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I wish you well. You're already a better man for attempting your Camino.Vulnerable Post…
Tomorrow I leave the comforts of my life and begin the grueling process of becoming a Pilgrim.
I am mindful of the enormity of what I’m trying to accomplish, trying to summon the willingness to face whatever the Camino shows me. Whether it is hardship, pain, blessings, joy, sorrows, grace, victory, or defeat, I am praying that I’m up to what will be required for me and that I’m open to whatever lessons I need to learn.
I sense that something monumental, a major transformation, a metamorphosis, will take place as I walk. I’m already feeling tectonic shifts in my psyche, and I won’t be the same when I return. I’m getting in touch with a sense of sacredness and solemnity that has been lacking in my life.
I’m terrified and excited. I have complex PTSD, lately I’ve done very well, but this will be a psychological “stress test”. There’s only so much I can process at a therapist’s office, and I hope I can learn how to relate better to others in more organic circumstances. I know I can fail and must be willing to accept failure with grace. I also know that I can succeed and must be willing to accept triumph with humility.Because both are equally valid ways of experiencing the miracle that is life.
I head tomorrow to Miami, the next day I fly to Madrid. After spending a few days in SJPDP, I plan to start walking the Camino Francés on August 11, into the unknown.
I will not be the same after this, hopefully I’ll be a better man.
I’m grateful for the advice and support I’ve received in this forum, much appreciated!
It does not have to be "grueling." I have never found it to be so.Tomorrow I leave the comforts of my life and begin the grueling process of becoming a Pilgrim
I do have time constraints, and I’m not sure how I’ll do walking through mountains (live in flat FL), and the damned cPAP machine is heavy, but I get your point. I guess I’m getting “newbie jitters”. There is also the emotional aspect of it, as I’m most definitely out of my comfort zone. But I’m very comfortable with the discomfort and looking forward to the experience.It does not have to be "grueling." I have never found it to be so.
You are prepared, so relax and take the Camino as it comes. You are the only one putting any pressure on yourself. The Camino is completely neutral in that regard. Remember that you are walking on your schedule, and no one else's. If you decide you want to stop walking at 10 am some days there's nothing stopping you. Take your time and remember to enjoy the journey.
Likewise, Buen camino.I look forward to reading whatever you choose to share with us on this forum.
Vulnerable Post…
Tomorrow I leave the comforts of my life and begin the grueling process of becoming a Pilgrim.
I am mindful of the enormity of what I’m trying to accomplish, trying to summon the willingness to face whatever the Camino shows me. Whether it is hardship, pain, blessings, joy, sorrows, grace, victory, or defeat, I am praying that I’m up to what will be required for me and that I’m open to whatever lessons I need to learn.
I sense that something monumental, a major transformation, a metamorphosis, will take place as I walk. I’m already feeling tectonic shifts in my psyche, and I won’t be the same when I return. I’m getting in touch with a sense of sacredness and solemnity that has been lacking in my life.
I’m terrified and excited. I have complex PTSD, lately I’ve done very well, but this will be a psychological “stress test”. There’s only so much I can process at a therapist’s office, and I hope I can learn how to relate better to others in more organic circumstances. I know I can fail and must be willing to accept failure with grace. I also know that I can succeed and must be willing to accept triumph with humility.Because both are equally valid ways of experiencing the miracle that is life.
I head tomorrow to Miami, the next day I fly to Madrid. After spending a few days in SJPDP, I plan to start walking the Camino Francés on August 11, into the unknown.
I will not be the same after this, hopefully I’ll be a better man.
I’m grateful for the advice and support I’ve received in this forum, much appreciated!
It might, and then again it might not... I suggest that you relax and abandon yourself to what the Camino offers... And good luck with your "complex PTSD"..Vulnerable Post…
Tomorrow I leave the comforts of my life and begin the grueling process of becoming a Pilgrim.
I am mindful of the enormity of what I’m trying to accomplish, trying to summon the willingness to face whatever the Camino shows me. Whether it is hardship, pain, blessings, joy, sorrows, grace, victory, or defeat, I am praying that I’m up to what will be required for me and that I’m open to whatever lessons I need to learn.
I sense that something monumental, a major transformation, a metamorphosis, will take place as I walk. I’m already feeling tectonic shifts in my psyche, and I won’t be the same when I return. I’m getting in touch with a sense of sacredness and solemnity that has been lacking in my life.
I’m terrified and excited. I have complex PTSD, lately I’ve done very well, but this will be a psychological “stress test”. There’s only so much I can process at a therapist’s office, and I hope I can learn how to relate better to others in more organic circumstances. I know I can fail and must be willing to accept failure with grace. I also know that I can succeed and must be willing to accept triumph with humility.Because both are equally valid ways of experiencing the miracle that is life.
