I’m referring to the Camino de Santiago. This is a historical pilgrimage walk mostly in Spain (but some routes start in other countries such as France). In the past it was a spiritual journey to Santiago de Compostela. Today thousands of people from all over the world come to walk, bike, or ride a horse to Santiago for many different reasons; religious/spiritually, loss, health, changes in life or for a personal ‘reset’.
This was my third Camino (four counting the Camino from Santiago to Finisterre) On September 16th I set out on the Camino Primitivo, from Oviedo to Santiago. This route is considered one of the first (primitive path) and is 200 miles (320 kilometers) long and is said to be one of the hardest of the Caminos due to the steep and mountainous sections. This Camino is typically divided into 13-14 stages of 13-20 miles but one can design their Camino to suit individual goals.
For me, I realized as I began my walk, that I returned to Spain and the Camino for a personal ‘reset’. In 2014 when I set out to walk the most populated 500 mile Camino Frances, I had no idea what to expect nor that it would change how I view my life and the world around me.
I gained a sense of focus and clarity with all those day/miles of just walking and ‘being’. Life was simple and basic needs were met; food, shelter and a connection with nature, people and self.
Everyday there is a goal, a direction to go towards but how far, where you stop (and when) is up to you. Since you carry everything on your back you only have the basic necessities which proves how little you need in life. I feel you also come to appreciate, and value, the things you do have (Both on the path and once back home). For me, walking the Camino again was a reminder of what’s truly important and what I can let go of.
There is a strong sense of community and connection that is created on the Camino. You meet people of different cultures, ages and backgrounds. As you walk, talk, share stories and meals with other pilgrims you feel no separation from one another. You all share a similar goal, yet for all different reasons and you just ‘get’ and accept each other. In a couple of days you feel as though you’ve know your Camino friends for so much longer! Perhaps you’ll never see each other again but no doubt you’ll stay in touch with some but most certainly they will have touched your heart and life in so many ways.
I started out as a solo pilgrim and thought I would walk mostly on my own but I met wonderful people to share my experience with and confirmed how much I value community, connection along with mutual support. I also enjoyed my alone time on the Camino which gave me the opportunity to connect to self, nature and the world. This served as a reminder of the importance of quiet time and meditation which comes in many different forms.
So now home, the Camino continues….clarity about my life and going forward is at the forefront of my mind and soul. Trust and faith in the process is strong. As in the experience of walking the Camino; I know there will be ups and downs and it is about the joy of the journey that gets me to the destination.
