The Powers of Pilgrimage

 Reading the book from the image below, since retitled "The Camino Addiction", I am struck by the positive impacts of exercise (ie. walking or riding),  let alone pilgrimage. 

Even from two long walks (10 and 14k) followed by two weekly rides on my pilgrimage to Eileen O'Connor's resting place, I am stronger.  Stronger physically yes,  but also emotionally and mentally.  Much sharper all round.  

I tend to bound from bed and work harder all day,  my temperament is calmer and I am not upset as easily.  Mentally,  I am more positive and grateful and spend lots of time planning a brighter future where riding and pilgrimage feature large.  

The author,  Terry Wilson,  describes changes as he walks the Camino Frances (30 plus days), such as greater fitness,  endurance and hardness in the physical realm.  While mentally he finds greater peace with his past, had greater vision and belief about who he is as an individual. Emotionally, more at peace,  less given to outbursts,  yet greater sensitivity to people,  nature and culture.  The Camino offers so much reward that Terry returns to walk three more times even though his first walk began at age 68 years. 

In the book,  he tells a story of an old pilgrim expressing how most people have two lives,  "the one you are given at birth and have to live through" and the one that begins after you experience a major setback and have to rebuild.  I believe he expressed the second as having greater meaning,  truth and purpose.  Amen.  

I find myself becoming irritated by "non spiritual" hikers entering on a camino with no expectation of improvement.  Unless,  you regularly walk 30k daily,  live in beautiful ancient culture and are surrounded by caring and peaceful people, or have dwell in a straitjacket, wearing earmuffs and blinkers,  I don't believe it's even possible. 

Buen camino!

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