I head tomorrow to Miami, the next day I fly to Madrid. After spending a few days in SJPDP, I plan to start walking the Camino Francés on August 11, into the unknown.
I will not be the same after this, hopefully I’ll be a better man.
I’m grateful for the advice and support I’ve received in this forum, much appreciated!
HBS60,I am mindful of the enormity of what I’m trying to accomplish, trying to summon the willingness to face whatever the Camino shows me. Whether it is hardship, pain, blessings, joy, sorrows, grace, victory, or defeat, I am praying that I’m up to what will be required for me and that I’m open to whatever lessons I need to learn.
You will love the journey. Buen Camino!Vulnerable Post…
Tomorrow I leave the comforts of my life and begin the grueling process of becoming a Pilgrim.
I am mindful of the enormity of what I’m trying to accomplish, trying to summon the willingness to face whatever the Camino shows me. Whether it is hardship, pain, blessings, joy, sorrows, grace, victory, or defeat, I am praying that I’m up to what will be required for me and that I’m open to whatever lessons I need to learn.
I sense that something monumental, a major transformation, a metamorphosis, will take place as I walk. I’m already feeling tectonic shifts in my psyche, and I won’t be the same when I return. I’m getting in touch with a sense of sacredness and solemnity that has been lacking in my life.
I’m terrified and excited. I have complex PTSD, lately I’ve done very well, but this will be a psychological “stress test”. There’s only so much I can process at a therapist’s office, and I hope I can learn how to relate better to others in more organic circumstances. I know I can fail and must be willing to accept failure with grace. I also know that I can succeed and must be willing to accept triumph with humility.Because both are equally valid ways of experiencing the miracle that is life.
I head tomorrow to Miami, the next day I fly to Madrid. After spending a few days in SJPDP, I plan to start walking the Camino Francés on August 11, into the unknown.
I will not be the same after this, hopefully I’ll be a better man.
I’m grateful for the advice and support I’ve received in this forum, much appreciated!
Be gentle with yourself. Listen to your breath, Listen to your body. Listen to your heart. When focusing on something, stop, relax, breathe and continue. You know the rest.Vulnerable Post…
Tomorrow I leave the comforts of my life and begin the grueling process of becoming a Pilgrim.
I am mindful of the enormity of what I’m trying to accomplish, trying to summon the willingness to face whatever the Camino shows me. Whether it is hardship, pain, blessings, joy, sorrows, grace, victory, or defeat, I am praying that I’m up to what will be required for me and that I’m open to whatever lessons I need to learn.
I sense that something monumental, a major transformation, a metamorphosis, will take place as I walk. I’m already feeling tectonic shifts in my psyche, and I won’t be the same when I return. I’m getting in touch with a sense of sacredness and solemnity that has been lacking in my life.
I’m terrified and excited. I have complex PTSD, lately I’ve done very well, but this will be a psychological “stress test”. There’s only so much I can process at a therapist’s office, and I hope I can learn how to relate better to others in more organic circumstances. I know I can fail and must be willing to accept failure with grace. I also know that I can succeed and must be willing to accept triumph with humility.Because both are equally valid ways of experiencing the miracle that is life.
I head tomorrow to Miami, the next day I fly to Madrid. After spending a few days in SJPDP, I plan to start walking the Camino Francés on August 11, into the unknown.
I will not be the same after this, hopefully I’ll be a better man.
I’m grateful for the advice and support I’ve received in this forum, much appreciated!
I have found that this is hugely variable from one pilgrim to the next, and even if it's the same pilgrim, from one Camino to the next.It does not have to be "grueling." I have never found it to be so.
Via con Dios! You will be in our thoughts and prayers.Vulnerable Post…
Tomorrow I leave the comforts of my life and begin the grueling process of becoming a Pilgrim.
I am mindful of the enormity of what I’m trying to accomplish, trying to summon the willingness to face whatever the Camino shows me. Whether it is hardship, pain, blessings, joy, sorrows, grace, victory, or defeat, I am praying that I’m up to what will be required for me and that I’m open to whatever lessons I need to learn.
I sense that something monumental, a major transformation, a metamorphosis, will take place as I walk. I’m already feeling tectonic shifts in my psyche, and I won’t be the same when I return. I’m getting in touch with a sense of sacredness and solemnity that has been lacking in my life.
I’m terrified and excited. I have complex PTSD, lately I’ve done very well, but this will be a psychological “stress test”. There’s only so much I can process at a therapist’s office, and I hope I can learn how to relate better to others in more organic circumstances. I know I can fail and must be willing to accept failure with grace. I also know that I can succeed and must be willing to accept triumph with humility.Because both are equally valid ways of experiencing the miracle that is life.
