To walk the Camino de Santiago, an 800-kilometer (500 miles) trek over the Pyrenees and across northern Spain, has been on my bucket list for some time. To complete it from beginning to end takes at least five weeks averaging at 15 miles per day! Part of this was sparked by a desire for adventure - especially with a group of friends. But if I were to speak truthfully, I have also been deeply longing for a spiritual awakening – looking for a deep connection to myself and Source.
There have been many books written and documentaries filmed about this age-old journey as a spiritual path, a form of retreat—a sacred pilgrimage.
The intimate details of the grueling experience, as well as the unexpected moments of grace, humor, beauty, and connection, have captured my curiosity and intrigue for years.
In 2018, over 300,000 people traveled the sacred paths of the Camino with intentions of arriving at the great church in the main square of Compostela to pay homage to Santiago (St James).
Not every person travels the entire 500 miles in one journey. Some chose only to walk 100 miles or take several years to walk the path, completing only a portion at a time.
Regardless of time or distance, the journey seems to challenge the human spirit or condition the same way.
Ashley Fleckenstein, a travel blogger who walked the trail and shared her experience, describes it like this:
“ “The Camino was an intense physical challenge; I walked for five weeks, averaging 15 miles per day. I endured blood blisters, sunstroke, and severe muscle cramps, and sometimes was in so much pain I could barely walk.
But mentally, it was even harder. Some days I was so sick of being mired in my repetitive, negative thoughts I wanted to throw my walking sticks and catch the next bus to Pamplona.””
I recently came across my Camino folder, something I had created while researching and reading books like Sonia Choquette's Walking Home and discovered notes I had jotted down on why someone would want to embark on such a journey.
Listen to the podcast episode:
Here are my notes:
I can do more than I think or believe.
Pain reminds me that I am alive.
Crying is ok
Sharing is good, both stuff and thoughts.
I need less than I think.
Gratitude helps the suffering.
Sleep helps change perspective.
You can choose to feel JOY at any moment.
You are in it for the long-haul with your body. Treat it wisely.
You don't need make-up to feel beautiful.
You must identify your pain in order to let it go.
The people you surround yourself with make all the difference.
Wait, are these notes about walking the Camino or what I learned while in quarantine from Covid-19?
I believe that this pandemic, this current world crisis, for many, holds similarities to walking the Camino.
Of course, no one planned or prepared for this. We didn't carve out eight weeks in our calendars, set up our work, finances, education, and food supply in advanced to be quarantined in our homes for so long. However, the discomfort and fluctuations of feelings, emotions, and circumstances can be compared to those experienced on the journey of the Camino de Santiago.
No one said this was going to be easy, but when we get to the other side, I bet you too will have grown wiser, more resilient, and gained clarity about your life that will lead you to new growth and possibilities.
Perhaps, this is your Camino. How have you grown?