Do you set an “intention” for your Camino?

[CTLawGal]

Walking a Camino in 2025? I am starting my second in April 2025 and thinking about what intention to set. And also wondering if others set intentions for their Camino? Do you change your intention from Camino to Camino, or stick with the same one?

I discovered this Forum shortly before I began my first Camino, with the plan to walk the Norte to Oviedo, then the Primitivo and finishing with Finisterre and Muxia over the course of 42 days. I came across a post with an excerpt from Father Richard’s 1983 talks on pilgrimage, which I found incredibly meaningful because, while I’m not Catholic or particularly religious, it caused me to start thinking about walking my Camino with an “intent”. The thread was later shut down as it inspired a lot of angry responses on the now taboo topic of "pilgrim or tourist". However, this post is not intended as a violation of the new rule, but rather to ask, do you walk with intention?

I know people walk the Camino for many reasons, or for no reason, to just walk and see what happens along the way, so perhaps setting an intention isn’t necessarily helpful or applicable to everyone.

I hadn’t really given it much thought before I started, I was more caught up in packing (and repacking, and repacking again), and all the other pre-departure details. However, that post inspired me to examine why I was walking and what I hoped to accomplish. Before I read that post, I think I was mostly just hoping I would be able to finish! I was also hoping in some vague way for it to be a “spiritual” journey, not just a long trekking vacation. But I hadn’t really gone much further than in my thoughts than that, I wasn’t really thinking about how make a spiritual journey, it was just something I felt compelled to do.

My response to that post included this description of my intention:

“I feel that if I can wake every morning with gratitude in my heart, experience the beauty of where I am in each moment, let go of judging others, no matter how tired I feel or my feet ache, I will have accomplished what I set out to do, I will have approached the internal from the external.”

I kept thinking about this as my departure came closer, and once I started walking, I found myself articulating it slightly differently: that by waking each day with this kind of positive energy, I hoped it would create a kind of internal emotional “vibration” that I hoped I would be able to carry through to my day-to-day life off the Camino. Bringing that “best version of myself” that I often see others describe how they feel on Camino, back with me to my life at home. Looking back, I feel that setting that intention really made a difference in my pilgrimage; it became my polestar, and I did start to feel a kind of internal vibration.

I think I’ve been somewhat successful at maintaining that vibration, but I still see it as a practice, not something that you accomplish, rather something to keep working at. Somehow it seemed so much easier on the Camino where life is simplified into the basic components of walk, find food, be kind, find your destination, repeat. The Camino can be so powerful and a source of inspiration to keep improving our “best versions” – it’s definitely something to keep working on and going back to.

So, as I prepare for my next Camino in Spring 2025, I am thinking again about my intention, how should I walk? Do I need a new intention (and what would that be?), or continue with the one that worked so well for me on my first Camino? I’m leaning towards the latter, but I’ve modified it somewhat, encapsulating into fewer words so it can be a little like a mantra, but still with the hope of creating (or maybe deepening) that internal “vibration” and work towards that “better version”.

Wake in gratitude.
Be good, do good.
Open your heart to beauty.
Remember to smile.

So for now, that is my intention for my Camino.

I’m also hoping that by sharing mine, as the New Year approaches it will inspire you to think about it (as that post inspired me) to enhance your own Camino. And maybe give me other things to think about as I set mine.

 

[dbier]

Gracias a Dios
Señor, ten piedad.
Let go, let God.

 

[MamaBear]

Walking a Camino in 2025? I am starting my second in April 2025 and thinking about what intention to set. And also wondering if others set intentions for their Camino? Do you change your intention from Camino to Camino, or stick with the same one?

I discovered this Forum shortly before I began my first Camino, with the plan to walk the Norte to Oviedo, then the Primitivo and finishing with Finisterre and Muxia over the course of 42 days. I came across a post with an excerpt from Father Richard’s 1983 talks on pilgrimage, which I found incredibly meaningful because, while I’m not Catholic or particularly religious, it caused me to start thinking about walking my Camino with an “intent”. The thread was later shut down as it inspired a lot of angry responses on the now taboo topic of "pilgrim or tourist". However, this post is not intended as a violation of the new rule, but rather to ask, do you walk with intention?

I know people walk the Camino for many reasons, or for no reason, to just walk and see what happens along the way, so perhaps setting an intention isn’t necessarily helpful or applicable to everyone.

I hadn’t really given it much thought before I started, I was more caught up in packing (and repacking, and repacking again), and all the other pre-departure details. However, that post inspired me to examine why I was walking and what I hoped to accomplish. Before I read that post, I think I was mostly just hoping I would be able to finish! I was also hoping in some vague way for it to be a “spiritual” journey, not just a long trekking vacation. But I hadn’t really gone much further than in my thoughts than that, I wasn’t really thinking about how make a spiritual journey, it was just something I felt compelled to do.

My response to that post included this description of my intention:

“I feel that if I can wake every morning with gratitude in my heart, experience the beauty of where I am in each moment, let go of judging others, no matter how tired I feel or my feet ache, I will have accomplished what I set out to do, I will have approached the internal from the external.”

I kept thinking about this as my departure came closer, and once I started walking, I found myself articulating it slightly differently: that by waking each day with this kind of positive energy, I hoped it would create a kind of internal emotional “vibration” that I hoped I would be able to carry through to my day-to-day life off the Camino. Bringing that “best version of myself” that I often see others describe how they feel on Camino, back with me to my life at home. Looking back, I feel that setting that intention really made a difference in my pilgrimage; it became my polestar, and I did start to feel a kind of internal vibration.

I think I’ve been somewhat successful at maintaining that vibration, but I still see it as a practice, not something that you accomplish, rather something to keep working at. Somehow it seemed so much easier on the Camino where life is simplified into the basic components of walk, find food, be kind, find your destination, repeat. The Camino can be so powerful and a source of inspiration to keep improving our “best versions” – it’s definitely something to keep working on and going back to.

So, as I prepare for my next Camino in Spring 2025, I am thinking again about my intention, how should I walk? Do I need a new intention (and what would that be?), or continue with the one that worked so well for me on my first Camino? I’m leaning towards the latter, but I’ve modified it somewhat, encapsulating into fewer words so it can be a little like a mantra, but still with the hope of creating (or maybe deepening) that internal “vibration” and work towards that “better version”.

Wake in gratitude.
Be good, do good.
Open your heart to beauty.
Remember to smile.

So for now, that is my intention for my Camino.

I’m also hoping that by sharing mine, as the New Year approaches it will inspire you to think about it (as that post inspired me) to enhance your own Camino. And maybe give me other things to think about as I set mine.

My intent will simply be to walk alongside with my Savior Jesus Christ, see and experience our journey together.

 

[C clearly]

I have my reasons for walking Caminos, and those reasons are enough for me. I do not "set" an intention upon starting one.

 

[Robo]

I have my reasons for walking Caminos, and those reasons are enough for me. I do not "set" an intention upon starting one.

100%.
I think there is a real danger in over thinking this Camino thing

I just go and walk, with no specific intention or goal.
But I know that cool things will happen if I am open to it.......

 

[Damien Reynolds]

On my next camino, my intention will be to lose the weight I have gained since my last one (oh the Holidays), and get back into hiking shape for a thru-hike in the USA.

Now it would be nice to do something to help someone or something along the way. But I don't set an intention for that, most often that is a "game time" decision and I never know when something like that is going to happen.

This one time.. I was told I "restored [a fellow walker's] faith in humanity".

I try not to set the bar so high as to expect that again.