I head tomorrow to Miami, the next day I fly to Madrid. After spending a few days in SJPDP, I plan to start walking the Camino Francés on August 11, into the unknown.
I will not be the same after this, hopefully I’ll be a better man.
I’m grateful for the advice and support I’ve received in this forum, much appreciated!
Buen Camino. The way I’m approaching my Portuguese coastal route Camino in December is-all I have to do is walk to the next town. That’s my goal and only job each day. It is all I HAVE to do. Compartmentalization works well for me and my depression.Vulnerable Post…
Tomorrow I leave the comforts of my life and begin the grueling process of becoming a Pilgrim.
I am mindful of the enormity of what I’m trying to accomplish, trying to summon the willingness to face whatever the Camino shows me. Whether it is hardship, pain, blessings, joy, sorrows, grace, victory, or defeat, I am praying that I’m up to what will be required for me and that I’m open to whatever lessons I need to learn.
I sense that something monumental, a major transformation, a metamorphosis, will take place as I walk. I’m already feeling tectonic shifts in my psyche, and I won’t be the same when I return. I’m getting in touch with a sense of sacredness and solemnity that has been lacking in my life.
I’m terrified and excited. I have complex PTSD, lately I’ve done very well, but this will be a psychological “stress test”. There’s only so much I can process at a therapist’s office, and I hope I can learn how to relate better to others in more organic circumstances. I know I can fail and must be willing to accept failure with grace. I also know that I can succeed and must be willing to accept triumph with humility.Because both are equally valid ways of experiencing the miracle that is life.
I head tomorrow to Miami, the next day I fly to Madrid. After spending a few days in SJPDP, I plan to start walking the Camino Francés on August 11, into the unknown.
I will not be the same after this, hopefully I’ll be a better man.
I’m grateful for the advice and support I’ve received in this forum, much appreciated!
I too live in flat FL and managed the mountains just fine, and I had time constraints as well. It's the adventure, the scenery, the people, the culture, the introspection and more that are at the forefront of your Camino. Certainly you'll have struggles and things won't be as you expect them to be, but that's all part of the charm and joy of it. Few and far between of those who have done it would say that it was a bad experience. Most would jump at the chance to do it again as soon as possible if we could. I believe that will be you as well! Buen Camino!I do have time constraints, and I’m not sure how I’ll do walking through mountains (live in flat FL), and the damned cPAP machine is heavy, but I get your point. I guess I’m getting “newbie jitters”. There is also the emotional aspect of it, as I’m most definitely out of my comfort zone. But I’m very comfortable with the discomfort and looking forward to the experience.
"Look around, pay attention, give smiles away" This is truly excellent advice.Note what @nycwalking and @mspath say. Yes, also the other members who have replied.
You have worked so hard! When you begin, you will reap the rewards.
Another member, @JJinWI helped a lot on our Portugues camino with a suggestion he made and we used it to keep specific words as guideposts for each day.
Find a short phrase and repeat it like a mantra to help focus on breathing and being where you are.
And look around, pay attention, give smiles away.
See what happens.
First of all, I’d like to congratulate you on your decision to walk the Camino the Santiago. I walked the full French way in 2022 and picked up several injuries along the way starting on the first day crossing the Pyrenees. Personally my faith gave me strength to continue and I was inspired knowing that my God was with me daily. Enjoy your adventure— the challenge is great and you will be a stronger individual when you complete it.Vulnerable Post…
Tomorrow I leave the comforts of my life and begin the grueling process of becoming a Pilgrim.
I am mindful of the enormity of what I’m trying to accomplish, trying to summon the willingness to face whatever the Camino shows me. Whether it is hardship, pain, blessings, joy, sorrows, grace, victory, or defeat, I am praying that I’m up to what will be required for me and that I’m open to whatever lessons I need to learn.
I sense that something monumental, a major transformation, a metamorphosis, will take place as I walk. I’m already feeling tectonic shifts in my psyche, and I won’t be the same when I return. I’m getting in touch with a sense of sacredness and solemnity that has been lacking in my life.
I’m terrified and excited. I have complex PTSD, lately I’ve done very well, but this will be a psychological “stress test”. There’s only so much I can process at a therapist’s office, and I hope I can learn how to relate better to others in more organic circumstances. I know I can fail and must be willing to accept failure with grace. I also know that I can succeed and must be willing to accept triumph with humility.Because both are equally valid ways of experiencing the miracle that is life.
I head tomorrow to Miami, the next day I fly to Madrid. After spending a few days in SJPDP, I plan to start walking the Camino Francés on August 11, into the unknown.
I will not be the same after this, hopefully I’ll be a better man.
I’m grateful for the advice and support I’ve received in this forum, much appreciated!
