[Gocamino] Thanks and a favor

[Linda McInnis]

This is an interesting topic.  I just returned from walking the Camino starting in St. Jean to just beyond Burgos, where my feet gave out on me, and I had to return a few weeks earlier than anticipated.  For me, this walk was physically more demanding than I had expected, especially at the beginning.  Plus the daily routine of getting ready to leave the albergues, then the routine of arriving, etc. didn't leave much time for spiritual contemplation, etc.  I thought perhaps that might come with the walking itself, but after a few weeks, that was supplanted by, quite literally, the agony of the feet.  However, all that said, I would not change one minute of the trip, and I definitely want to come back with better boots, in better condition, and finish what I started.  Plus, the people I met, both pilgrim and non-pilgrim, the help I received from so many people, the sense of community and family from everyone on the Road, all those things alone imbued this journey with its own unique type of spirituality that crossed all boundaries and barriers of religious teaching and/or dogma.  I am amazed and humbled by this experience.
 
Many blessings,
 
Linda in Colorado



> Date: Tue, 2 Oct 2007 17:56:36 -0700> From: dennisharrod at yahoo.com> To: Gocamino at oakapple.net> Subject: Re: [Gocamino] Thanks and a favor> > The ongoing discussion of religion vs spirituality vs a hike brings back one the major lessons I learned on the Camino, and one with which I admit I still struggle. I found myself often judging others, comparing my motives to theirs (and usually finding others wanting). As time went on, though, I realized that I didn't even know my own motives, much less those of my fellows. Why do any of us walk the Camino? Religious devotion, spiritual replenishment, or just the opportuntity to walk across Spain? All these reasons played a part in my decision to walk and they're all wrapped up in an experience that gave me the chance to glorify creation by becoming a closer part of it. We all walk for many reasons and the lesson, I think, is that stripped of the accouterments of daily life (including the organizations to which we belong) we can once again find our commonality with one another.> > Dennis> > > > ---------------------------------> Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story.> Play Sims Stories at Yahoo! Games. > _______________________________________________> Gocamino mailing list> Gocamino at oakapple.net> http://mailman.oakapple.net/mailman/listinfo/gocamino
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