 

[OZAJ]

100%.
I think there is a real danger in over thinking this Camino thing

I just go and walk, with no specific intention or goal.
But I know that cool things will happen if I am open to it.......

I agree.

Being open to what happens. Seeing things and opportunities you might not normally notice. Being aware of assistance from Mushkil Gusha, the remover of difficulties.

The universe is large and you are small, but you ARE an integral part of it all.

 

[SabsP]

I have my reasons for walking Caminos, and those reasons are enough for me. I do not "set" an intention upon starting one.

Idem for me.
Aside from that : all the things I would like to be/ do at home.
Being a decent person and be nice to others and myself.
If taking up as much culture and architecture on a Camino is an intention then yes that is something I would do. But I do the same when not on Camino.

 

[markie6]

I started with the intention of completing it when I first headed out. I had a guidebook and little knowledge other than that of the movie. I came here to the forum later once I realised there were a lot of us

One thing I have learned while walking is the need for tolerance. Something I have taken back to the real world with me

 

[MikeJS]

My only intent is to get to the end.

 

[J Willhaus]

On my first Camino, my intention was to try to become a more patient person. As with most things I wish for, God gave me multiple opportunities to practice! I do think it helped although I am still generally not a very patient person.

Now my intention is just to live every day to the fullest either on or off the Camino. Who knows how many Caminos any of us has left in us, so I walk each one with the wonder and welcoming spirit as if it might be my last.

 

[Bad Pilgrim]

On my next camino, my intention will be to lose the weight

You beat me to it! Same.

I recommend the Camino Vadiniense for that intent: for the first time I got comments when I got back, some rather worried, saying I lost too much weight... (Vadiniense was part of a longer Camino but I heavily suspect that stretch took a toll on me)

Then again, after a few months one is back to being the old roly poly pudding as always...

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

100%.
I think there is a real danger in over thinking this Camino thing

I just go and walk, with no specific intention or goal.
But I know that cool things will happen if I am open to it.......

Perhaps, yes… which is to say: totally agree that people overthink the pilgrimage on the caminos de Santiago… because it starts to tread into “wellness” aspirational culture stuff (self-improvement, some vague notion of enlightenment, things of that order…).
But “intention” has a very particular meaning in Catholic practice and is not about overthinking. Rather it is about paring down to clarity what the purpose is in anything that one does. Entirely possible that the choice of word in the OP speaks to this idea… in which case, it is not a hand-wringing angst at all.
At its simplest, it is to do everything you do in a way that honours our creation as children of God.
I will stop there knowing that I have wildly reduced a fairly nuanced tenet, but the forum rules make it difficult to do any better without treading into “discussion of religion”.
I think that one might say quite reasonably, though, that having the goal of reaching the cathedral and praying at the tomb of the saint would be intention enough…. Thought it would not carry the meaning contained within “intention” as it is used to mean something close to “prayer”.
That said, if one attends any of the pilgrim masses, if one attends any of the ACC sessions, if one receives the pilgrim blessing from a church or cathedral at the point of departure, then the idea of carrying your intentions to Santiago will be central to the purpose of the blessing.
So… yeah, I think we can overthink “intention”, but the concept can be quite sacred for some who are making their way… and for those who might follow an Ignatian practice, for example, then staying faithful to the intention will be a key part of the work of making the journey.
thing about all this is… I would never ask someone their intention and would only share mine in a setting designed for that purpose (i.e., at a pilgrim’s mass, or at one of the ACC sessions).

 

[60LifeChange]

No expectations. Life happens, enjoy it! Hoping for much, but will take whatever comes my way.

 

[lt56ny]

Idem for me.
Aside from that : all the things I would like to be/ do at home.
Being a decent person and be nice to others and myself.
If taking up as much culture and architecture on a Camino is an intention then yes that is something I would do. But I do the same when not on Camino.

I just wanted to tell you that I had never seen or heard the word idem before. Had to google it. After I found the meaning I thought it was a really, really COOL word. I doubt I would ever use it as my friends (they are boys from The Bronx would give me a ton of s*#t for it. You probably don't know this as you are not a New Yorker from a working class neighborhood, This would be the the expected response from anybody on our street.
But regardless I love the word and thanks for using it!!! Happy New Year to you @SabsP!

 

[Hermitanyo]

My intentions for my Camino will be to offer my Joys and Sufferings to the Immaculate Heart of Our Blessed Mother to use as she will.

 

[lt56ny]

Walking a Camino in 2025? I am starting my second in April 2025 and thinking about what intention to set. And also wondering if others set intentions for their Camino? Do you change your intention from Camino to Camino, or stick with the same one?

I discovered this Forum shortly before I began my first Camino, with the plan to walk the Norte to Oviedo, then the Primitivo and finishing with Finisterre and Muxia over the course of 42 days. I came across a post with an excerpt from Father Richard’s 1983 talks on pilgrimage, which I found incredibly meaningful because, while I’m not Catholic or particularly religious, it caused me to start thinking about walking my Camino with an “intent”. The thread was later shut down as it inspired a lot of angry responses on the now taboo topic of "pilgrim or tourist". However, this post is not intended as a violation of the new rule, but rather to ask, do you walk with intention?

I know people walk the Camino for many reasons, or for no reason, to just walk and see what happens along the way, so perhaps setting an intention isn’t necessarily helpful or applicable to everyone.

I hadn’t really given it much thought before I started, I was more caught up in packing (and repacking, and repacking again), and all the other pre-departure details. However, that post inspired me to examine why I was walking and what I hoped to accomplish. Before I read that post, I think I was mostly just hoping I would be able to finish! I was also hoping in some vague way for it to be a “spiritual” journey, not just a long trekking vacation. But I hadn’t really gone much further than in my thoughts than that, I wasn’t really thinking about how make a spiritual journey, it was just something I felt compelled to do.

My response to that post included this description of my intention:

“I feel that if I can wake every morning with gratitude in my heart, experience the beauty of where I am in each moment, let go of judging others, no matter how tired I feel or my feet ache, I will have accomplished what I set out to do, I will have approached the internal from the external.”

I kept thinking about this as my departure came closer, and once I started walking, I found myself articulating it slightly differently: that by waking each day with this kind of positive energy, I hoped it would create a kind of internal emotional “vibration” that I hoped I would be able to carry through to my day-to-day life off the Camino. Bringing that “best version of myself” that I often see others describe how they feel on Camino, back with me to my life at home. Looking back, I feel that setting that intention really made a difference in my pilgrimage; it became my polestar, and I did start to feel a kind of internal vibration.

I think I’ve been somewhat successful at maintaining that vibration, but I still see it as a practice, not something that you accomplish, rather something to keep working at. Somehow it seemed so much easier on the Camino where life is simplified into the basic components of walk, find food, be kind, find your destination, repeat. The Camino can be so powerful and a source of inspiration to keep improving our “best versions” – it’s definitely something to keep working on and going back to.

So, as I prepare for my next Camino in Spring 2025, I am thinking again about my intention, how should I walk? Do I need a new intention (and what would that be?), or continue with the one that worked so well for me on my first Camino? I’m leaning towards the latter, but I’ve modified it somewhat, encapsulating into fewer words so it can be a little like a mantra, but still with the hope of creating (or maybe deepening) that internal “vibration” and work towards that “better version”.

Wake in gratitude.
Be good, do good.
Open your heart to beauty.
Remember to smile.

So for now, that is my intention for my Camino.

I’m also hoping that by sharing mine, as the New Year approaches it will inspire you to think about it (as that post inspired me) to enhance your own Camino. And maybe give me other things to think about as I set mine.

