Preparation

There is a certain pleasure, a certain excitement, about preparing for our third Camino. Twice before we hiked the Camino Frances, the most popular of the Caminos that all end at Santiago de Compostela, in the northwest corner of Spain. This time we’ll be hiking the Camino del Norte and the Camino Primitivo — even more difficult Caminos that will follow along the northern coastline that has lots of mountains while looking out on gorgeous ocean views for at least part of the trip. We figure since we’re not getting any younger, we better try these more difficult ones now, while we still have the health, energy, and guts to do them!

Friends often ask, “Why take these long walks?” I walk because there’s something incredibly powerful about being out in nature, day after day, with the only task “required” is to put one foot in front of the other. I become immersed in the beauty all around me. Sights and sounds become magnified. Prayer is effortless. Welcome and hospitality — both giving and receiving — are inherent. And by walking, life slows way down and invites contemplation, healing, and peace even amidst the physical struggles and challenges. I have to listen to my body and care for her in a new way. I listen to my emotions and try and recognize what it is they’re trying to say and need. And I listen to my spirit and welcome her guidance. And let me tell you, having hot showers and delicious food at the end of the day is also pretty amazing!

Today, Charlie and I walked about 10 miles with our backpacks almost fully loaded as part of the training we’re doing. We ended up at a favorite restaurant for a late breakfast. We’ve also been working out on exercise machines with our packs on. Since we’ve done this several times, we KNOW how much better we’ll feel if we start the Camino already in good shape, already able to handle our packs without too much strain on the body. Though I’m a bit sore now, I expect to do this multiple more times before we actually leave. By then, I should be able to do it without a problem.

As I prepare physically, I also want to begin preparing mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Mentally, I want to work at “turning off the chatter” through contemplative prayer. This will allow me to be more present quicker in the trip. Emotionally, I’m trying to listen better as to what my emotions are telling me. This will help me address any needs that arise. And spiritually, I want to continue to be aware of God’s guidance in my life … that still, quiet, inner voice. What am I ignoring or not paying enough attention to right now? This will allow greater flow from within to be open to new learnings, new whispers of the sacred during the upcoming trip.

Good preparation makes for an even better experience. How about you? Is there something that you’re preparing for physically, mentally, emotionally, and/or spiritually? What do you need to more fully embrace the anticipated “journey?”

~ Terri