Following The Way

Smiling sunflower in the Camino field circa 2013

Somewhere between Burgos and Leon, they have a long way to go. Their journey started on July 9 starting from France walking destination Santiago de Compostela. Through rain, snow, and heat they marched on meeting walkers from Iran, Germany, Americans and other citizens of the world.

Nicole and Grace, my niece and her friend, keep us posted daily on Facebook of their shenanigans all in good fun. Holy massage from Dominican nuns to soothe their aching feet to different critters that they encounter make a good conversation. They love to post all the food they eat. Sometimes, we wonder whether they are on a pilgrim or on foodies without borders expedition. They are having the time of their life.

Every day, we look forward to her postings.

Nicole and Sunflowers

Pilgrimage is necessary. It doesn’t have to be walking the Camino Way. Working all our life, catering to the needs of your employers, is not a way to live. Never ending connection to technology is limiting. Family and friends may need our undivided attention, so do you. Meditating at home or praying in churches is not enough.  We need to get out and contact our inner/outer self.

There are moments of silence, solitude in the midst of the crowd, chatters of the birds, evening matins, laughter with strangers that will open the inner door of your whole being on a pilgrimage.

Nostalgia came flooding. It reminded me of my pilgrimage to Camino Santiago de Compostela in 2013. It’s interesting to discover that the stranger that I met is really myself long after the journey.

“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.”  (Psalm 84:5)