I am about as New Age (don't know a better word to use) or enlightened as hole in the wall and as woke as a hibernating bear.

I have my reasons for walking Caminos, and those reasons are enough for me. I do not "set" an intention upon starting one.

100%.
I think there is a real danger in over thinking this Camino thing

I just go and walk, with no specific intention or goal.
But I know that cool things will happen if I am open to it.......

If taking up as much culture and architecture on a Camino is an intention then yes that is something I would do. But I do the same when not on Camino.

The three quotes above are all I agree with. Coming from 3 people I am sure I would really like if I ever have the good fortune to meet.
I say just walk "UNintentionally". Just be the good person who tries as I am sure you are.
Feel your body and hear the sounds around you and the earth under your feet and walk mindlessly.
We are who we are. I have never gotten over my dad's passing. He was my rock who watched over me and guided me and crawled up my butt when I screwed up, which I did alot, but at the same time loved me and gave me the best guidance every single day no matter how many mistakes I made. Since his passing I have often been so mad at him for not living forever to keep me on the straight and narrow and being their for me when I was confused or had screwed up.
But you know my mindlessness sometimes allows me to have conversations with him when I walk and I can hear his voice and his love for me so clearly.
Walk with no intention and no thought and let the camino come to you when your brain is clear of all your (as we all have) your lifetime of BS. I am 70 and I figure if I haven't figured something out by now I never will so I don't worry about it. Like how my wife gets mad at me because I am oblivious to how the boss wants her house run. I have learned that wives are really the owners of the house us men live in no matter whose money paid for the roof over our heads. Our wives just let us, by their good graces to live there.
So just walk and as the old saying goes the camino gives us what we need not what we want.
I am sure you are a good person now and will be the same when you finish.
Like @C clearly says she walks for her own reasons and they are good enough for her. I agree.
I will say I have my reasons but I will divulge this much. The camino feels like home for me.
Buen Camino and if you read this I hope you didn't fall asleep, unless of course you needed a nap so in that case your welcome.

 

[Silvermomma]

CTLawGal, I absolutely love your post, and the thoughts you are sharing. I have walked four caminos and always articulate (in writing) a few things I want to hold in my mind and heart. Have you read the book "Returning from Camino" by John Shaia? I like it, although I haven't done most of the things, like have a specific mentor, etc. But I like the framework.

And to answer further, yes my intentions change, as I realize various challenges. Suspending judgement is always on the list, because I am terrible at this, LOL. Being kind to myself, not fretting if I take a bus or taxi once in a while. Now that you have walked once, and you are so articulate and thoughtful, I'm sure you can formulate new intentions, or reframe earlier ones.

One thing I enjoy doing: before I leave, I write random quotes and encouragement in the blank journal I'm going to use. It's fun to come upon them weeks later.

I also live in CT.

 

[JeffP]

Walking a Camino in 2025? I am starting my second in April 2025 and thinking about what intention to set. And also wondering if others set intentions for their Camino? Do you change your intention from Camino to Camino, or stick with the same one?

I discovered this Forum shortly before I began my first Camino, with the plan to walk the Norte to Oviedo, then the Primitivo and finishing with Finisterre and Muxia over the course of 42 days. I came across a post with an excerpt from Father Richard’s 1983 talks on pilgrimage, which I found incredibly meaningful because, while I’m not Catholic or particularly religious, it caused me to start thinking about walking my Camino with an “intent”. The thread was later shut down as it inspired a lot of angry responses on the now taboo topic of "pilgrim or tourist". However, this post is not intended as a violation of the new rule, but rather to ask, do you walk with intention?

I know people walk the Camino for many reasons, or for no reason, to just walk and see what happens along the way, so perhaps setting an intention isn’t necessarily helpful or applicable to everyone.

I hadn’t really given it much thought before I started, I was more caught up in packing (and repacking, and repacking again), and all the other pre-departure details. However, that post inspired me to examine why I was walking and what I hoped to accomplish. Before I read that post, I think I was mostly just hoping I would be able to finish! I was also hoping in some vague way for it to be a “spiritual” journey, not just a long trekking vacation. But I hadn’t really gone much further than in my thoughts than that, I wasn’t really thinking about how make a spiritual journey, it was just something I felt compelled to do.

My response to that post included this description of my intention:

“I feel that if I can wake every morning with gratitude in my heart, experience the beauty of where I am in each moment, let go of judging others, no matter how tired I feel or my feet ache, I will have accomplished what I set out to do, I will have approached the internal from the external.”

I kept thinking about this as my departure came closer, and once I started walking, I found myself articulating it slightly differently: that by waking each day with this kind of positive energy, I hoped it would create a kind of internal emotional “vibration” that I hoped I would be able to carry through to my day-to-day life off the Camino. Bringing that “best version of myself” that I often see others describe how they feel on Camino, back with me to my life at home. Looking back, I feel that setting that intention really made a difference in my pilgrimage; it became my polestar, and I did start to feel a kind of internal vibration.

I think I’ve been somewhat successful at maintaining that vibration, but I still see it as a practice, not something that you accomplish, rather something to keep working at. Somehow it seemed so much easier on the Camino where life is simplified into the basic components of walk, find food, be kind, find your destination, repeat. The Camino can be so powerful and a source of inspiration to keep improving our “best versions” – it’s definitely something to keep working on and going back to.

So, as I prepare for my next Camino in Spring 2025, I am thinking again about my intention, how should I walk? Do I need a new intention (and what would that be?), or continue with the one that worked so well for me on my first Camino? I’m leaning towards the latter, but I’ve modified it somewhat, encapsulating into fewer words so it can be a little like a mantra, but still with the hope of creating (or maybe deepening) that internal “vibration” and work towards that “better version”.

Wake in gratitude.
Be good, do good.
Open your heart to beauty.
Remember to smile.

So for now, that is my intention for my Camino.

I’m also hoping that by sharing mine, as the New Year approaches it will inspire you to think about it (as that post inspired me) to enhance your own Camino. And maybe give me other things to think about as I set mine.

Good Morning,

I invite my friends and family to share their intentions and prayers with me so I can carry them close to my heart as I journey along the Way. I’ll remember them with each step, lifting their hopes and needs in my thoughts. In the sacred stillness of the churches I visit, I will light candles, offering a quiet flame of prayer and love for each intention entrusted to me.

 

[francesbe]

When I walked last summer, I had been thinking about how soft my life is, and I wanted to challenge myself. A lot of the language I heard people use along the way (I mostly met people in their 20s/30s) used pretty aggressive language to discuss their caminos. They wanted to "destroy [their] bodies} and compared the camino to "getting in the ring for nine rounds with yourself." I spent alot of time thinking about my past and my family. When I got to Melide, I met some nuns on the way out of town. One of the nuns asked me why I was walking, and I replied that I was getting to know myself. I didn't realize that was my reason for walking until the words were out of my mouth.

 

[Adelina]

Some interesting posts here - intentions are all well and good and so very different for every individual. As hospitalera in Grado last year, I began to send off the pilgrims in the morning by saying "walk for peace." Then we wrote many intentions on a small piece of paper for pilgrims to take with them. Then we invited pilgrims to write an "intention" on a small piece of paper (like a fortune cookie strip) and place it in a bowl for the next day's pilgrims. The intentions ranged from "keep your socks dry" (this was a very wet Camino Primitivo October), to very deep and personal wishes for the pilgrims. We got them in many languages and used DEEPL to translate for each other. Every pilgrim took one with them as they left the albergue, and they left one for the next day's pilgrims. What amazed me is how often the pilgrims said they got exactly the intention they needed for that day!

