Post Camino stuff

[Dan Wise]

As I get on the plane September 3rd to head accross the Atlantic to walk
the Camino for the first time, I will remember what you have said, and try
to relax and just let it happend.

Thanks for your message.

Dan





>Lida,
>
>I think I am still processing my experience.  This is odd that you should
>ask
>on this day, because I just now received an e-mail from two friends I made
>while on the Camino.  I had left a message for them in the Pilgrim's Office
>in Santiago, but didn't have high hopes of them getting it.  But lo and
>behold...!  They actually fell in love and one is going to Rio to be with
>the
>other.  I am so happy for them, I could spit!  I say this is funny because
>Inge and I got into a very lengthy and deeply spiritual conversation while
>in
>Viana.  Unfortunately, while there, I had yet to truly relax enough and get
>over the fear of being in Spain on my own.  I had yet to truly feel the path
>
>under my feet.  I lost track of both she and Paulo that next day, but was
>able to remember her kind words everyday thereafter.
>
>Therefore, to answer your question, I discovered who I was and what I was
>capable of on my first Camino.  I was able to overcome emotional, physical,
>mental, and spiritual blockades that have followed me my entire life.  Now,
>it wasn't the cure-all, but it came very close.  As Russ said, everyday, I
>think of the Camino, remember new and little things, and gain new important
>insights into my self and my life - both in terms of my past, present and
>future.  I cannot define how I changed.  I am a more relaxed and patient
>person.  I have abandoned many masques that keep me from revealing my true
>self to people.  Even this post...I would not have been able to be this open
>
>before.  I have little to hide now.  I also have returned with great hope
>for
>people in general.  People, as individuals and as a whole, are wondrous
>creatures.  I had little faith in strangers, and now, I have so much respect
>
>and wonder for them.
>
>Pieter from Holland, who is on this list, once said to me (I am
>paraphrasing)
>that he knew many pilgrims who have walked the Camino and many who have yet
>to walk.  He holds greater respect for those who have yet to walk, are
>afraid, but do it anyway.  I agree with him entirely and he was/is a great
>inspiration for me.  But you will have the experience of a lifetime on your
>journey!  You will also find that this next year goes too fast and suddenly
>you will find yourself answering a question, such as yours, for another
>would-be pilgrim, and your own physical Camino will have concluded.  Savor
>this time of excitement.  Savor every step you take.
>
>Upon leaving O'Cebreiro, I came upon a message on the ground written out in
>stones.  It said "Let each step be a kiss."  When you are lonely, or having
>pain, or are hungry and tired and uncertain where the next refugio is,
>something or someone will come along to lighten your load, and will be
>rejuvenated to begin again the next day.
>
>One of the wonderful things is that the Camino lives on even after you leave
>
>Santiago.  I sometimes feel as though I am able to sense and even hear the
>pilgrims who are walking even as I write this.  (Okay maybe right now they
>are turning off lights in the refugios and going to sleep.)  But once you
>walk upon the same soil as have many before you, you will know exactly what
>I
>mean.
>
>I am truly excited for you that you are undertaking this endeavor.  I wish
>you a truly Buen Camino.  Walk with strength, with honesty, with courage and
>
>with love and you will be blessed.
>
>Please don't hesitate to ask any questions, as I am an open book.  For
>everyone embarking on their first Caminos, plan, make arrangements during
>this time, anticipate what will happen, but when the time comes to take the
>first step, let it tall go.  You will find you are on the path you were
>meant
>to be and you will have everything that you need.
>
>Blessings,
>Gabrielle
>
>