A very thought provoking conversation. I definately had some of the same thoughts in regards to the silence, the spiritual nature, the religious connotations, the magic of this journey if you will. It is the feeling of being free! I suppose this and many other feelings arise but I think for a lot of people It can be describes as Total Freedom! For this short period we have control over our lives, feet and our minds. We find freedom from whatever one needs, freedom from normal life and in these small moments, we briefly find and get what we need... uncomplicated bliss. Religious or not I saw this affect on many fellow walkers On my first camino.
I had a simular feeling at a small chapel during my walk with non stop rain and mud for two weeks on the Frances. ...some nuns invited myself and a German pilgrim, Otto, along with other pilgrims inside The small chapel. The german was suffering from severe blisters but refused to stop walking. For whatever reason he decided to walk the camino He also left a ailing (dying) mother at home who Unselfishly told him he needed to go and walk. .
I remember sitting in the Chapel with Otto. He was overcome with emotion, inconsolable crying But I knew that day he got his answer To whatever question he was seeking an answer for. I knew this was the most PEACE I had ever felt anywhere And maybe it was the same for him. We walked a while longer Together before we said goodbye. He left the camino early Due to severe infection from the blisters. Shortly after This day, he went home and his mother sadly passed away shortly thereafter
I had the same feeling of peace in Santiago Cathedral. I am not Catholic or particular into religion but I am a deeply spiritual person. For me, I don't think the feeling so much has to do with a religion but more of something that touched my soul and what is good in me ...it was the silence and the freedom of the walk. This feeling lives On from those who have come before us, the millions of travelers who for whatever reason decide to take the walk. It touches each of us in different ways.
I can truly say that I was definitely called to walk, I needed to walk, and I need to continue to walk. I now know it is a life camino ...it is what I needed when I needed it! I consider myself lucky, extremely blessed...injuries included.! The walk gave ME back to me!