 

[SabsP]

I just wanted to tell you that I had never seen or heard the word idem before. Had to google it. After I found the meaning I thought it was a really, really COOL word. I doubt I would ever use it as my friends (they are boys from The Bronx would give me a ton of s*#t for it. You probably don't know this as you are not a New Yorker from a working class neighborhood, This would be the the expected response from anybody on our street.
But regardless I love the word and thanks for using it!!! Happy New Year to you @SabsP!

Not from NY working class neighbourhood but always in for a visit. Pretty sure I have quite something in common with you and your friends .
Working class background too here and just a product of a decent democratic and free schoolingsystem.

 

[Thomas Yingst]

Walking a Camino in 2025? I am starting my second in April 2025 and thinking about what intention to set. And also wondering if others set intentions for their Camino? Do you change your intention from Camino to Camino, or stick with the same one?

I discovered this Forum shortly before I began my first Camino, with the plan to walk the Norte to Oviedo, then the Primitivo and finishing with Finisterre and Muxia over the course of 42 days. I came across a post with an excerpt from Father Richard’s 1983 talks on pilgrimage, which I found incredibly meaningful because, while I’m not Catholic or particularly religious, it caused me to start thinking about walking my Camino with an “intent”. The thread was later shut down as it inspired a lot of angry responses on the now taboo topic of "pilgrim or tourist". However, this post is not intended as a violation of the new rule, but rather to ask, do you walk with intention?

I know people walk the Camino for many reasons, or for no reason, to just walk and see what happens along the way, so perhaps setting an intention isn’t necessarily helpful or applicable to everyone.

I hadn’t really given it much thought before I started, I was more caught up in packing (and repacking, and repacking again), and all the other pre-departure details. However, that post inspired me to examine why I was walking and what I hoped to accomplish. Before I read that post, I think I was mostly just hoping I would be able to finish! I was also hoping in some vague way for it to be a “spiritual” journey, not just a long trekking vacation. But I hadn’t really gone much further than in my thoughts than that, I wasn’t really thinking about how make a spiritual journey, it was just something I felt compelled to do.

My response to that post included this description of my intention:

“I feel that if I can wake every morning with gratitude in my heart, experience the beauty of where I am in each moment, let go of judging others, no matter how tired I feel or my feet ache, I will have accomplished what I set out to do, I will have approached the internal from the external.”

I kept thinking about this as my departure came closer, and once I started walking, I found myself articulating it slightly differently: that by waking each day with this kind of positive energy, I hoped it would create a kind of internal emotional “vibration” that I hoped I would be able to carry through to my day-to-day life off the Camino. Bringing that “best version of myself” that I often see others describe how they feel on Camino, back with me to my life at home. Looking back, I feel that setting that intention really made a difference in my pilgrimage; it became my polestar, and I did start to feel a kind of internal vibration.

I think I’ve been somewhat successful at maintaining that vibration, but I still see it as a practice, not something that you accomplish, rather something to keep working at. Somehow it seemed so much easier on the Camino where life is simplified into the basic components of walk, find food, be kind, find your destination, repeat. The Camino can be so powerful and a source of inspiration to keep improving our “best versions” – it’s definitely something to keep working on and going back to.

So, as I prepare for my next Camino in Spring 2025, I am thinking again about my intention, how should I walk? Do I need a new intention (and what would that be?), or continue with the one that worked so well for me on my first Camino? I’m leaning towards the latter, but I’ve modified it somewhat, encapsulating into fewer words so it can be a little like a mantra, but still with the hope of creating (or maybe deepening) that internal “vibration” and work towards that “better version”.

Wake in gratitude.
Be good, do good.
Open your heart to beauty.
Remember to smile.

So for now, that is my intention for my Camino.

I’m also hoping that by sharing mine, as the New Year approaches it will inspire you to think about it (as that post inspired me) to enhance your own Camino. And maybe give me other things to think about as I set mine.

Walk, eat, shower, sleep ( look at stuff ) … repeat …

 

[Paladina]

In Quince’s classic mangled statement, ‘Our true intent is / All for your delight / We are not here…’ On the road far too much travelled, especially the Compostela-qualifying section, I try neither to incite nor entertain these ‘wish you weren’t here’ responses. I don’t always succeed.

 

[Silvermomma]

In Quince’s classic mangled statement, ‘Our true intent is / All for your delight / We are not here…’ On the road far too much travelled, especially the Compostela-qualifying section, I try neither to incite nor entertain these ‘wish you weren’t here’ responses. I don’t always succeed.

Mechanicals on camino - I'd walk with them!

 

[Camineiro]

My general intention to do a camino is health.
Pilgrimage hiking is fitness training, purification and balm for body, mind and soul.

A side effect is weight loss.

Ultreya

 

[Elle Bieling]

The theme that I believe I am hearing here is; how we approach life, so we approach pilgrimage. It is different for everyone. Life as a a pilgrimage really can't be ignored. Pilgrimage is an archetype according to many experts on the subject. Which I suppose is why we are drawn to it. It is in our blood and our bones since the beginning of time. Always seeking, always improving, always experiencing it in a new way, hopefully in an open way, with new eyes each time.

For me, personally, pilgrimage is way to tap into a metaphysical terrestial map for self-awareness and self-discovery.

 

[Melcro1218]

Walking a Camino in 2025? I am starting my second in April 2025 and thinking about what intention to set. And also wondering if others set intentions for their Camino? Do you change your intention from Camino to Camino, or stick with the same one?

I discovered this Forum shortly before I began my first Camino, with the plan to walk the Norte to Oviedo, then the Primitivo and finishing with Finisterre and Muxia over the course of 42 days. I came across a post with an excerpt from Father Richard’s 1983 talks on pilgrimage, which I found incredibly meaningful because, while I’m not Catholic or particularly religious, it caused me to start thinking about walking my Camino with an “intent”. The thread was later shut down as it inspired a lot of angry responses on the now taboo topic of "pilgrim or tourist". However, this post is not intended as a violation of the new rule, but rather to ask, do you walk with intention?

I know people walk the Camino for many reasons, or for no reason, to just walk and see what happens along the way, so perhaps setting an intention isn’t necessarily helpful or applicable to everyone.

I hadn’t really given it much thought before I started, I was more caught up in packing (and repacking, and repacking again), and all the other pre-departure details. However, that post inspired me to examine why I was walking and what I hoped to accomplish. Before I read that post, I think I was mostly just hoping I would be able to finish! I was also hoping in some vague way for it to be a “spiritual” journey, not just a long trekking vacation. But I hadn’t really gone much further than in my thoughts than that, I wasn’t really thinking about how make a spiritual journey, it was just something I felt compelled to do.

My response to that post included this description of my intention:

“I feel that if I can wake every morning with gratitude in my heart, experience the beauty of where I am in each moment, let go of judging others, no matter how tired I feel or my feet ache, I will have accomplished what I set out to do, I will have approached the internal from the external.”

I kept thinking about this as my departure came closer, and once I started walking, I found myself articulating it slightly differently: that by waking each day with this kind of positive energy, I hoped it would create a kind of internal emotional “vibration” that I hoped I would be able to carry through to my day-to-day life off the Camino. Bringing that “best version of myself” that I often see others describe how they feel on Camino, back with me to my life at home. Looking back, I feel that setting that intention really made a difference in my pilgrimage; it became my polestar, and I did start to feel a kind of internal vibration.