From experience it is a walk on well trodden paths and very much not mountain expedition. There are a few points where you need to take care but it is a path.I do have time constraints, and I’m not sure how I’ll do walking through mountains (live in flat FL), and the damned cPAP machine is heavy, but I get your point. I guess I’m getting “newbie jitters”. There is also the emotional aspect of it, as I’m most definitely out of my comfort zone. But I’m very comfortable with the discomfort and looking forward to the experience.
Relax and enjoy. The only stressful section is getting to SJPDP only because so much is unknown. Funny thing we all eventually get there. Just don't try to rush it, even though we all do out of the desire to start. Once you get to SJPDP and get your first stamp at the pilgrim's office all stress disappears.Vulnerable Post…
Tomorrow I leave the comforts of my life and begin the grueling process of becoming a Pilgrim.
I am mindful of the enormity of what I’m trying to accomplish, trying to summon the willingness to face whatever the Camino shows me. Whether it is hardship, pain, blessings, joy, sorrows, grace, victory, or defeat, I am praying that I’m up to what will be required for me and that I’m open to whatever lessons I need to learn.
I sense that something monumental, a major transformation, a metamorphosis, will take place as I walk. I’m already feeling tectonic shifts in my psyche, and I won’t be the same when I return. I’m getting in touch with a sense of sacredness and solemnity that has been lacking in my life.
I’m terrified and excited. I have complex PTSD, lately I’ve done very well, but this will be a psychological “stress test”. There’s only so much I can process at a therapist’s office, and I hope I can learn how to relate better to others in more organic circumstances. I know I can fail and must be willing to accept failure with grace. I also know that I can succeed and must be willing to accept triumph with humility.Because both are equally valid ways of experiencing the miracle that is life.
I head tomorrow to Miami, the next day I fly to Madrid. After spending a few days in SJPDP, I plan to start walking the Camino Francés on August 11, into the unknown.
I will not be the same after this, hopefully I’ll be a better man.
I’m grateful for the advice and support I’ve received in this forum, much appreciated!
Not sure with regard to your time constraints, maybe not a bad idea to start the pilgrimage in Pamplona? Wishing you all the best with how this positive adventure works out.I do have time constraints, and I’m not sure how I’ll do walking through mountains (live in flat FL), and the damned cPAP machine is heavy, but I get your point. I guess I’m getting “newbie jitters”. There is also the emotional aspect of it, as I’m most definitely out of my comfort zone. But I’m very comfortable with the discomfort and looking forward to the experience.
Don’t be surprised if stepping out of your “comfort zone” puts you into a new and even better comfort zone, one that you’ll long to be in after you return homeI do have time constraints, and I’m not sure how I’ll do walking through mountains (live in flat FL), and the damned cPAP machine is heavy, but I get your point. I guess I’m getting “newbie jitters”. There is also the emotional aspect of it, as I’m most definitely out of my comfort zone. But I’m very comfortable with the discomfort and looking forward to the experience.
Don’t be surprised if stepping out of your “comfort zone” puts you into a new and even better comfort zone, one that you’ll long to be in after you return home
Hola HB,Vulnerable Post…
Tomorrow I leave the comforts of my life and begin the grueling process of becoming a Pilgrim.
I am mindful of the enormity of what I’m trying to accomplish, trying to summon the willingness to face whatever the Camino shows me. Whether it is hardship, pain, blessings, joy, sorrows, grace, victory, or defeat, I am praying that I’m up to what will be required for me and that I’m open to whatever lessons I need to learn.
I sense that something monumental, a major transformation, a metamorphosis, will take place as I walk. I’m already feeling tectonic shifts in my psyche, and I won’t be the same when I return. I’m getting in touch with a sense of sacredness and solemnity that has been lacking in my life.
I’m terrified and excited. I have complex PTSD, lately I’ve done very well, but this will be a psychological “stress test”. There’s only so much I can process at a therapist’s office, and I hope I can learn how to relate better to others in more organic circumstances. I know I can fail and must be willing to accept failure with grace. I also know that I can succeed and must be willing to accept triumph with humility.Because both are equally valid ways of experiencing the miracle that is life.
I head tomorrow to Miami, the next day I fly to Madrid. After spending a few days in SJPDP, I plan to start walking the Camino Francés on August 11, into the unknown.
I will not be the same after this, hopefully I’ll be a better man.
I’m grateful for the advice and support I’ve received in this forum, much appreciated!
Buen Camino! I walked it in 2018. I share your emotions and fears. I had seen a therapist for years struggling with similar issues. I was afraid of the Camino families as well as the physical doing of the walk. I would remind myself and draw energy from the thoughts of ones coming before me with various struggles, many, many much challenging then mine. I felt such a sense of the presence of God alone in the beautiful churches, and cathedrals as well under the sky exploded with stars and moon predawn. I shun crowd situations, but I enjoy one on one situations. I was able to do it and it did change my life. I still don't like crowds in any form but the walk, the experience and the people was amazing to me. You can do this and you will be better for it.Vulnerable Post…
Tomorrow I leave the comforts of my life and begin the grueling process of becoming a Pilgrim.
