We now have successfully hiked the first two days of the Camino del Norte. Both days were tough but manageable, though at some point we both found ourselves wondering, “Why are we doing this?!” The stiff walk that starts our day and is evident every time we sit for long is what we call “The Camino Walk.” It is proof that the body, indeed, keeps the score!
It’s easy sometimes to forget the gift of our bodies. They are amazing creations — each beautiful with strengths and limitations. I try not to take mine for granted. I did spend a lot of time today praying for both of us as we climbed down long, steep, muddy hills strewn with wet rocks, “God, please keep us both safe … God, please keep us free from injury, etc. etc.” These first few days are always the hardest as unused muscles protest loudly. In the training I did before the hike, I evidently didn’t cover the glutes! But, oh my, I wish I had. Who knew those muscles in particular would be helpful on this trek!
The body keeps the score.
That also is the title of a fantastic book on trauma healing by Bessel von der Kolk. Von der Kolk combines the latest brain research on trauma with trauma healing techniques. It is shocking to learn how trauma can affect us at a cellular/biological level, not just at the emotional and psychological levels. Yet, there also is reason for true hope. There are clear things we can do that can bring cellular healing … Like meditating daily for just 20 minutes, or engaging in physical activity that involves the feet repetitively striking the ground (like running or walking), and a whole host of other activities.
We all know walking is good for us but generally we’re probably thinking about cardiovascular health. But it literally is also good for our brains, for healing purposes. All those people with Fit-Bits are on to something!
May this inspire you to lace up those shoes and get out there!
~ Terri
Sor
Photos by Charlie. The sand image was on the beach at San Sebastion! The shoreline is what we see from time to time, peeking through the mountains.
Comments
12 responses to “The Body Keeps the Score”
We think of you daily and pray for your safety and good health. Take plenty of rests and breaks when needed.
Thanks so much, Winifred and Leroy. We need your prayers!! So far, everything is great other than sore muscles and sore feet!
Am so glad you’re on the journey. First few days are the hardest as you know. I repeat…listen to your bodies and rest or go slower when your bodies tel you to.
Shore views looks beautiful.
Thanks so much, Dad! We’re now in Castro our dialed in A lovely, private room. It’s right on the ocean and we had some amazing seafood today! Love you.
Praying that beautiful “God moments” will break into your days when you least expect them and need them most to rejuvenate you for your journey! Looking forward to reading about every adventure you encounter on your path.
Thanks so much, Sandi! Hope you both are well.
Charlie and Terry, hope you stay safe out there, prayers for you as you take this amazing walk Camino de Santiago. I also wanted to let you know Monica has a brother in San Sebastián. He has a little restaurant there. His name is Tonny Lezama. So maybe you have moved on from there already. Anyhow wish you a safe journey.
I’m so sorry that we didn’t see this in time! It would have been great to meet him. Thanks for the prayers!
I was praying specifically for your safety this morning and will continue to do so!
this sounds hard, but hope you can rest, too.
Thanks for the prayers, Jeanette. Please keep them coming! Yesterday, my legs felt like spaghetti and just as were finishing for the day, we had to climb down another slippery, rocky path before finally arriving. Whew!
I pray for both of you every day that God will protect you from harm and injury. Listen to your body and rest when you need to do so. God bless
Thanks so much, Elaine! Your prayers are working because today we decided to take a train to Bilbo rather suffering through two more really hard days!!