For the last few years, I had a goal to walk the Camino de Santiago. Covid postponed our plans temporarily, but in May 2024, the dream because a reality!
I love hiking in the mountains and going on long walks, so I thought this would be similar. Starting the Way, I realized this was something different, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I was blessed each day of the Way, taking time to reflect and pause, enjoying the peace of walking where so many have walked before. To see the cart ruts carved into the granite rocks was amazing.
I learned a lot of lessons on my journey, and to bring back with me, to my regular life.
Simplicity - Life on the Camio is simple; you walk many kilometers, many days. You just need to take one step at a time. Life does not need to be complicated. The simplicity of each day is enough and incredibly fulfilling.
Just start - Worrying does not help. I worried about the weather, footwear, timing, and it never changed a thing. I cannot control what happens, I simply need to start each day, take a step, and let things unfold.
Rest - When we set our route, we planned to walk every day. The company that helped with our planning, planned a short day for us to give us a partial “rest day.” We never thought of planning to rest.
We realized we live like this. We do not plan to rest, we just go. Rest is incredibly important to our bodies, minds, and souls. Build in time to rest.
Walk your own Camino - It is not a competition. I thought I was a fast walker and was initially upset when people were making “better time “. It took time for me to be comfortable with the fact it was not a race. There were so many people going the same direction, yet seeking something different, each on their own pilgrimage. We are the same in many ways, different in others, and everyone needs to walk their own Camino. We are all on our own journey, and that is okey.
My “pilgrimage” was an incredible experience. Walking into Santiago de Compostela and the Plaza del Obradoiro was overwhelming and brought me to tears. Not only was I feeling my emotions, but I could also feel the emotions of all the pilgrims as they entered the square, completed the physical journey, and returned home to continue their Camino (journey) at home.
Buen Camino
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