I am mindful of the enormity of what I’m trying to accomplish, trying to summon the willingness to face whatever the Camino shows me. Whether it is hardship, pain, blessings, joy, sorrows, grace, victory, or defeat, I am praying that I’m up to what will be required for me and that I’m open to whatever lessons I need to learn.
I sense that something monumental, a major transformation, a metamorphosis, will take place as I walk. I’m already feeling tectonic shifts in my psyche, and I won’t be the same when I return. I’m getting in touch with a sense of sacredness and solemnity that has been lacking in my life.
I’m terrified and excited. I have complex PTSD, lately I’ve done very well, but this will be a psychological “stress test”. There’s only so much I can process at a therapist’s office, and I hope I can learn how to relate better to others in more organic circumstances. I know I can fail and must be willing to accept failure with grace. I also know that I can succeed and must be willing to accept triumph with humility.Because both are equally valid ways of experiencing the miracle that is life.
I head tomorrow to Miami, the next day I fly to Madrid. After spending a few days in SJPDP, I plan to start walking the Camino Francés on August 11, into the unknown.
I will not be the same after this, hopefully I’ll be a better man.
I’m grateful for the advice and support I’ve received in this forum, much appreciated!
HBS60,Vulnerable Post…
Tomorrow I leave the comforts of my life and begin the grueling process of becoming a Pilgrim.
I am mindful of the enormity of what I’m trying to accomplish, trying to summon the willingness to face whatever the Camino shows me. Whether it is hardship, pain, blessings, joy, sorrows, grace, victory, or defeat, I am praying that I’m up to what will be required for me and that I’m open to whatever lessons I need to learn.
I sense that something monumental, a major transformation, a metamorphosis, will take place as I walk. I’m already feeling tectonic shifts in my psyche, and I won’t be the same when I return. I’m getting in touch with a sense of sacredness and solemnity that has been lacking in my life.
I’m terrified and excited. I have complex PTSD, lately I’ve done very well, but this will be a psychological “stress test”. There’s only so much I can process at a therapist’s office, and I hope I can learn how to relate better to others in more organic circumstances. I know I can fail and must be willing to accept failure with grace. I also know that I can succeed and must be willing to accept triumph with humility.Because both are equally valid ways of experiencing the miracle that is life.
I head tomorrow to Miami, the next day I fly to Madrid. After spending a few days in SJPDP, I plan to start walking the Camino Francés on August 11, into the unknown.
I will not be the same after this, hopefully I’ll be a better man.
I’m grateful for the advice and support I’ve received in this forum, much appreciated!
I wish you Safe travels and Buen Camino. May all go well for you and you find what you are hoping for. Blessings.Vulnerable Post…
Tomorrow I leave the comforts of my life and begin the grueling process of becoming a Pilgrim.
I am mindful of the enormity of what I’m trying to accomplish, trying to summon the willingness to face whatever the Camino shows me. Whether it is hardship, pain, blessings, joy, sorrows, grace, victory, or defeat, I am praying that I’m up to what will be required for me and that I’m open to whatever lessons I need to learn.
I sense that something monumental, a major transformation, a metamorphosis, will take place as I walk. I’m already feeling tectonic shifts in my psyche, and I won’t be the same when I return. I’m getting in touch with a sense of sacredness and solemnity that has been lacking in my life.
I’m terrified and excited. I have complex PTSD, lately I’ve done very well, but this will be a psychological “stress test”. There’s only so much I can process at a therapist’s office, and I hope I can learn how to relate better to others in more organic circumstances. I know I can fail and must be willing to accept failure with grace. I also know that I can succeed and must be willing to accept triumph with humility.Because both are equally valid ways of experiencing the miracle that is life.
I head tomorrow to Miami, the next day I fly to Madrid. After spending a few days in SJPDP, I plan to start walking the Camino Francés on August 11, into the unknown.
I will not be the same after this, hopefully I’ll be a better man.
I’m grateful for the advice and support I’ve received in this forum, much appreciated!
Sending you prayers for your pilgrimage and everything coming your way!Vulnerable Post…
Tomorrow I leave the comforts of my life and begin the grueling process of becoming a Pilgrim.
I am mindful of the enormity of what I’m trying to accomplish, trying to summon the willingness to face whatever the Camino shows me. Whether it is hardship, pain, blessings, joy, sorrows, grace, victory, or defeat, I am praying that I’m up to what will be required for me and that I’m open to whatever lessons I need to learn.
