It’s spring and thoughts are again turning to the camino and that is a good thing. I have been reading, again, at the Camino Forum, to see what and who and when for others who have a shared passion for the camino. As usual, I have added my own two cents worth (or perhaps less) on a few topics of interest in the process, but even this is more about distraction than anything else.
Do I intend on returning to the Camino, the Chemin de Saint Jacques? Most definitely. There is only the question of when for me to answer. Until then, I must honour the route that I am currently following, an individual trail that unlike the red and white markers of the GR 65, is a trail that is unmarked by markings or by the footsteps of others.
I learned a lesson walking the GR 65 – be present. When I walked, I was lost in other spaces and places within my head. If anything, I was using the Camino as an escape route from being present in my own life. I was hoping that the time and energy would take me away from my inner self and bring me peace in my world. Of course, that was a recipe for disaster. And so by Figeac, the Camino, in no uncertain terms, told me to go home and return only when I was truly ready for the long walk. I had to do some personal work involving following the unmarked trail before I would be ready to submit to following the marked trail of the Chemin de Saint Jacques.
I am getting there, getting closer to the time when I will be ready to put on the mantle of Camino pilgrim and be at one with the trail and those who walk it.
Buen Camino – Bon Chemin!