Author: graciacoffin

Day 12 – Curiosity, Serendipity and the Flow of Adventure are Blessings Along the Path Less Traveled!

This year, 2023, has already been bringing great changes in my life… and more massive and chaotic changes in the world too. This past week, the Spring season has jumped in unexpectedly early after a short and moderately cold and relatively dry winter. Almost overnight the daffodils and tulips are bursting their bright reds and yellows around my yard, and even the rough patch of lawn out front is greening up quickly, enticing me to run outside in my bare feet and explore the new tender shoots of spring in a very tactile way! There is great anticipation in the air, and in me, about what adventures and gifts this coming year will bring and how I may be called to participate in the continuing saga of Human Evolution and Global Spiritual Awakening! It was this same time of year, immediately following the spring equinox, in 2017, when I was excitedly preparing for a major life-changing journey… a leap with faith into the Great Unknown! As I was preparing (mostly physically) for this 21-day walk on the El Camino with my dear sister Marcia and Debbie (a lady friend of my sister), I had no idea just how life- and soul-changing this adventure would be! The non-physical elements (emotional, mental, and spiritual) that I have been using more and more in my present day world (in order to maintain sanity, peace, healing, and personal growth), I had just begun to learn about for this walk on the Camino Frances. I am still cultivating those divine elements of Trust and Faith, and now more than ever, a daily sense of curiosity and joyful playfulness in Life!

Day 12, May 17, 2017, of our Camino walk started off on the wet and muddy side, yet all my senses were heightened… and heart uplifted… by all the signs of Spring, which also greatly renewed my body and soul with each step. I continued to learn more of life’s sweeter lessons, like the joys of taking the path less traveled, never passing up the opportunity to rest on a natural made stone bench, and always, always stopping to smell the roses and flowers along the Way! And, as the sea shell emblem used to guide all pilgrims on The Way of Saint James indicates, there are many paths we as individuals may choose to travel in life, AND all paths have the same ultimate destination: HOME, back to the Source of Creation and Love.

This particular day, as Marcia and I took the more challenging “path less traveled,” a child-like curiosity and delight was reawakened in my heart, reminding me of a personal prayer I have used for several years now. I continue to use this prayer to set a daily intention of following the path of Christ-consciousness to the best of my abilities:

Beloved Inner Holiness of my Being, I celebrate and call on You now, as I accept all disharmony and discord in my life, and in my world, as my own.
I now forgive myself for all negative experiences.
I surrender all my cares, troubles and concerns (as well as all my joys, successes and celebrations) to my Inner Holiness,
knowing that ALL IS embraced into the Fullness and Wholeness of
ALL THAT IS with perfect Grace and Ease.
I yield to Your Loving Will in my life,
and now take my steps in Trust, without having to control,
manipulate or even understand what is around the next corner.
GUIDE me, WALK with me Hand in hand, SPEAK to me Heart to heart this day. What shall We BE and do together? SHOW me the WAY!
Thank YOU, I know it is SO and so it IS. AMEN

The more that I am trusting that the Divine is at work in every moment of my life, the more delightful surprises fill my days, even and especially when I am on a path less traveled! “Not knowing” becomes part of (and crucial to) the adventure and delight of how Spirit is going to show up, totally beyond my ego’s imagination. Some of my little delights today included experiencing a magical Hobbit Shire-like landscape with lots of high mountain flowers and green pastures, far away from foot and motor traffic. Saw a rabbit and lots of dogs and cats too today. Also a golden opportunity to trust in answered prayers for healing, for all God’s creatures, even when I may never know the outcomes!

A wonderful lunch stop at Albergue Lamas for bocadillos and fresh baked chestnut cake. Sun and blue skies returned in the afternoon, and the chestnut trees were just starting to leaf out, as we took the next fork in the road to head back down hill.

When we got back down into town, Marcia found a bench to sit on to take off her boots and doctor her blisters and sore feet. I saw a young tabby cat that was begging for food, but very skitterish as it had a badly mangled front paw and leg. I wanted to give it some Reiki healing energy, but it would only let me get close enough to give it a bite of chestnut cake I’d saved from lunch. It was so hard for me to walk away from this sweet and hurting kitty, so I focused instead on beaming her with loving and healing prayers (as well as calling in St. Francis to look after her), and Marcia and I moved on to meet Debbie at our wonderful accommodations at Santa Maria de Magdalena.