I think I’ve been somewhat successful at maintaining that vibration, but I still see it as a practice, not something that you accomplish, rather something to keep working at. Somehow it seemed so much easier on the Camino where life is simplified into the basic components of walk, find food, be kind, find your destination, repeat. The Camino can be so powerful and a source of inspiration to keep improving our “best versions” – it’s definitely something to keep working on and going back to.

So, as I prepare for my next Camino in Spring 2025, I am thinking again about my intention, how should I walk? Do I need a new intention (and what would that be?), or continue with the one that worked so well for me on my first Camino? I’m leaning towards the latter, but I’ve modified it somewhat, encapsulating into fewer words so it can be a little like a mantra, but still with the hope of creating (or maybe deepening) that internal “vibration” and work towards that “better version”.

Wake in gratitude.
Be good, do good.
Open your heart to beauty.
Remember to smile.

So for now, that is my intention for my Camino.

I’m also hoping that by sharing mine, as the New Year approaches it will inspire you to think about it (as that post inspired me) to enhance your own Camino. And maybe give me other things to think about as I set mine.

Thank you for sharing this.
I hadn’t thought about setting an intention, but now that you bring it up, I might consider doing just that. My husband and I are planning our first El Camino the end of April 2025. So, something to think about. I like the idea of a mantra - something to keep my head in the present.
Again, thank you!

 

[ArleneLaskey]

I like this discussion! I believe an intention is a good thing, and we can still walk with an intention and be open to whatever we encounter at the same time. In fact, that can be a powerful intention. Buen Camino and Ultreia fellow peregrinos and peregrinas!

 

[Silvermomma]

I like this discussion! I believe an intention is a good thing, and we can still walk with an intention and be open to whatever we encounter at the same time. In fact, that can be a powerful intention. Buen Camino and Ultreia fellow peregrinos and peregrinas!

Certainly. Some days my intention is to walk without planned accommodation and not be too scared about that. I admire those who are able to walk every day that way!

 

[Dani7]

My intention in 2023 was to remain present « in the now » as much as possible. Leave worries and expectations behind…and it unfolded as such for the vast majority of my camino. Don’t know for next one yet. But if it ain’t broke as they say…

 

[CTLawGal]

we can still walk with an intention and be open to whatever we encounter at the same time.

Exactly! Thank you!

 

[Arctic_Alex]

In my world a Camino does not need any other intention than walking from a starting point all the way to Santiago.
However, if anyone feels the need that his or her Camino should serve some extra intention, why not. Every extra intention comes with an extra risk for disappointment though.
On my first Camino I went with no intention, just curious what the outcome would be. Best choice ever (for me).
If you cannot think of any extra-intentions, you probably do not have the need for any.

 

[Marbe2]

I plan out ahead as to where we will stay, because my sister is 84! As for intentions, to put each foot forward…that is it!

 

[JerryStroebele]

Buen Camino, EVERYONE

 

[ssrCobra]

My intention:

• To find the Lord's peace
• To be with the Holy Spirit
• To see where I am lead to
• For the adventure

I have gone on many mission trips so the accommodations are not a big deal to me. I am 66 and very active so I don't think the walking should overwhelm me. Buen Camino everyone!

 

[Pafayac]

My intention is to bring light to other pilgrims.
It is for this purpose that I carry a headlamp.

 

[60LifeChange]

My intention is to bring light to other pilgrims.
It is for this purpose that I carry a headlamp.

at 0200 in the morning, yes? my kinda guy.... lol

 

[CaminoCate]

Walking a Camino in 2025? I am starting my second in April 2025 and thinking about what intention to set. And also wondering if others set intentions for their Camino? Do you change your intention from Camino to Camino, or stick with the same one?

I discovered this Forum shortly before I began my first Camino, with the plan to walk the Norte to Oviedo, then the Primitivo and finishing with Finisterre and Muxia over the course of 42 days. I came across a post with an excerpt from Father Richard’s 1983 talks on pilgrimage, which I found incredibly meaningful because, while I’m not Catholic or particularly religious, it caused me to start thinking about walking my Camino with an “intent”. The thread was later shut down as it inspired a lot of angry responses on the now taboo topic of "pilgrim or tourist". However, this post is not intended as a violation of the new rule, but rather to ask, do you walk with intention?

I know people walk the Camino for many reasons, or for no reason, to just walk and see what happens along the way, so perhaps setting an intention isn’t necessarily helpful or applicable to everyone.

I hadn’t really given it much thought before I started, I was more caught up in packing (and repacking, and repacking again), and all the other pre-departure details. However, that post inspired me to examine why I was walking and what I hoped to accomplish. Before I read that post, I think I was mostly just hoping I would be able to finish! I was also hoping in some vague way for it to be a “spiritual” journey, not just a long trekking vacation. But I hadn’t really gone much further than in my thoughts than that, I wasn’t really thinking about how make a spiritual journey, it was just something I felt compelled to do.

My response to that post included this description of my intention:

“I feel that if I can wake every morning with gratitude in my heart, experience the beauty of where I am in each moment, let go of judging others, no matter how tired I feel or my feet ache, I will have accomplished what I set out to do, I will have approached the internal from the external.”

I kept thinking about this as my departure came closer, and once I started walking, I found myself articulating it slightly differently: that by waking each day with this kind of positive energy, I hoped it would create a kind of internal emotional “vibration” that I hoped I would be able to carry through to my day-to-day life off the Camino. Bringing that “best version of myself” that I often see others describe how they feel on Camino, back with me to my life at home. Looking back, I feel that setting that intention really made a difference in my pilgrimage; it became my polestar, and I did start to feel a kind of internal vibration.

I think I’ve been somewhat successful at maintaining that vibration, but I still see it as a practice, not something that you accomplish, rather something to keep working at. Somehow it seemed so much easier on the Camino where life is simplified into the basic components of walk, find food, be kind, find your destination, repeat. The Camino can be so powerful and a source of inspiration to keep improving our “best versions” – it’s definitely something to keep working on and going back to.

So, as I prepare for my next Camino in Spring 2025, I am thinking again about my intention, how should I walk? Do I need a new intention (and what would that be?), or continue with the one that worked so well for me on my first Camino? I’m leaning towards the latter, but I’ve modified it somewhat, encapsulating into fewer words so it can be a little like a mantra, but still with the hope of creating (or maybe deepening) that internal “vibration” and work towards that “better version”.

Wake in gratitude.
Be good, do good.
Open your heart to beauty.
Remember to smile.

So for now, that is my intention for my Camino.

I’m also hoping that by sharing mine, as the New Year approaches it will inspire you to think about it (as that post inspired me) to enhance your own Camino. And maybe give me other things to think about as I set mine.

Beautifully put CT, you manage to say in words things that are hard to describe or remember fully when back home, as you say as an ‘internal emotional vibration’. Yes, it’s there, if you don’t strive for it, but I learned to trust it when on my last partial camino last Sept. For me, it’s a kind of silent mantra of ‘trust things will be Ok - that the right thing will happen at the right time and, if not or things go differently, you will handle it and trust that different turn will deliver instead.’ I’m completing my stage to Santiago next April and looking forward to it so much.

 

[TrvlDad1]

Because I can…
As Jimmy Buffett says, “…and there’s still so much to be done.”

 

[60LifeChange]

Because I can…
As Jimmy Buffett says, “…and there’s still so much to be done.”

I ate the last mango in Paris
Took the last plane out of Saigon
Took the first fast boat to China

and Jimmy? There's still so much to be done.
Still a Parrot Head....

