Why we walk - and courage

[Kanga]

Many of you will remember the pain and terrible disappointment suffered by @Elisha when she thought she had to abandon her Camino dream.

As you know, she made it to Santiago. Here is what she had to say about her journey. I have seldom come across such a moving tribute to the Camino.

https://www.facebook.com/731852092/posts/10155445357037093

I’d like to past her actual words here but can’t on this little iPhone. Perhaps someone else can.

 

[Elisha]

Wow! Thank you so much Jill. That's incredibly high praise coming from you

Allow me....


Its been a little over 3 weeks now since my last day on the Camino de Santiago & in the space of that time, the memory & the mourning for being back on The Way has its moments of feeling palpable. The journey you’ve all followed me on through the photos I’ve shared does little to truly harness the emotion & humility of being a pilgrim. Contrary to the blue skies & wild flowers, what the photos don’t capture is the pain, the tears, the comradery, the willpower, the love & power for change that exists within the confines of the Camino.

Your life suddenly becomes very simple - Each day you wake before the sun rises, quietly repack your belongings in the dark & you find a reason that compels you to put one foot in front of the other. That reason compels you to walk through pain; through shin splints, tendinitis, blisters, rain & hail. You walk, you eat, you laugh, you sleep, you repeat.

You cry. You cry because you’re happy, you cry as a result of pain, you cry because you’re humbled & you cry because of the deep love & respect you have for nature, the path & the people on it. Often you cry without reason at all.

The Camino makes you family; everything you have you must be willing to share. You share your last Compead, your wine, your burdens, your humour, your thoughts. You share of yourself without limitations, hesitation or personal gain. What you share becomes the testimony of your experience.

You share with strangers & quickly learn that 1 step back is more valuable than 100 steps forward in order to help another without thought for yourself. This lesson quickly breeds change & you see the best version of your Self reflected back at you in the eyes of those who you’ve stopped to help. The compassion, both given & received, cracks your heart wide open & makes it impossible to not be unequivocally changed by the experience of being human. By the experience of being a pilgrim.

The Camino compels you to look within, to be vulnerable, to let yourself need & be needed, to be compassionate; to dig deep into the confines of your heart & to learn about yourself. It tests your limits of physical & emotional pain & spins what you find into the most valuable possession you’ve ever held in your own two hands - The most authentic version of your Self you have ever known.

The journey to Santiago de Compostela is not an endurance challenge, a test of fitness, a competition or a walk about kilometres or miles. The Way is a journey into yourself. A journey into friendship, contemplation, silence, nature, humility, spirituality & gratitude.

To my Camino Family xx

 

[tomnorth]

Wow! Simply wow! This hits it.

 

[chinacat]

Goodness!
In awe of this!
Thank you so much, Elisha, for your wonderful words, expressing the true spirit of our experience.

 

[Davey Boyd]

Thank you Elisha! Amazing and heartfelt

 

[t2andreo]

WOW! Let's see if William Garza (our resident poet laureate) can top that prose... just kidding William...

 

[Anamya]

Crying and smiling over my lunch box. Big hug from a fellow Aussie, @Elisha. Your story is incredible!

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Wow! Thank you so much Jill. That's incredibly high praise coming from you

Allow me....


Its been a little over 3 weeks now since my last day on the Camino de Santiago & in the space of that time, the memory & the mourning for being back on The Way has its moments of feeling palpable. The journey you’ve all followed me on through the photos I’ve shared does little to truly harness the emotion & humility of being a pilgrim. Contrary to the blue skies & wild flowers, what the photos don’t capture is the pain, the tears, the comradery, the willpower, the love & power for change that exists within the confines of the Camino.

Your life suddenly becomes very simple - Each day you wake before the sun rises, quietly repack your belongings in the dark & you find a reason that compels you to put one foot in front of the other. That reason compels you to walk through pain; through shin splints, tendinitis, blisters, rain & hail. You walk, you eat, you laugh, you sleep, you repeat.

You cry. You cry because you’re happy, you cry as a result of pain, you cry because you’re humbled & you cry because of the deep love & respect you have for nature, the path & the people on it. Often you cry without reason at all.

The Camino makes you family; everything you have you must be willing to share. You share your last Compead, your wine, your burdens, your humour, your thoughts. You share of yourself without limitations, hesitation or personal gain.

You share with strangers & learn quickly that 1 step back is more valuable than 100 steps forward in order to help another without thought for yourself. This lesson quickly breeds change & you see the best version of your Self reflected back at you in the eyes of those who you’ve stopped to help. The compassion, both given & received, cracks your heart wide open & makes it impossible to not be unequivocally changed by the experience of being human. By the experience of being a pilgrim.