Excerpt from my Journal:

Wednesday May, 17, 2017 (Happy Birthday Don) – Pieros to Vega de Valcarce (~14 mi)
**”I had some interesting early morning dreams: with other Camino pilgrims, in a large multi-chambered cavern, and we were all deciding when and where we would be leaving – much was still not known about our paths.”**
It was raining when we left this morning (7:30 a.m.) so Marcia and I got to try out our new rain pants. We all stopped for breakfast together at the next town, then Debbie took off to hold our rooms, and Marcia and I took our time and pace again. We all planned to take a more rural alternate route today, but Debbie missed the turn so Marcia and I ended up doing the more strenuous [elevation change] and longer route – well worth it for the amazing views and the quaint town and albergue (Albergue Lamas, Pradela) where we had lunch of bocadillas (sandwiches), fresh squeezed orange juice, and warm out-of-the-oven chestnut cake (so delicious!). Very friendly cat here too – I got to load up on my kitty petting time. After our lunch stop, the skies cleared into a deep blue with billowy shape-shifting fantasy clouds (again reminding me of New Mexico summer skies), and we were blessed with more great views for our hike back down off the mountain. Our albergue tonight was a private facility called Santa Maria de Magdalena, where we scored private rooms again (Debbie in one room and Marcia and I in another) – a great luxury after so many nights in bunkhouse dorm-room accommodations!

THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY:
When in doubt, at any fork on the Path of Life, take the road less traveled! It may not be without pain or challenges, but is certain to bring far more great lessons, Gifts and Blessings to overcome any of the challenges. And it certainly won’t be boring! Also reminded that Love heals all, and even when others may not let us get close enough to help in a physical way when they are hurting, loving prayers can be the greatest healing balm (especially since God and Holy Spirit always know when, how and what really needs to be healed and restored to its perfect wholeness).

What gifts did your Camino bring you TODAY? (Please share your thoughts below in the “Leave a Reply” Box)

Day 11 – TRUST Let Go and Let Grace Take Care of the Details.

On my Camino Journey in Spain (almost 6 long years ago now – yet still intimately present in my Heart and Soul today), I had the daily opportunity to practice the art of trusting in the Holiness of Life to guide me through any challenges and to bless me with many delightful and even miraculous experiences. Now, in today’s crazy, chaotic, and unpredictable world (very much intensified in the last 5 years!), there seems to be no sure fire way for my human mind and ego to figure out or navigate through the apparent messiness that life is handing me in each moment. So, too, each day on The Camino was full of uncertainties, as I found myself walking through strange landscapes, meeting new people, encountering unknown challenges (external and/or internal), not knowing where and what my food, water, and rest stops would be, and not knowing for sure where I would be sleeping at the end of the day! Even though now, in my present circumstances, I have a comfortable and warm home to shelter me, food on the table to nourish me, and a loving family (my husband and two cats in my household) to keep me in good company every day, my outer world reality is still very uncertain and chaotic… and pretty scary if I let myself get pulled into the drama too much. An excellent reminder for me to stay Present in each moment and day as much as possible, and feel the deep gratitude for the lessons and experiences I received (and integrated into the Wholeness of my Being) during (and since) my 21-day Camino Pilgrimmage in 2017…

Day 11, May 16, 2017, of our Camino walk began like most of our days. A 6:45 a.m. start with a beautiful, though brief, sunrise rose glow. The clouds were fabulous, and I saw two more snakes today, as we were now entering the rolling hill vineyard country. We passed many homes with backyard gardens and small farms growing various vegetables watered via irrigation ditches – reminded me a lot of northern New Mexico (with it’s small mountain and valley villages connected by a wide network of acequias along the Rio Grande).

We were always grateful for any indoor rest-stops along the Camino, but the sparse modern bathrooms were a particular delight… and some with a great sense of humor too!

Excerpt from my Journal:

Tuesday May 16, 2017 – Molinaseca to Pieros (~16 mi)
… First big city we came to was Ponferrada, where the last huge castle-church was built and occupied by the Templar Knights for only ~20 years before they were “shut down” (many believe the Catholic Church was wrongfully blamed for this termination of Templar Order, as it was actually the King of Spain who coveted the riches of the Templars). This amazing classic castle fortress complex was built in the early 1200’s.

