The Camino calls you. The Camino changes you. Hmmmm… These traditional sayings may be true. I don’t really know what made me decide to go backpacking on a pilgrimage trek. I just knew I was going. The decision was made in about 30 seconds.
Since then, the changes have been coming thick and fast:
• First, I had to get up off my comfy, middle-aged duff, habitually parked in front of my computer, and start walking. Ouch! Change number one was realizing I needed orthotics. That led to a change of footwear – and better posture and a relief from decades of back and foot pain.
• Then I started acquiring all the gear I would need for the trip. That was hilarious, since it was not unusual for me to go through more clothes in any given day than the total amount I would be able to take in my backpack for six weeks! Weighing and unpacking and repacking my backpack taught me to think in a “less is more” sort of way - change number two.
• I chopped off my shoulder length blond hair and let the natural grey grow out. This meant less hair care, less time in front of the mirror and a whole new look. People I knew didn’t recognize me! That was change number three, and it was a biggie.
• In order to find time to do any walking at all, I had to cut back on my level of involvement in and commitment to all the clubs and groups and organizations to which I belong. I even cut back on the work I was doing for my Netscapades and PartyClip customers. That gave me a little more time for family and friends – especially those willing to walk with me. Change number four was feeling my shoulders ease down from being stressclenched up around my ears.
• Then my fancy frameless glasses broke. The delicate wire arm just let go and one eye was suddenly looking through the bifocal disconcertingly. A metaphor for learning to see in a new way? Perhaps. I decided to buy a more robust, “serviceable” pair, with black wire frames, to take on the trek. Now I really look like somebody else! That was change number five.
These changes were mostly external. The internal changes will be more pronounced and will come from the physical journey itself.
My family and friends, most of whom see me as more of the “Princess and the Pea” type, think I’m crazy for doing this pilgrimage. My husband, Mom, brother and sister-in-law are teasingly supportive. I’m grateful to my kids and nieces and nephews for their positive comments about the haircut. My Chalice “sisters” pooled their resources to buy me a lightweight sleeping bag for my birthday, so I can feel wrapped in their protective energies on the Camino. Other friends have provided such items as the flashlight and knife I will take with me. Many had wonderful ideas and suggestions for techniques and strategies to lighten the load or make the most of the fewest items. Some came out to walk with me and showed me new trails and indoor places to walk.
Since part of my intention on this journey is to free myself from technology’s grip on my life, this may be my last contact with you until we return in June. (You can see the Blog for our trip at http://healthharmonybalance.com/blog. I probably won't be posting things there, but others in the group will.)
And so, my darling Tarts, be well, have fun, and I'll see you when I get back.
Karis
Labels: Forty Days in the Wilderness...
