Camino Gratitude

A slow start this morning as my ankle tightened overnight. But after 30 minutes, all loosened, and my 25 km walk was pleasant and quiet. A sprained ankle is now part of my Camino!

I remain surprised by the number of pilgrims willing to openly discuss their reason for walking the Camino. I walked and listened for 90 minutes to a 32 year old pilgrim who spent 12 years studying to be a medical doctor, she doesn’t understand her path, it wasn’t her choice, her parents expected this path for her. Pilgrims feel a bond to go deep quickly to describe difficulties with family, friends and careers. Something about walking silently over 8 hours and self reflecting opens the soul honestly. I often recommend a book written by Joan Chittister entitled “Following the Path.”

– “Happiness comes at a cost, we must discover who we are and what we are called to do with our lives. Neurologists have discovered the brain is configured for happiness. Aristotle says happiness is about doing something to make the world a better place. What fills the heart with happiness is not what we get from the world, it’s what we put into the world. If we really want to be happy, we need to find out what we do best and do it to the utmost. Being happy happens to those who discover who they are and what it is at the core of them, to understand what is inside that make us unique, what they do best, and choose what they can do for the best of the world.”

– “There is no happiness if our beliefs are different than what we do. We must be patient as we grow, what we are meant to do will emerge. People are gifted in something we often take for granted, succeeding with little effort. When we find that gift, skill, talent, insight, and magic in ourselves, we will find the entire world waiting for us. We have each been born with gifts of mind and soul that are meant to improve society. Raw ability, deep interests, and personal commitment become worthy to improve the lives of others. By this point, we are doing God’s will.”