The Camino compels you to look within, to be vulnerable, to let yourself need & be needed, to be compassionate; to dig deep into the confines of your heart & to learn about yourself. It tests your limits of physical & emotional pain & spins what you find into the most valuable possession you’ve ever held in your own two hands.

The journey to Santiago de Compostela is not an endurance challenge, a test of fitness, a competition or a walk about kilometres or miles. The Way is a journey into yourself. A journey into friendship, contemplation, silence, nature, humility, spirituality & gratitude.

To my Camino Family xx

That which you have posted is my hope on my Caminos. Thank you for sharing.

 

[GettingThere]

@Elisha I'm so, so glad to hear you made it all the way to Santiago despite your injuries. Very well done, and thank you for this beautiful description of what it is to walk the Camino.

 

[Rich1]

Wonderful

 

[Frances Bat]

Lovely words to describe what the camino means to us.

 

[VNwalking]

Perfect. Just perfect.
Huge congratulations, Elisha. I was wondering how it went for you, after that very challenging start.
Heartfelt thank you for sharing that - we are all inspired.

 

[Elisha]

Perfect. Just perfect.
Huge congratulations, Elisha. I was wondering how it went for you, after that very challenging start.
Heartfelt thank you for sharing that - we are all inspired.

Well, I made it but it wasn't without it's challenges & as my post suggests, a hell of a lot of pain!

I'm just so grateful to everyone who offered their suggestions, kind words & support when I was stuck in London. It was a really scary time & I honestly thought my Camino was over. Little did I know, it was just the beginning.

 

[Bala]

@Elisha, that is absolutely beautiful. Congratulations on a powerful journey completed. Wishing you all the best in all your future endeavors.

 

[Deleted member 12253]

Many of you will remember the pain and terrible disappointment suffered by @Elisha when she thought she had to abandon her Camino dream.

As you know, she made it to Santiago. Here is what she had to say about her journey. I have seldom come across such a moving tribute to the Camino.

https://www.facebook.com/731852092/posts/10155445357037093

I’d like to past her actual words here but can’t on this little iPhone. Perhaps someone else can.[/QUOTE

WOW

 

[Annette london]

Wow! Thank you so much Jill. That's incredibly high praise coming from you

Allow me....


Its been a little over 3 weeks now since my last day on the Camino de Santiago & in the space of that time, the memory & the mourning for being back on The Way has its moments of feeling palpable. The journey you’ve all followed me on through the photos I’ve shared does little to truly harness the emotion & humility of being a pilgrim. Contrary to the blue skies & wild flowers, what the photos don’t capture is the pain, the tears, the comradery, the willpower, the love & power for change that exists within the confines of the Camino.

Your life suddenly becomes very simple - Each day you wake before the sun rises, quietly repack your belongings in the dark & you find a reason that compels you to put one foot in front of the other. That reason compels you to walk through pain; through shin splints, tendinitis, blisters, rain & hail. You walk, you eat, you laugh, you sleep, you repeat.

You cry. You cry because you’re happy, you cry as a result of pain, you cry because you’re humbled & you cry because of the deep love & respect you have for nature, the path & the people on it. Often you cry without reason at all.

The Camino makes you family; everything you have you must be willing to share. You share your last Compead, your wine, your burdens, your humour, your thoughts. You share of yourself without limitations, hesitation or personal gain. What you share becomes the testimony of your experience.

You share with strangers & quickly learn that 1 step back is more valuable than 100 steps forward in order to help another without thought for yourself. This lesson quickly breeds change & you see the best version of your Self reflected back at you in the eyes of those who you’ve stopped to help. The compassion, both given & received, cracks your heart wide open & makes it impossible to not be unequivocally changed by the experience of being human. By the experience of being a pilgrim.

The Camino compels you to look within, to be vulnerable, to let yourself need & be needed, to be compassionate; to dig deep into the confines of your heart & to learn about yourself. It tests your limits of physical & emotional pain & spins what you find into the most valuable possession you’ve ever held in your own two hands - The most authentic version of your Self you have ever known.

The journey to Santiago de Compostela is not an endurance challenge, a test of fitness, a competition or a walk about kilometres or miles. The Way is a journey into yourself. A journey into friendship, contemplation, silence, nature, humility, spirituality & gratitude.

To my Camino Family xx

Elisha,
Am a bit lost for words after reading this
So beautifully written
You have described what so many actually feel regarding the Camino
With all the best to you and congratulations
Annette

 

[Marbe2]

QUOTE The journey to Santiago de Compostela is not an endurance challenge, a test of fitness, a competition or a walk about kilometres or miles. The Way is a journey into yourself. A journey into friendship, contemplation, silence, nature, humility, spirituality & gratitude.

AMEN!