I sense that something monumental, a major transformation, a metamorphosis, will take place as I walk. I’m already feeling tectonic shifts in my psyche, and I won’t be the same when I return. I’m getting in touch with a sense of sacredness and solemnity that has been lacking in my life.
I’m terrified and excited. I have complex PTSD, lately I’ve done very well, but this will be a psychological “stress test”. There’s only so much I can process at a therapist’s office, and I hope I can learn how to relate better to others in more organic circumstances. I know I can fail and must be willing to accept failure with grace. I also know that I can succeed and must be willing to accept triumph with humility.Because both are equally valid ways of experiencing the miracle that is life.
I head tomorrow to Miami, the next day I fly to Madrid. After spending a few days in SJPDP, I plan to start walking the Camino Francés on August 11, into the unknown.
I will not be the same after this, hopefully I’ll be a better man.
I’m grateful for the advice and support I’ve received in this forum, much appreciated!
There is a youtube video about a very similar American man called The Surgeon and the Saint that I would suggest you watch and remember as you fly across "8 miles high" to Spain that you climb that same 8 miles UP on the Camino Frances.Vulnerable Post…
Tomorrow I leave the comforts of my life and begin the grueling process of becoming a Pilgrim.
I am mindful of the enormity of what I’m trying to accomplish, trying to summon the willingness to face whatever the Camino shows me. Whether it is hardship, pain, blessings, joy, sorrows, grace, victory, or defeat, I am praying that I’m up to what will be required for me and that I’m open to whatever lessons I need to learn.
I sense that something monumental, a major transformation, a metamorphosis, will take place as I walk. I’m already feeling tectonic shifts in my psyche, and I won’t be the same when I return. I’m getting in touch with a sense of sacredness and solemnity that has been lacking in my life.
I’m terrified and excited. I have complex PTSD, lately I’ve done very well, but this will be a psychological “stress test”. There’s only so much I can process at a therapist’s office, and I hope I can learn how to relate better to others in more organic circumstances. I know I can fail and must be willing to accept failure with grace. I also know that I can succeed and must be willing to accept triumph with humility.Because both are equally valid ways of experiencing the miracle that is life.
I head tomorrow to Miami, the next day I fly to Madrid. After spending a few days in SJPDP, I plan to start walking the Camino Francés on August 11, into the unknown.
I will not be the same after this, hopefully I’ll be a better man.
I’m grateful for the advice and support I’ve received in this forum, much appreciated!
Buen Camino xVulnerable Post…
Tomorrow I leave the comforts of my life and begin the grueling process of becoming a Pilgrim.
I am mindful of the enormity of what I’m trying to accomplish, trying to summon the willingness to face whatever the Camino shows me. Whether it is hardship, pain, blessings, joy, sorrows, grace, victory, or defeat, I am praying that I’m up to what will be required for me and that I’m open to whatever lessons I need to learn.
I sense that something monumental, a major transformation, a metamorphosis, will take place as I walk. I’m already feeling tectonic shifts in my psyche, and I won’t be the same when I return. I’m getting in touch with a sense of sacredness and solemnity that has been lacking in my life.
I’m terrified and excited. I have complex PTSD, lately I’ve done very well, but this will be a psychological “stress test”. There’s only so much I can process at a therapist’s office, and I hope I can learn how to relate better to others in more organic circumstances. I know I can fail and must be willing to accept failure with grace. I also know that I can succeed and must be willing to accept triumph with humility.Because both are equally valid ways of experiencing the miracle that is life.
I head tomorrow to Miami, the next day I fly to Madrid. After spending a few days in SJPDP, I plan to start walking the Camino Francés on August 11, into the unknown.
I will not be the same after this, hopefully I’ll be a better man.
I’m grateful for the advice and support I’ve received in this forum, much appreciated!
Perhaps the most grueling part.That’s grueling!
Got similar problems getting to Pamplona today from Palencia, with a replacement bus instead.I'm supposed to take a Cercanías Train to Atocha, but there is some construction going on, so I first have to go to Chamartín, change trains, then go to Atocha hopefully in time to catch the Pamplona train. The Pamplona train leaves at 10:35 and it’s now 8:45 so I hope I have time, but I have no idea how this works.
And now? You ought to be near your embarkation point for the train to Pamplona. I really hope all goes to plan. I will find out later, have to pay attention to my diary now!Arrived Safely in Madrid, an hour late.
Clearing customs was a breeze,baggage claim wasn’t too bad. The airport has grown gigantically since I was here 15 years ago. It’s overwhelming.
I’m supposed to take a Cercanías Train to Atocha, but there is some construction going on, so I first have to go to Chamartín, change trains, then go to Atocha hopefully in time to catch the Pamplona train. The Pamplona train leaves at 10:35 and it’s now 8:45 so I hope I have time, but I have no idea how this works.
