities, pound the pavement when it presents itself, industrial areas, BRING IT ON! And I love it because I know that suffering in life is inevitable.
Working through suffering makes us stronger. There is no new life without a bit of suffering.
When you are out there on the Camino trudging along, know that allowing yourself to suffer a bit will enhance and enrich your Camino experience.
Before you jump in that taxi to bypass that industrial zone, think about all you have sacrificed so far just to be able to walk this Pilgrimage to the burial site of Saint James. Really give it the old college try before you hang up the towel. Rest if you need to. Walk slower. Struggle a bit. You will be a much stronger and joyful person. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. Fr Scott
I got a shin splint after a week and feared I may have to end my Camino. I taped it using this technique and shortened my stride. The shin splint gradually improved and was pretty much gone by the time I finished.While on the topic of suffering... My last two Caminos, Frances in April and The Primitivo in Sept 2022. I suffered shin splints on the last few days. Any and all advice welcome regarding stretching, resting while walking with shin splints. Walking The Norte Mar/April 2023.
Thank you, Viva.I got a shin splint after a week and feared I may have to end my Camino. I taped it using this technique and shortened my stride. The shin splint gradually improved and was pretty much gone by the time I finished.
I think shortening my stride was key. With the shorter stride, the angle between the foot and the shin was smaller after the heel hit the ground, resulting on less strain to the shin. It resulted in a slower pace, but that was a small price to pay for continuing my Camino. The tape also helped quite a bit. Using Lukotape I could go days without re-taping which made life simple.Thank you, Viva.
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