 

[marilyn van graan]

You have put into words that many of us who have walked many miles across Spain and Portugal have felt and for me I can add nothing more - thank you so much and well done. From my heart to yours XXXXX

 

[nycwalking]

Wow Elisha, wow!

 

[MikeyC]

Thank you for expressing so eloquently the magic of the Camino and why so many of us just can't wait to set foot again on the Way of St James.

 

[Ed Aster]

Beautifully written, just back from my Camino and Elisha’s words adds so much to what I experienced and enjoyed. Many thanks.

 

[Africa]

[

Wow! Thank you so much Jill. That's incredibly high praise coming from you

Allow me....


Its been a little over 3 weeks now since my last day on the Camino de Santiago & in the space of that time, the memory & the mourning for being back on The Way has its moments of feeling palpable. The journey you’ve all followed me on through the photos I’ve shared does little to truly harness the emotion & humility of being a pilgrim. Contrary to the blue skies & wild flowers, what the photos don’t capture is the pain, the tears, the comradery, the willpower, the love & power for change that exists within the confines of the Camino.

Your life suddenly becomes very simple - Each day you wake before the sun rises, quietly repack your belongings in the dark & you find a reason that compels you to put one foot in front of the other. That reason compels you to walk through pain; through shin splints, tendinitis, blisters, rain & hail. You walk, you eat, you laugh, you sleep, you repeat.

You cry. You cry because you’re happy, you cry as a result of pain, you cry because you’re humbled & you cry because of the deep love & respect you have for nature, the path & the people on it. Often you cry without reason at all.

The Camino makes you family; everything you have you must be willing to share. You share your last Compead, your wine, your burdens, your humour, your thoughts. You share of yourself without limitations, hesitation or personal gain. What you share becomes the testimony of your experience.

You share with strangers & quickly learn that 1 step back is more valuable than 100 steps forward in order to help another without thought for yourself. This lesson quickly breeds change & you see the best version of your Self reflected back at you in the eyes of those who you’ve stopped to help. The compassion, both given & received, cracks your heart wide open & makes it impossible to not be unequivocally changed by the experience of being human. By the experience of being a pilgrim.

The Camino compels you to look within, to be vulnerable, to let yourself need & be needed, to be compassionate; to dig deep into the confines of your heart & to learn about yourself. It tests your limits of physical & emotional pain & spins what you find into the most valuable possession you’ve ever held in your own two hands - The most authentic version of your Self you have ever known.

The journey to Santiago de Compostela is not an endurance challenge, a test of fitness, a competition or a walk about kilometres or miles. The Way is a journey into yourself. A journey into friendship, contemplation, silence, nature, humility, spirituality & gratitude.

To my Camino Family xx

QUOTE="Elisha, post: 632365, member: 56308"]Wow! Thank you so much Jill. That's incredibly high praise coming from you

Allow me....


Its been a little over 3 weeks now since my last day on the Camino de Santiago & in the space of that time, the memory & the mourning for being back on The Way has its moments of feeling palpable. The journey you’ve all followed me on through the photos I’ve shared does little to truly harness the emotion & humility of being a pilgrim. Contrary to the blue skies & wild flowers, what the photos don’t capture is the pain, the tears, the comradery, the willpower, the love & power for change that exists within the confines of the Camino.

Your life suddenly becomes very simple - Each day you wake before the sun rises, quietly repack your belongings in the dark & you find a reason that compels you to put one foot in front of the other. That reason compels you to walk through pain; through shin splints, tendinitis, blisters, rain & hail. You walk, you eat, you laugh, you sleep, you repeat.

You cry. You cry because you’re happy, you cry as a result of pain, you cry because you’re humbled & you cry because of the deep love & respect you have for nature, the path & the people on it. Often you cry without reason at all.

The Camino makes you family; everything you have you must be willing to share. You share your last Compead, your wine, your burdens, your humour, your thoughts. You share of yourself without limitations, hesitation or personal gain. What you share becomes the testimony of your experience.

You share with strangers & quickly learn that 1 step back is more valuable than 100 steps forward in order to help another without thought for yourself. This lesson quickly breeds change & you see the best version of your Self reflected back at you in the eyes of those who you’ve stopped to help. The compassion, both given & received, cracks your heart wide open & makes it impossible to not be unequivocally changed by the experience of being human. By the experience of being a pilgrim.

The Camino compels you to look within, to be vulnerable, to let yourself need & be needed, to be compassionate; to dig deep into the confines of your heart & to learn about yourself. It tests your limits of physical & emotional pain & spins what you find into the most valuable possession you’ve ever held in your own two hands - The most authentic version of your Self you have ever known.