It seems to me that getting to the Camino is much harder than actually walking it..,
In deciding to go, and getting to Madrid, you've already achieved so much. You're on your way! I'm so excited for you. Camino Frances is such a wonderful experience. Embrace it all. Looking forward to your posts. Buen Camino!Arrived Safely in Madrid, an hour late.
Clearing customs was a breeze,baggage claim wasn’t too bad. The airport has grown gigantically since I was here 15 years ago. It’s overwhelming.
I’m supposed to take a Cercanías Train to Atocha, but there is some construction going on, so I first have to go to Chamartín, change trains, then go to Atocha hopefully in time to catch the Pamplona train. The Pamplona train leaves at 10:35 and it’s now 8:45 so I hope I have time, but I have no idea how this works.
It seems to me that getting to the Camino is much harder than actually walking it..,
Pic didn’t upload this morning..My first Pilgrim breakfast- croissant, OJ, Cafe con Leche. Pilgrim life at its best! Currently awaiting the bus to SJPDP. I might not “officially” be a Pilgrim, yet, but who cares!
Since you are in Basque country, please try some Gateau Basque after dinner, with café con leche. As you get deeper into Spain, try Tarta de Santiago. Buen Camino! Both are traditional local fare.My first Pilgrim breakfast- croissant, OJ, Cafe con Leche. Pilgrim life at its best!
Currently awaiting the bus to SJPDP.
I might not “officially” be a Pilgrim, yet, but who cares!
I’ve been there already, twice, and I plan to be there more times. I intend to light a candle for a lost loved one and get a pilgrim’s blessing, no small thing for me as I keep religion and church at arm’s length, but this feels different. This trip for me is about grieving, unburdening, trying to open up to life beyond trauma, and despite issues I have with religion, because of the significance of this pilgrimage, I want to be respectful of the sacredness and cultivate a sense of reverence.If you haven't been into the church yet by the bridge - do so. It's the most amazing space to just go and sit in before starting your journey, and seeing all the other people that come in to have their quiet moments and perhaps light a candle for a lost one. A very humbling and beautiful experience that I'll always remember.
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I must say I'm not religious in the slightest, so similar to yourself in a way. But, I love churches, the history and the general atmosphere/energy of churches. Some people describe some places as being "thin places" where the veil between the physical world and the spiritual world is thinner, and I defintely find churches to feel like this to me, for me it's not the religious aspect but just the energy that these places hold - and that energy is evident all the way along this beautiful path and not just in churches.I’ve been there already, twice, and I plan to be there more times. I intend to light a candle for a lost loved one and get a pilgrim’s blessing, no small thing for me as I keep religion and church at arm’s length, but this feels different. This trip for me is about grieving, unburdening, trying to open up to life beyond trauma, and despite issues I have with religion, because of the significance of this pilgrimage, I want to be respectful of the sacredness and cultivate a sense of reverence.
Such a beautiful journey you are already experiencing. Thank you for sharing it with others! Having just returned from my own experience which also began in SJPDP, I check daily for your posts to see how you've been blessed and challenged and to re-live my own experience of both. Buen Camino my friend!I’ve been there already, twice, and I plan to be there more times. I intend to light a candle for a lost loved one and get a pilgrim’s blessing, no small thing for me as I keep religion and church at arm’s length, but this feels different. This trip for me is about grieving, unburdening, trying to open up to life beyond trauma, and despite issues I have with religion, because of the significance of this pilgrimage, I want to be respectful of the sacredness and cultivate a sense of reverence.
I’d say you are already much more of a pilgrim than many of us will ever be!I might not “officially” be a Pilgrim, yet, but who cares!
Thank you so much to you and all that have responded with so much support, much appreciated. I tried to upload a video going into some more detail of my journey, but my internet connection has been horribly slow, so I might try this later. In the meantime, I thank all of you for your kind words!I’d say you are already much more of a pilgrim than many of us will ever be!
Your posts remind us that there are many more wonderful and important things discussed on the forum than today’s spate of threads about knives, sellos, and hiking poles. As you can see from the responses to your thread, many of us are sending all sorts of buen camino hugs and looking forward to reading whatever you care to share publicly.
Buen camino to you.
I tried but I got the message that the file was too big to be processed by the website, so I’ll try again after clipping off the initial part of the video in which I was just babbling about Albergue life before going into more deep issues. I hope this works! Please forgive my accent and diction, I can be hard to understand, even I don’t always understand what I recorded!Thank you so much to you and all that have responded with so much support, much appreciated. I tried to upload a video going into some more detail of my journey, but my internet connection has been horribly slow, so I might try this later. In the meantime, I thank all of you for your kind words!
