Okay, I have a confession to make, last night I slept with Francisco. In this strange world that is called the Camino, after a 32 kms day and the Albergue being "completo" - full, there were a couple of spaces in a private establishment and for an exorbitant 12 euros I was shown to what resembled a garden shed with stick on stainglass windows and there sat Francisco, a fellow pilgrim, probably in his early sixties who spoke not a word of English. Anyway, we spent the night together, in this garden shed, and he helped me thread my blisters. There we were, he, slightly deaf and explaining in Spanish how to pull a thread through my blisters and then finally, gently doing it for me. Nice. I have come to believe and to see that kindness is a language all of its own.
Today was a good day and I am now about 330 kms from Santiago. Phew!! One thing I am really learning is how very powerful our thoughts are. I notice quickly now the negative, self-defeating thoughts and how they colour my day, a slight tweak and the day seems to go better. Also, I spot whiney pilgrim quickly. After not having someone to talk to for hours, she pops out when someone comes along and moans about the weather or something, ah, but I am too smart for her now, I pay attention and then gag her. I suppose it´s a bit like that Zen koan, if a tree falls in the forest and there is nobody there to hear it, does it make a sound? If a pilgrim whines when no-one's listening, well, you catch my drift.
so wonderful to follow your steps and your thoughts on the camino Christine!
ReplyDeletesounds like you hit a bit of a "wall" now and then as they say in running marathons--for sure, it is a part of the journey---BUT--a night with Francisco must have made up for it totally!!!!
ReplyDeleteCan hardly wait to hear from you how to thread (and Why) a blister.
Spring here in the South has had its own blisters with "record" tornados, more of the "unusual" weather that falls from everyone's lips! A big smooooch to you today on the Camino!!! Morgana
Oh dear Chris, I love your sense of humour! I'm positive that spending the night with Francisco totally made his year! And what a lovely memory he's given you. I've come to see as well that kindness is truly all. I'm reminded often of the Dalia Lama saying, Kindness is my religion. The older I get the more I understand that this is no little thing. You are kind so you will attract kindness at every turn. You walk on sacred ground. xo
ReplyDeleteI do so enjoy your wonderful descriptions of all you are experiencing along your incredible journey. Glad to hear you found someone tospend the night with!! and I am sure Frncisco was delighted. You are truly remarkable. I have been on google earth to visit the places you are going along the Camino,fanastic
ReplyDeleteTake Care God Blessxx
Hey Christine
ReplyDeleteWe certainly need to take more notice of the small blessings in life and not look for the big bang. A simple act of kindness (blister first aid) is greater than the greatest intention.
I was just about to start whining as it's raining again today, instead I'll walk to Masonville and have coffee with the Camino group. Now that's a Camino moment.
Speaking of Zen koans like "If a tree falls..." Here's one to ponder while walking. "If a man makes a decision and there are no women around, is he still wrong?" Ha. Share the thought.
Cheers and blessings on your journey, peregrino.
JOhn
Cheers and blessings.
John
A bit late in posting this - just back from Lundy Island, after a weeks walking hol. Will not tell you the paltry miles we walked, but each step I took my darling sis, I was walking with you. When my knee started to ache, I thought about the whiney voice, and tried to hear but not listen to it. Miss our calls, can't wait to talk to you about your life changing journey.xx
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