 

[SYates]

I have taken prayer intentions, my own and those of others, on my Caminos. There used to be a strong tradition where locals would ask pilgrims they met "pray for us in Compostela". Sometimes that still happens, especially on the lesser frequented Caminos.
BC SY

 

[woody66]

In my world a Camino does not need any other intention than walking from a starting point all the way to Santiago.
However, if anyone feels the need that his or her Camino should serve some extra intention, why not. Every extra intention comes with an extra risk for disappointment though.
On my first Camino I went with no intention, just curious what the outcome would be. Best choice ever (for me).
If you cannot think of any extra-intentions, you probably do not have the need for any.

That will do for me; start with no expectation and hope you get to the end!
Everything else is a gift; accept the gift

 

[steve392]

100%.
I think there is a real danger in over thinking this Camino thing

I just go and walk, with no specific intention or goal.
But I know that cool things will happen if I am open to it.......

Couldn't agree more.
In March I'll be starting again with this exact same philosophy.
The only approach other than this is that I will walk every kilometre, carry my pack and the only thing that will stop me achieving this will be a broken leg. Maybe this could be considered an intent, I don't know, but it's my approach.

 

[CWBuff]

my next camino, my intention will be to lose the weight I have gained since my last one (oh the Holidays),

And change your name to Jost
Yeah... ditto here
Although not planning to have another go at it until 2026 I'm currently 15lbs more than when I went on my 1st Camino in 22 and I considered myself overweight even then.
I figure I got about 13-14 months to get back in shape and drop some of that extra weight

 

[David Tallan]

Sometimes I bring an intention to a Camino, sometimes not so much.

For my first Camino, my intention was to make my way from Roncesvalles to Santiago, experiencing as much medieval culture as I could.

For my second Camino, it was to spend time with my son and share an adventure walking from Roncesvalles to Santiago (and possibly on to Finisterre).

I didn't have an intention on my third Camino beyond having a great time.

For my fourth Camino, I started with the intention of figuring out what I would do with myself in retirement. I'm not sure I can really say I walked with that intention, though, because I didn't really think about it until the 51st and last day of walking.

For my fifth and most recent Camino I gave up on intentions other than to walk to Santiago.

 

[kmccrom]

Walking a Camino in 2025? I am starting my second in April 2025 and thinking about what intention to set. And also wondering if others set intentions for their Camino? Do you change your intention from Camino to Camino, or stick with the same one?

I discovered this Forum shortly before I began my first Camino, with the plan to walk the Norte to Oviedo, then the Primitivo and finishing with Finisterre and Muxia over the course of 42 days. I came across a post with an excerpt from Father Richard’s 1983 talks on pilgrimage, which I found incredibly meaningful because, while I’m not Catholic or particularly religious, it caused me to start thinking about walking my Camino with an “intent”. The thread was later shut down as it inspired a lot of angry responses on the now taboo topic of "pilgrim or tourist". However, this post is not intended as a violation of the new rule, but rather to ask, do you walk with intention?

I know people walk the Camino for many reasons, or for no reason, to just walk and see what happens along the way, so perhaps setting an intention isn’t necessarily helpful or applicable to everyone.

I hadn’t really given it much thought before I started, I was more caught up in packing (and repacking, and repacking again), and all the other pre-departure details. However, that post inspired me to examine why I was walking and what I hoped to accomplish. Before I read that post, I think I was mostly just hoping I would be able to finish! I was also hoping in some vague way for it to be a “spiritual” journey, not just a long trekking vacation. But I hadn’t really gone much further than in my thoughts than that, I wasn’t really thinking about how make a spiritual journey, it was just something I felt compelled to do.

My response to that post included this description of my intention:

“I feel that if I can wake every morning with gratitude in my heart, experience the beauty of where I am in each moment, let go of judging others, no matter how tired I feel or my feet ache, I will have accomplished what I set out to do, I will have approached the internal from the external.”

I kept thinking about this as my departure came closer, and once I started walking, I found myself articulating it slightly differently: that by waking each day with this kind of positive energy, I hoped it would create a kind of internal emotional “vibration” that I hoped I would be able to carry through to my day-to-day life off the Camino. Bringing that “best version of myself” that I often see others describe how they feel on Camino, back with me to my life at home. Looking back, I feel that setting that intention really made a difference in my pilgrimage; it became my polestar, and I did start to feel a kind of internal vibration.

I think I’ve been somewhat successful at maintaining that vibration, but I still see it as a practice, not something that you accomplish, rather something to keep working at. Somehow it seemed so much easier on the Camino where life is simplified into the basic components of walk, find food, be kind, find your destination, repeat. The Camino can be so powerful and a source of inspiration to keep improving our “best versions” – it’s definitely something to keep working on and going back to.

So, as I prepare for my next Camino in Spring 2025, I am thinking again about my intention, how should I walk? Do I need a new intention (and what would that be?), or continue with the one that worked so well for me on my first Camino? I’m leaning towards the latter, but I’ve modified it somewhat, encapsulating into fewer words so it can be a little like a mantra, but still with the hope of creating (or maybe deepening) that internal “vibration” and work towards that “better version”.

Wake in gratitude.
Be good, do good.
Open your heart to beauty.
Remember to smile.

So for now, that is my intention for my Camino.

I’m also hoping that by sharing mine, as the New Year approaches it will inspire you to think about it (as that post inspired me) to enhance your own Camino. And maybe give me other things to think about as I set mine.

Thank you for this inspiring post. I’m a believer in setting intentions for lots of things - a yoga practice, a year ahead, a vacation time, and I will be contemplating my intention for my 2025 Camino.

 

[Colokid]

Walking a Camino in 2025? I am starting my second in April 2025 and thinking about what intention to set. And also wondering if others set intentions for their Camino? Do you change your intention from Camino to Camino, or stick with the same one?

I discovered this Forum shortly before I began my first Camino, with the plan to walk the Norte to Oviedo, then the Primitivo and finishing with Finisterre and Muxia over the course of 42 days. I came across a post with an excerpt from Father Richard’s 1983 talks on pilgrimage, which I found incredibly meaningful because, while I’m not Catholic or particularly religious, it caused me to start thinking about walking my Camino with an “intent”. The thread was later shut down as it inspired a lot of angry responses on the now taboo topic of "pilgrim or tourist". However, this post is not intended as a violation of the new rule, but rather to ask, do you walk with intention?

I know people walk the Camino for many reasons, or for no reason, to just walk and see what happens along the way, so perhaps setting an intention isn’t necessarily helpful or applicable to everyone.

I hadn’t really given it much thought before I started, I was more caught up in packing (and repacking, and repacking again), and all the other pre-departure details. However, that post inspired me to examine why I was walking and what I hoped to accomplish. Before I read that post, I think I was mostly just hoping I would be able to finish! I was also hoping in some vague way for it to be a “spiritual” journey, not just a long trekking vacation. But I hadn’t really gone much further than in my thoughts than that, I wasn’t really thinking about how make a spiritual journey, it was just something I felt compelled to do.

My response to that post included this description of my intention:

“I feel that if I can wake every morning with gratitude in my heart, experience the beauty of where I am in each moment, let go of judging others, no matter how tired I feel or my feet ache, I will have accomplished what I set out to do, I will have approached the internal from the external.”

