What's in your mental backpack?

[Charl]

As one prepares for a long pilgrimage, packing lists inevitably come to mind, ones that detail socks, hats and bandages. Here's a different type of packing list...

http://walkingpilgrimages.com/2017/05/29/whats-in-your-mental-backpack/

 

[domigee]

Thanks for posting Charl, I was just about to share it too. Love it!

 

[Felipe]

Words of wisdom, indeed. They should be posted at the door of every albergue and pilgrim's bureau along the Camino.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Thank you for sharing this.
Wish you well,Peter.

 

[MarB]

Thank You.

 

[angelab]

Many thanks. I'm embarking on my 1st Camino next Monday. Your post is timely

 

[Glenn Rowe]

As one prepares for a long pilgrimage, packing lists inevitably come to mind, ones that detail socks, hats and bandages. Here's a different type of packing list...

http://walkingpilgrimages.com/2017/05/29/whats-in-your-mental-backpack/

What's in my mental backpack? In addition to those listed, a fair amount of confidence in my outdoor knowledge/skills/experience and some confidence in my people knowledge/skills/experience. But above all, an extensive amount of knowledge/skills/experience regarding ME -- my good points, bad points and ugly points.

 

[Charl]

What's in my mental backpack? In addition to those listed, a fair amount of confidence in my outdoor knowledge/skills/experience and some confidence in my people knowledge/skills/experience. But above all, an extensive amount of knowledge/skills/experience regarding ME -- my good points, bad points and ugly points.

Yup, a strong sense of self makes one almost fireproof on the Camino.

 

[Irish Bernie]

Also NEVER EVER turn down a free beer !!!!

 

[Tracying]

Knowing your own limitations, whether they be physical, mental or emotiona

 

[Al the optimist]

Knowing that everything happens for a reason

 

[Charl]

Also NEVER EVER turn down a free beer !!!!

Definitely not if you're Irish or a rugby fan

 

[Charl]

Knowing that everything happens for a reason

How would one phrase that... 'Have faith'?

 

[Al the optimist]

One really could Charl. However, there are those who walk who profess no faith. Some of these embrace spirituality though. So I phrased it as an open thing to be something for all to consider.

 

[Irish Bernie]

Definitely not if you're Irish or a rugby fan

I am def one of the above

 

[Maple Leaf Walker]

That final paragraph is one I think about the most as I prepare for my pilgrimage: how to carry the least amount of ego and judgement.

We pack our bags much the way we live our lives: carrying too much of these things. Then the road teaches that the only way we can keep going is by lightening to load.

 

[Purky]

A little tenacity goes a long way...

 

[Charl]

That final paragraph is one I think about the most as I prepare for my pilgrimage: how to carry the least amount of ego and judgement.

We pack our bags much the way we live our lives: carrying too much of these things. Then the road teaches that the only way we can keep going is by lightening to load.

Wouldn't it be great if we could weigh our mental backpacks the way we do with our real ones!

 

[jgpryde]

"Living with ambiguity " is one of the tools in my mental toolbox for the Camino. I learned quickly that there is only so much I could/should control in my Camino. Otherwise it would just be another day at the office.

Thanks for posting.

-jgp

 

[Glenn Rowe]

"Living with ambiguity " is one of the tools in my mental toolbox for the Camino. I learned quickly that there is only so much I could/should control in my Camino. Otherwise it would just be another day at the office.

Thanks for posting.

-jgp

Excellent point. Stephen Covey talked about the concentric Circles that surround each of us. The closest and smallest is the Circle of Control, and there is precious little in it. BTW, the only human in it is you.

The second is the Circle of Influence, which contains those things you cannot control but, with some thought and effort, may be able to affect or modify. An example might be the movie you and your friends choose to see at the cinema.

The third is the Circle of Concern; those things you can neither control or influence, but which concern/affect you. An example might be today's weather.

And finally, there's Everything Else.

One secret to happiness and success is to correctly identify the Circle in which things actually belong, and to deal with them appropriately. Many people try to include too much in the tiny Circle of Control, then become frustrated/angry when reality steps in and demonstrates their error(s).