We are the sum of our experiences.

[Al the optimist]

I have long held that we are the sum of our experiences, good or bad. That if we wish any of them had not happened the way they did we fail to realise how each experience has helped make us who we are. Yes we may have behaved badly, done things wrong or whatever. Yes things outside our control have happened to us. Yes we may wish we had done differently or that different things had happened in our lives. Yes we may regret some of our thoughts and actions. But we are shaped by each and every experience. Many start their Caminos with a specific hope. That hope may be realised or maybe supplemented or replaced by something else along the way. In any event the Camino will be in it's own way yet another experience to shape us, hopefully in a way that helps us understand ourselves and others better. Whatever our aim is, whether it is to improve our conversation with god or something else, then the opportunity is there in abundance. May your journey on the Camino help you accept and appreciate yourself and others as you and they are.

 

[wayfarer]

You are so right Allan, every thing we do, everything that we experience and every decision we make takes us to where we are today and hopefuly for all of us that is a good place.

 

[indyinmaine]

"In any event the Camino will be in it's own way yet another experience to shape us, hopefully in a way that helps us understand ourselves and others better."

One year (almost!) out I'm beginning to believe that it's what the Camino gives to each of us which is far more important than what we strive to find on it.

 

[jmcarp]

Well said, Allan.

 

[pilgrim b]

Like the song pilgrim says:
"We cannot change what's over but only where we go"
The camino puts the open heart and mind onto a beautiful road of discovery don't you think? One with new experiences to meet and recognise other people with" pilgrim hearts"each day of our lives

 

[Kanga]

One year (almost!) out I'm beginning to believe that it's what the Camino gives to each of us which is far more important that what we strive to find on it.

So true. Every time I have walked a Camino it has surprised me.

 

[mikevasey]

On my last one I went with the knowledge that I rather be doing nothing else and that the troubles I had on my two previous ones came from me not being content with the moment ie.why did I do that, etc etc. My task in the last one was to spot those negative thoughts, acknowledge them and then get on with it. Its given me something to think about with my life back from the Camino, I had an Incredible time from Start to Finish and I am not saying that in the aftermath of the glow of Santiago,it was also very difficult physically as well, but I knew I was feeling content most moments,it has surprised me how a directed mind could bring such a great Camino, I think I was of a belief prior to that of trying to bring as much happiness or pleasure out of each situation rather than sit back and let them unfold more naturally and having this newer atitude also cleared away a lot of unnecessary thinking.

Now to translate it back to my wider life.

 

[bystander]

Allan, what about predestination?

“The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ,
Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit
Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line,
Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it.”

 

[Kitsambler]

I think it's not just our experiences, but what we choose to do with them.

 

[pilgrim b]

I think it's not just our experiences, but what we choose to do with them.

Not only our experiences, but also that stream of thoughts to bombard us each day and what we choose to do with them.

 

[lettinggo]

Well said.
It has taken a long time for me to rightly understand the saying "We are nothing but our actions".
If one believes this, so much in life gets easier.
Just do the right thing and thats all you can do.

 

[bystander]

Well said.
"We are nothing but our actions".

And that predicts what we will do next.
We are but the sum of our actions and inactions.