I kept thinking about this as my departure came closer, and once I started walking, I found myself articulating it slightly differently: that by waking each day with this kind of positive energy, I hoped it would create a kind of internal emotional “vibration” that I hoped I would be able to carry through to my day-to-day life off the Camino. Bringing that “best version of myself” that I often see others describe how they feel on Camino, back with me to my life at home. Looking back, I feel that setting that intention really made a difference in my pilgrimage; it became my polestar, and I did start to feel a kind of internal vibration.

I think I’ve been somewhat successful at maintaining that vibration, but I still see it as a practice, not something that you accomplish, rather something to keep working at. Somehow it seemed so much easier on the Camino where life is simplified into the basic components of walk, find food, be kind, find your destination, repeat. The Camino can be so powerful and a source of inspiration to keep improving our “best versions” – it’s definitely something to keep working on and going back to.

So, as I prepare for my next Camino in Spring 2025, I am thinking again about my intention, how should I walk? Do I need a new intention (and what would that be?), or continue with the one that worked so well for me on my first Camino? I’m leaning towards the latter, but I’ve modified it somewhat, encapsulating into fewer words so it can be a little like a mantra, but still with the hope of creating (or maybe deepening) that internal “vibration” and work towards that “better version”.

Wake in gratitude.
Be good, do good.
Open your heart to beauty.
Remember to smile.

So for now, that is my intention for my Camino.

I’m also hoping that by sharing mine, as the New Year approaches it will inspire you to think about it (as that post inspired me) to enhance your own Camino. And maybe give me other things to think about as I set mine.

Loved your post. Thank you.

In Walden, Thoreau wrote:
“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to confront only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived…. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life”

By intention, we simplify, we pare down. By intention, we strip away encumbrances, the superficialities, the engineered conveniences and comforts. We set aside “normal” activities, and even thought patterns. Thereby opening us to introspection, connections, and mostly self discovery. For all those hours, for all those days and weeks, it seems the camino forces us to reexamine ourselves, the our life journey, and how we can better ourselves-- and for many our notion of "being" itself, the metaphysical, the mystical. “A journey out and in”

 

[RJM]

My main intention everyday walking the Camino is to do it safely and to remain healthy while doing so. Despite that intent I have experienced all the relatively minor injuries suffered by countless pilgrims while on the Camino, but I do my best to not.
Another intention I have is to never forget how absolutely blessed, fortunate, lucky I am to be able to walk the Camino in the first place. The world is full of disparity and there are so many of the faithful poor who dream of walking the Camino but never will. I never forget that and I pray for them everyday that they may one day walk it and in some ways I walk it for them.

 

[Robo]

Perhaps, yes… which is to say: totally agree that people overthink the pilgrimage on the caminos de Santiago… because it starts to tread into “wellness” aspirational culture stuff (self-improvement, some vague notion of enlightenment, things of that order…).
But “intention” has a very particular meaning in Catholic practice and is not about overthinking. Rather it is about paring down to clarity what the purpose is in anything that one does. Entirely possible that the choice of word in the OP speaks to this idea… in which case, it is not a hand-wringing angst at all.
At its simplest, it is to do everything you do in a way that honours our creation as children of God.
I will stop there knowing that I have wildly reduced a fairly nuanced tenet, but the forum rules make it difficult to do any better without treading into “discussion of religion”.
I think that one might say quite reasonably, though, that having the goal of reaching the cathedral and praying at the tomb of the saint would be intention enough…. Thought it would not carry the meaning contained within “intention” as it is used to mean something close to “prayer”.
That said, if one attends any of the pilgrim masses, if one attends any of the ACC sessions, if one receives the pilgrim blessing from a church or cathedral at the point of departure, then the idea of carrying your intentions to Santiago will be central to the purpose of the blessing.
So… yeah, I think we can overthink “intention”, but the concept can be quite sacred for some who are making their way… and for those who might follow an Ignatian practice, for example, then staying faithful to the intention will be a key part of the work of making the journey.
thing about all this is… I would never ask someone their intention and would only share mine in a setting designed for that purpose (i.e., at a pilgrim’s mass, or at one of the ACC sessions).

I'm not a Catholic, so thanks for pointing that out.

I sometimes get a bit uncomfortable talking about my own motivations to walk a Camino in a public forum, and also am well aware of the 'rules'. So when I say I walk without any specific intention, and just walk, and allow to happen what will happen, that is kind of true.

There is however an underlying core purpose for me. And maybe it's the reason I walk slowly and generally alone when I can. For me a Camino is like my church. It calms me, slows me down, makes me appreciate the simple things, and more importantly it's where I feel the presence of God.

The Camino recharges my spirit, like nothing else I have found. It feels like my Spiritual Home.

(note. I would call myself a Christian, but do not follow or practice any particular denomination)

 

[alexwalker]

100%.
I think there is a real danger in over thinking this Camino thing

I just go and walk, with no specific intention or goal.
But I know that cool things will happen if I am open to it.......

Indeed. Agree 100%.

I have no intentions.
No expectations.
No weight loss isues.

I just walk my dear Camino (CF) and live in the now.

 

[HBS60]

I’m grappling with this question, because I can see so many layers that I’m still trying to sort out. I’m also aware of different words besides “intention”, such as “purpose”, “motivations”, “goals” and it’s difficult to untangle these words from one another, maybe because they may overlap?

I’ve been aware of the Camino for more than a decade, way before the Martin Sheen movie, but it was a “would be nice to do that someday” without any further thought. Even after seeing the movie, it seemed preposterous, particularly since I didn’t have any strong religious or spiritual yearnings.

Then, life happened, and it happened, and it still happened, and it kept happening…I came to realize that my introverted, intellectual ways could only get me so far, and it was time for me to tackle something completely different, and the Camino fit the bill.

Some of it was ego, because I wanted to prove to myself that I could do this, not to brag about it, but because it’s what my badly bruised psyche needed. There was also the grief piece as it was the 10th anniversary of my SO’s hospitalization and subsequent horrible death from cancer, so I intended to do this pilgrimage to coincide with those dates. It was my intention to honor his memory by starting on August 11th (hospitalization day) and being at Cruz de Ferro on September 11th (date of his death), then continue to Santiago to arrive on September 22, first day of autumn and of a new season in my life. But that was not my original intention as far as dates, as I first intended to reach Santiago on September 11, which was not realistic. So, the intention to honor those dates remained intact, but I needed to be flexible as to how I would do this.

Much to my dismay, as I walked the Camino, I became very consumed with the terrain difficulties. As I tried to negotiate horribly rocky terrain, my intention became “one step at a time” as I tried to figure out how to walk through those rocks without falling, twisting my ankles or breaking something. Those intentions I had about ego, or about grieving, faded way into the distance as I focused on where I would plant my foot among all those rocks. Ditto about trying to find food, or try to weather a storm. Despite all of that, I remained committed to walking every single step of the way. But why was I so committed to this intention?

Despite my lack of religiosity, I intended to at least try to keep an open mind and be respectful of the Church’s presence in the Camino. I marveled at the beautiful cathedrals, the artwork, the liturgy, the humble, sincerity of the Ermitas, met a couple of very cool nuns and devoted pilgrims. I intended to attend the first Pilgrim mass at SJPDP and at SDC, also the Roncesvalles mass, and get the blessing by the nun at the Ermita when entering the Meseta. I accomplished all those goals, but I’m not clear on what my intention was around those.

I intended to face adversity as I knew I would deal with hunger, tiredness, heat, and cold, as I have been too sheltered most of my life and I intended to deal with these challenges in a real, not an abstract way. The Camino not only met, but exceeded my expectations. But what was my intention to put myself through all of that?

