The Camino is an all-encompassing experience. It drains you physically and emotionally, while recharging your spirit at the same time. It's so engrossing, that it's hard to stop the "Camino rhythm". I've found myself waking up in the middle of the night, double-checking which town is our destination point for the next walk, what time the alarm should ring, whether my phone is safe and charging. It's as if I'm still in the last albergue!
We've had a few days to reflect on this magical journey. We've come up with a list of "take-aways" that will stay with us for years to come.
1. Every large goal or objective can be broken down into smaller, achievable parts. Chip away at the task, one small step at a time. You'll develop momentum. You'll be able to track progress and that will energize you. You'll achieve that big objective in time.
The Camino seemed like an insurmountable goal when we started: 779 kilometers, with many mountains between us and our objective, Santiago de Compostela. Breaking down the journey into discrete stages of 20,30, or 40 kilometers a day, and focusing on each day as it came, helped turn something unthinkable into something achievable.
2. We need to slow down to notice and enjoy life's tiny joys and pleasures. Butterflies. Snails. Corn. Rock formations. Roman roads. Roof tiles. Farmers' faces. The sound of the wind. And you can't notice or hear these things if you're connected to media. Unplug!
3. Look for the "good" in everything you see, Yes, rain can be a drag; it also cools and cleans the air, making a long journey less hot and dusty. Yes, a long line at the cafe delays our coffee or Coca Cola gratification; it also presents an opportunity to get to know fellow travelers along the way. Yes, learning that albergue after albergue is full for the night is frustrating; it's also an opportunity to take the road less traveled and discover an unexpected gem around the next corner.
4. Ultimately, finding "The Way", the right path, is your personal responsibility. You can't just follow the crowd. You can't solely rely on local residents' directions. While it's good to solicit input, it's your job to find the right road to your objective.
5. Life, and The Camino, are not a race. Everything takes time. You need to set a sustainable pace and keep at it. Others may scamper past you, but The Camino is long slog, not a foot race. It's better to take things more slowly, avoiding injuries, than trying to finish "first".
6. You need to take the time to prepare thoroughly and properly for the task at hand. We spent months walking increasing distances, carrying a lot of weight in our backpacks, to prepare for this journey. That practice paid off. We finished in good shape, with few injuries. Most travelers arrived on The Camino with no advance preparation. Many didn't make it to Santiago de Compostela.
7. Your "reward" is commensurate with what you invest in the journey. If the only thing that matters is a "certificate" ("Compostela"), then that's all you'll have to show for time spent. But if you immerse yourself in the experience, you'll be richly rewarded.
8. Always keep your guard up. Be aware of your surroundings. Danger lurks, even in quiet and innocuous settings. We always slept with passports, phones, and valuables under our pillows. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
9. Be grateful for all the farmers of the world. They work very, very hard to provide us with the food we eat.
10. The last few miles (kilometers) are always the most challenging. The goal seems so much further away when you're tired and have walked for countless hours already. Keep going!
11. Guidebook authors have many different motivations. Try and experiment for yourself. Try something new. Try something not in the guidebook or internet notes. You may discover something unique and incredible.
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