I think that it's better to create it as a YouTube video. This forum isn't really meant to be a video hosting site.I tried but I got the message that the file was too big to be processed by the website, so I’ll try again after clipping off the initial part of the video in which I was just babbling about Albergue life before going into more deep issues. I hope this works! Please forgive my accent and diction, I can be hard to understand, even I don’t always understand what I recorded!
ETA: I tried again, but I’ve been having a horrible internet connection and videos in particular take forever to upload. Not sure if it’s a Tmobiley issue, local congestion, or what. My internet seemed to be fine in Spain. Go figure!
I would suggest that you create the videos in the lowest quality setting which will still be perfectly OK for your purpose but will be far easier for you to upload (and me to download on my lousy internet connection)Thank you so much to you and all that have responded with so much support, much appreciated. I tried to upload a video going into some more detail of my journey, but my internet connection has been horribly slow, so I might try this later. In the meantime, I thank all of you for your kind words!
CongratulationsI’ve been there already, twice, and I plan to be there more times.
I would suggest you lower the stress levels and either store the video on your device until you get home, or even abandon the idea of video making altogether. I know from personal experience that putting stuff up on the internet can be a time-consuming and frustrating experience when you are on the camino. Focus on who you are and where you are, cherish and relish every moment. It is your unique life and experience, make the most of them.Of course, there is the option of simply writing down some thoughts, without video or many photos.
I completely agree. I have a friend who was on Camino this year, and I was looking forward to reading her FindPenguins blog. There were a few entries at the beginning, but then very little. While I was disappointed that I wasn't able to follow her Camino, I was also happy that she was focusing on her Camino, and not on entertaining me or anyone else.I would suggest you lower the stress levels and either store the video on your device until you get home, or even abandon the idea of video making altogether. I know from personal experience that putting stuff up on the internet can be a time-consuming and frustrating experience when you are on the camino. Focus on who you are and where you are, cherish and relish every moment. It is your unique life and experience, make the most of them.
Not really. The Camino does not run through the church. The Camino runs along the street in front of the church, and you need to step off the Camino to go into the church.you just found that illusive other (than St Jacobs) example of a church where "A Camino Runs Through It".
Are you the person that was at my side during the bus trip? If so, I tried to WhatsApp you but my internet connection has been terrible and my hire’s WiFi is very restricted. In any case, thank you and Buen Camino!Didn't bump into you yesterday, and heading out soon in the opposite direction, so instead :
Bon chemin and Buen Camino from a fellow pilgrim and from SJPP !!
Think I just missed you at the Pilgrim Office this morning.
You will get many more, but none will match that first one. Animo, peregrino!My first Pilgrim Stamp!
I’m starting my walk early tomorrow to avoid the heat wave, so today was the day to do it.
The gentleman at the desk was kind enough to let me do it while he took the picture. It was a very satisfying moment…
Sorry for confusion - I was talking about the route past the doors of church and 20 meters further under a "tower" with green gates (and over bridge) which I assumed to be PART of the church as it is directly connected - so are you maybe saying it is a tower that remains from some old walls?Not really. The Camino does not run through the church. The Camino runs along the street in front of the church, and you need to step off the Camino to go into the church.
No, yesterday was my Roncesvalles > SJPP over the pass.Are you the person that was at my side during the bus trip?
Firstly, this is of no use or value to HBS60. Secondly, a camino is a thoroughfare and a church is a building. No sensible person would route a thoroughfare through a building and no sensible person would construct a building on a thoroughfare.Sorry for confusion - I was talking about the route past the doors of church and 20 meters further under a "tower" with green gates (and over bridge) which I assumed to be PART of the church as it is directly connected - so are you maybe saying it is a tower that remains from some old walls?
no sensible person would construct a building on a thoroughfare.
It was the part of the trip that stressed me out the most! You will be so happy when you step into SJPdP and need do nothing but walk!Arrived Safely in Madrid, an hour late.
Clearing customs was a breeze,baggage claim wasn’t too bad. The airport has grown gigantically since I was here 15 years ago. It’s overwhelming.
I’m supposed to take a Cercanías Train to Atocha, but there is some construction going on, so I first have to go to Chamartín, change trains, then go to Atocha hopefully in time to catch the Pamplona train. The Pamplona train leaves at 10:35 and it’s now 8:45 so I hope I have time, but I have no idea how this works.
It seems to me that getting to the Camino is much harder than actually walking it..,
Yes, something like that, but let's not hijack this thread any further, with your project.are you maybe saying it is a tower that remains from some old walls?
Yes, it works for me, but I have a Facebook account and check it regularly. Not everyone does.I’ll try an experiment posting a link to a Facebook entry, that might help with the upload issues, which seem better today.
I hope this works!
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