Ultimately, I don’t really know, because I sense there’s something much deeper that was driving me to walk 500 miles across Spain. I imagine I’ll keep trying to process these experiences and hopefully, in doing so, I can become a better man. Maybe that’s the ultimate intention, come to think about it.

I walked the Camino so I could grow, find hidden strengths, and become a better man. There’s so much more I need and want to learn, so much more room for growth, but maybe, just maybe, I’m on my way…

 

[60LifeChange]

I’m grappling with this question, because I can see so many layers that I’m still trying to sort out. I’m also aware of different words besides “intention”, such as “purpose”, “motivations”, “goals” and it’s difficult to untangle these words from one another, maybe because they may overlap?

I’ve been aware of the Camino for more than a decade, way before the Martin Sheen movie, but it was a “would be nice to do that someday” without any further thought. Even after seeing the movie, it seemed preposterous, particularly since I didn’t have any strong religious or spiritual yearnings.

Then, life happened, and it happened, and it still happened, and it kept happening…I came to realize that my introverted, intellectual ways could only get me so far, and it was time for me to tackle something completely different, and the Camino fit the bill.

Some of it was ego, because I wanted to prove to myself that I could do this, not to brag about it, but because it’s what my badly bruised psyche needed. There was also the grief piece as it was the 10th anniversary of my SO’s hospitalization and subsequent horrible death from cancer, so I intended to do this pilgrimage to coincide with those dates. It was my intention to honor his memory by starting on August 11th (hospitalization day) and being at Cruz de Ferro on September 11th (date of his death), then continue to Santiago to arrive on September 22, first day of autumn and of a new season in my life. But that was not my original intention as far as dates, as I first intended to reach Santiago on September 11, which was not realistic. So, the intention to honor those dates remained intact, but I needed to be flexible as to how I would do this.

Much to my dismay, as I walked the Camino, I became very consumed with the terrain difficulties. As I tried to negotiate horribly rocky terrain, my intention became “one step at a time” as I tried to figure out how to walk through those rocks without falling, twisting my ankles or breaking something. Those intentions I had about ego, or about grieving, faded way into the distance as I focused on where I would plant my foot among all those rocks. Ditto about trying to find food, or try to weather a storm. Despite all of that, I remained committed to walking every single step of the way. But why was I so committed to this intention?

Despite my lack of religiosity, I intended to at least try to keep an open mind and be respectful of the Church’s presence in the Camino. I marveled at the beautiful cathedrals, the artwork, the liturgy, the humble, sincerity of the Ermitas, met a couple of very cool nuns and devoted pilgrims. I intended to attend the first Pilgrim mass at SJPDP and at SDC, also the Roncesvalles mass, and get the blessing by the nun at the Ermita when entering the Meseta. I accomplished all those goals, but I’m not clear on what my intention was around those.

I intended to face adversity as I knew I would deal with hunger, tiredness, heat, and cold, as I have been too sheltered most of my life and I intended to deal with these challenges in a real, not an abstract way. The Camino not only met, but exceeded my expectations. But what was my intention to put myself through all of that?

Ultimately, I don’t really know, because I sense there’s something much deeper that was driving me to walk 500 miles across Spain. I imagine I’ll keep trying to process these experiences and hopefully, in doing so, I can become a better man. Maybe that’s the ultimate intention, come to think about it.

I walked the Camino so I could grow, find hidden strengths, and become a better man. There’s so much more I need and want to learn, so much more room for growth, but maybe, just maybe, I’m on my way…

May your Camino be filled with fun... adventure. and the turning of a page... Buen Camino

 

[Robo]

I walked the Camino so I could grow, find hidden strengths, and become a better man. There’s so much more I need and want to learn, so much more room for growth, but maybe, just maybe, I’m on my way…

I think that is where many of us start out.... and so the journey continues, and probably never ends.

 

[Dani7]

I’m grappling with this question, because I can see so many layers that I’m still trying to sort out. I’m also aware of different words besides “intention”, such as “purpose”, “motivations”, “goals” and it’s difficult to untangle these words from one another, maybe because they may overlap?

I’ve been aware of the Camino for more than a decade, way before the Martin Sheen movie, but it was a “would be nice to do that someday” without any further thought. Even after seeing the movie, it seemed preposterous, particularly since I didn’t have any strong religious or spiritual yearnings.

Then, life happened, and it happened, and it still happened, and it kept happening…I came to realize that my introverted, intellectual ways could only get me so far, and it was time for me to tackle something completely different, and the Camino fit the bill.

Some of it was ego, because I wanted to prove to myself that I could do this, not to brag about it, but because it’s what my badly bruised psyche needed. There was also the grief piece as it was the 10th anniversary of my SO’s hospitalization and subsequent horrible death from cancer, so I intended to do this pilgrimage to coincide with those dates. It was my intention to honor his memory by starting on August 11th (hospitalization day) and being at Cruz de Ferro on September 11th (date of his death), then continue to Santiago to arrive on September 22, first day of autumn and of a new season in my life. But that was not my original intention as far as dates, as I first intended to reach Santiago on September 11, which was not realistic. So, the intention to honor those dates remained intact, but I needed to be flexible as to how I would do this.

Much to my dismay, as I walked the Camino, I became very consumed with the terrain difficulties. As I tried to negotiate horribly rocky terrain, my intention became “one step at a time” as I tried to figure out how to walk through those rocks without falling, twisting my ankles or breaking something. Those intentions I had about ego, or about grieving, faded way into the distance as I focused on where I would plant my foot among all those rocks. Ditto about trying to find food, or try to weather a storm. Despite all of that, I remained committed to walking every single step of the way. But why was I so committed to this intention?

Despite my lack of religiosity, I intended to at least try to keep an open mind and be respectful of the Church’s presence in the Camino. I marveled at the beautiful cathedrals, the artwork, the liturgy, the humble, sincerity of the Ermitas, met a couple of very cool nuns and devoted pilgrims. I intended to attend the first Pilgrim mass at SJPDP and at SDC, also the Roncesvalles mass, and get the blessing by the nun at the Ermita when entering the Meseta. I accomplished all those goals, but I’m not clear on what my intention was around those.

I intended to face adversity as I knew I would deal with hunger, tiredness, heat, and cold, as I have been too sheltered most of my life and I intended to deal with these challenges in a real, not an abstract way. The Camino not only met, but exceeded my expectations. But what was my intention to put myself through all of that?

Ultimately, I don’t really know, because I sense there’s something much deeper that was driving me to walk 500 miles across Spain. I imagine I’ll keep trying to process these experiences and hopefully, in doing so, I can become a better man. Maybe that’s the ultimate intention, come to think about it.

I walked the Camino so I could grow, find hidden strengths, and become a better man. There’s so much more I need and want to learn, so much more room for growth, but maybe, just maybe, I’m on my way…

Beautifully said…you are on your way…everything you wrote in your post demonstrated so much growth and learning.

 

[Bill905]

I’m also hoping that by sharing mine, as the New Year approaches it will inspire you to think about it (as that post inspired me) to enhance your own Camino. And maybe give me other things to think about as I set mine.

Thank you for this thread. Although I do not walk with an overall intention for a Camino, I do start each day with a meditation, generally, though not always, a verse of scripture. I include these in my daily blog, sometimes with a story that illustrates its application or meaning to me personally. Feedback I have received over the years has been appreciative.

This practice helps me start each day in gratitude, and still leaves me open to new experiences and lessons as each day unfolds. It's not for everyone, it's a personal approach and has resulted in several positive experiences. Buen Camino to all.