The journey to Santiago de Compostela is not an endurance challenge, a test of fitness, a competition or a walk about kilometres or miles. The Way is a journey into yourself. A journey into friendship, contemplation, silence, nature, humility, spirituality & gratitude.

To my Camino Family xx[/QUOTE]

Wow! Thank you so much Jill. That's incredibly high praise coming from you

Allow me....


Its been a little over 3 weeks now since my last day on the Camino de Santiago & in the space of that time, the memory & the mourning for being back on The Way has its moments of feeling palpable. The journey you’ve all followed me on through the photos I’ve shared does little to truly harness the emotion & humility of being a pilgrim. Contrary to the blue skies & wild flowers, what the photos don’t capture is the pain, the tears, the comradery, the willpower, the love & power for change that exists within the confines of the Camino.

Your life suddenly becomes very simple - Each day you wake before the sun rises, quietly repack your belongings in the dark & you find a reason that compels you to put one foot in front of the other. That reason compels you to walk through pain; through shin splints, tendinitis, blisters, rain & hail. You walk, you eat, you laugh, you sleep, you repeat.

You cry. You cry because you’re happy, you cry as a result of pain, you cry because you’re humbled & you cry because of the deep love & respect you have for nature, the path & the people on it. Often you cry without reason at all.

The Camino makes you family; everything you have you must be willing to share. You share your last Compead, your wine, your burdens, your humour, your thoughts. You share of yourself without limitations, hesitation or personal gain. What you share becomes the testimony of your experience.

You share with strangers & quickly learn that 1 step back is more valuable than 100 steps forward in order to help another without thought for yourself. This lesson quickly breeds change & you see the best version of your Self reflected back at you in the eyes of those who you’ve stopped to help. The compassion, both given & received, cracks your heart wide open & makes it impossible to not be unequivocally changed by the experience of being human. By the experience of being a pilgrim.

The Camino compels you to look within, to be vulnerable, to let yourself need & be needed, to be compassionate; to dig deep into the confines of your heart & to learn about yourself. It tests your limits of physical & emotional pain & spins what you find into the most valuable possession you’ve ever held in your own two hands - The most authentic version of your Self you have ever known.

The journey to Santiago de Compostela is not an endurance challenge, a test of fitness, a competition or a walk about kilometres or miles. The Way is a journey into yourself. A journey into friendship, contemplation, silence, nature, humility, spirituality & gratitude.

To my Camino Family xx

Elisha,

Thank you so much. I have been back home in Sydney just over two weeks now after completing the Camino Frances and no matter how much I try to explain to family, friends and work colleagues what it's like on the Camino, I just can't get across the feelings that only people who have walked the Camino will every understand. I still go back and watch YouTube videos and DVD's of the Camino and the feelings keep rushing back. I have read many posts where people have done the Camino many times and could never understand why. I was asked a few times by locals while in Santiago, when would I return, and I laughed and said "once is enough" Well how wrong I was. I yearn to go back. So thank you again for allowing us to share your thoughts and feelings.

 

[NualaOC]

Such beautiful words, Elisha. Thanks for sharing your journey and insights. So very poignant and true.
I’m sitting in a Starbucks in Belfast with tears in my eyes ...... I’d better pull myself together and get back into business-mode

 

[Andypandylovestodraw]

Many of you will remember the pain and terrible disappointment suffered by @Elisha when she thought she had to abandon her Camino dream.

As you know, she made it to Santiago. Here is what she had to say about her journey. I have seldom come across such a moving tribute to the Camino.

https://www.facebook.com/731852092/posts/10155445357037093

I’d like to past her actual words here but can’t on this little iPhone. Perhaps someone else can.[/QUOTEB
Beautiful ! Settles me for my coming camino.

 

[Andypandylovestodraw]

Beautiful ! Settles me for my coming camino. Thank you.

 

[Cuci]

Thank you Elisha. We finished ours a week ago and humbly share much of your thoughts.

The Camino has given us much. It really does provide. May we all be better versions of ourselves.

 

[Thornley]

What was all the worry about
Be very proud of your achievements and now mate the problems start,
Every day will get closer to Le Puy or Irun as Kanga can verify.
Well done

 

[Mark Di Marzio]

Beautiful & evocative .

 

[JennyH94]

Thanks Kanga for posting Elisha’s completely beautiful Camino tribute.
Elisha - you were always going to have an incredible camino, despite all the challenges that rose up to meet you and Elana. When you both were at the Pilgrims in Sydney meeting just prior to your departure you both had already embraced the spirit of the Camino - it shone out of the both of you so totally.
The Camino will stay with you both - in your hearts and in your souls.
Best, best wishes to you and Elana -
Jenny

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I loved reading Elisha's beautiful and heartfelt reflections on her Camino experience. I'll add a big "ditto" to all the many wonderful comments expressed.