So much of what we learn from our noteworthy journeys depends on what we experience and how we go about responding....
There were scores of joyful times, kinship with others, daily adventures, endless beauty, and periods of great peace and tranquility. Each dimension of the Camino was part of the growth process. Every step on the path opened insight and awareness and helped me to view my life more clearly. As I walked the many miles of the Camino, it led me see how I get caught up in the cultural rush and hurry, the push and pull of calendars and never-enough-time. The Camino helped me to look at the pressure of expectations and the strain of demands that I, and others, place upon myself. I am still in awe of the lessons the Camino provided.
...Little did I know that with every step I took on my walk toward Santiago, a huge change was unfolding in how I "did my life."
...It was not until we returned home that layer upon layer kept being peeled back. Underneath all the layers was one major truth for me: I had to let go of trying to control and have everything go the way I wanted it to go. I needed to look at how I did my life, not so much what I did with my life.
Most of all, walking the Camino called me to allow daily life to be the pilgrimage and adventure it truly is. As I slowed my pace on the Camino, I realized I had to slow down inside, stop being so intense, enjoy life more. I felt called to halt the constant push to be productive....
...My desire in sharing these treasures with you is to have the teachings stir up fresh enthusiasm and hope for your life as they have done for mine. You may never have the opportunity to walk across the ancient path to Santiago but you will always have the opportunity to stretch and grow spiritually on your own path of life. May these lessons of the Camino that came to me one autumn in Spain plant a seed of growth in your own heart as you walk your daily pilgrimage of life. — Joyce Rupp |
