We each have a life path – our very own Camino – that we travel in life. Each personal path we traverse allows us to access the spiritual richness of those who have traveled before us and those who travel with us now. Each loving person we encounter leaves a touch of their positive, growth-filled goodness in our lives and our hearts.
I have been blessed with the visit of two beautiful souls this past week – women who I met on the path we traveled together on our Camino in the French Pyrenees several years ago. The time spent in my home with them these last few days has been a reunion of that time relived, an exchange of what each of us have experienced in our lives since, and what our intentions are for the future. They celebrated with me about my intention to walk the Camino de Santiago and I celebrated in the joy of knowing them.
One of these friends, Donna, had walked the last 100 miles of the Camino de Santiago prior to our time together in France. We talked about how the Camino is different for each of us, just like our lives are all a unique road that we travel. No one’s is the same.
I am acutely aware that though I am training with long walks of all kinds – on pavement, up and down rocky forest trails, and across gravel – as well as, preparing myself for the mental challenge of walking 500 miles that being a pilgrim will inevitably have its challenges and will not be an easy journey.
All my to-do lists and training will take care of many of the day to day needs and is part of the process. My legs are developing great endurance, and my right shoulder is carrying my pack equally with my left shoulder and back without twinges. As my body gets stronger, I can also feel increased strength on an inner lever with a true sense that this journey holds many unforeseen benefits along with challenges. These anticipated blessings accompany the realization that there will be obstacles. In fact, I have already experienced that when the travel company who was to take care of many of my arrangements and I parted company this week leaving me on my own. Rather than feeling a victim, I realize now that allowing the trip to unfold naturally is part of the divine plan. I am envisioning the beauty of the countryside along with the probable demands of weather, ground surfaces, food, and blisters. So as part of my training, I am practicing acceptance. I believe this preparation is an important as the journey itself.
If we want to accomplish something significant in work or in life, it doesn’t happen automatically. Choices are made so that what we hope for can unfold. We may find that we need to give up something we enjoy in order to have this new growth. Therefore the willingness to do ‘whatever is required’ is necessary to move into the desired uncharted territory.
This preparation is crucial just as we prepare the soil before planting a seed.
My dear friends have added to the preparation by nourishing me with their personal stories, their open-heart sharing, and their love. With gratitude, I thank you.
At its heart, the journey of each life
is a pilgrimage,
through unforeseen sacred places
that enlarge and enrich the soul.
~ John L’Donohue
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