Later, we arrived at our accommodations, El Serbol Y La Luna, a vegetarian donativo – and a very rustic old stone, multilevel home. We showered, and washed and hung our laundry outside to dry in the late afternoon sun. We were all very sore and tired, but managed to get ourselves to the 5:30 yoga class taught by Sophia, one of the donativo’s young hostesses. She did a wonderful layout to begin – using imagery of the “Inner Camino” to help us get in touch with our bodies through the breath and let go of any tension or pain. As we moved into gentle stretches and postures, we all noticed it was suddenly turning very dark outside, which was soon punctuated with bright flashes of lightning and crashing thunder. Several of us became concerned about our laundry hanging outside, but Sophia kept telling us “not to worry, someone will be taking care of that.” Then it started to downpour in bucket-loads, and several of us started to jump up and run downstairs – again Sophia sternly yet kindly reminded us to stay present, feel how deeply we could just enjoy the gift of the rain, and simply notice how this was affecting our Inner Camino Journey. Another huge Shift for me! Letting go of needing to be anywhere else, to be “taking care of business,” or to be “doing” anything other than Being Present Here and Now!!! I was in a state of deep appreciation for the profoundly cleansing, fluid energy of the rainstorm (thunder, lightning, fragrance, coolness). Our experience was perfectly completed with another layout, followed by a blessing from Sophia as she dabbed essential oil on our foreheads. We each were invited to say a silent gratitude for whatever we wished, and I thanked the rain for reminding of my Divine Fluidity and for this Inner and Outer Camino Journey! [It did turn out that the other volunteers at the donativo had brought all our laundry in and hung them on wooden racks to dry inside overnight]. And we had a wonderful vegetarian pilgrim meal before heading off to our cozy bunk beds.

More Critters and Flowers – Signs of Transformation and Renewal Abound!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

As I Set My Intentions to Expect the Highest and Best, Regardless of Any External Appearances to the Contrary, I Allow MySelf to Open to and TRUST in All that the Holiness of Life Has to Offer!

What gifts did your Camino bring you TODAY? (Please share your thoughts below in the “Leave a Reply” Box)

Day 10 – Biggest Challenges Bring the Greatest Gifts – It’s Always a Good Day to Lay Down Our Worldly Burdens and Embrace a More Expanded View of LIFE & Infinite Possibilities!

“Release, RELEASE, RELEASE, with infinite Grace and inspired intuition and creativity called in to fill the void (of my releasing),” was my intentional request for a beautifully guided Soul Breathing meditation I experienced this week.  Again, my world has been spinning and transforming faster and faster with each passing moment, day, week, month, and year since my Camino Way Walk in the Spring of 2017.  It is now Fall of 2022, moving quickly into Winter with autumn leaves fast falling and snow flakes beginning to fly and fill the air… not quite ready to accumulate into a white blanket around my northern New Mexico mesa-top home.   I have more purging to do, on physical and subtle levels of my being and life thus far, so that I may be more empty and infinitely receptive to the New Cosmic Energies and Potentials for living life more fully and lovingly in these times.  A perfect time for me to pause… return… and pick up where I left off in the sharing of my Camino adventure…

Day 10, May 15, 2017, began even earlier than usual for our little pilgrim group and we were on the Camino by 6 a.m.  This was anticipated to be our toughest day so far – longest in mileage (almost 16 miles) and most elevation gain (1200 feet) with even longer descent (2700 feet).   We would reach a major landmark today, and high point in elevation, on the Camino Frances (at least the portion we were doing) at Cruz de Ferro.  For the three of us, this was about the half way mark of our Camino Journey, and it is the place where all Pilgrims are invited to surrender all their personal and collective burdens of this physical life, including any trials or tribulations of body, heart, mind and soul, and to symbolically leave them all at the foot of this sky-piercing cross. Our earthly burdens are left here symbolically in the form of (mostly) small stones brought from home, or collected from along our Camino path thus far, as well as sacred totems, findings, or altar offerings, to then be dissolved and transmuted by Christ, the Holy of Holies, All That Is, Creator of the Cosmos, Infinite Universal Love, Inner Holiness, Lord of Our Being, etc. (Pilgrim’s choice!).  After releasing and surrendering at least one layer or level of life’s burdens here, each Pilgrim continues on their chosen Path with a lighter heart, open mind, and enlightened Soul, to experience a Life Renewed.

For me and my Camino Companions, we experienced much magic and beauty today, which served to soften the impact of the more physical challenges this day brought our way.

Excerpt from my Journal:

Monday May 15, 2017 – Rabinál del Camino to Molinaseca (~15.8 mi, 1200 ft up and 2700 ft. down)

… I left the stones I had collected from various hikes around home [New Mexico and southwestern USA], along with a redwood slice… and two very colorful, iridescent beetle carcasses (I kept seeing these bright flecks all along the path today).  I released my old self, and fears, to this sacred place along my journey, feeling a lighter more vibrant, and self-confident “me” begin to permeate and radiate in my “Whole Being.”  This day’s walk truly went much more easefully than I could have imagined!  The live beetles I saw later today were solid black, and they seemed to get more iridescent and rainbow colored just before and after they died.  Very metaphoric for me:  scarab moving or leaving old life behind as it dons a new body of multi-colors and dimensions.  New colors of butterflies today, too, along with multicolored flowers and bushes in the higher mountain country.

 

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: 

What unwieldy, worn out, and heavy burdens of the past can I consciously choose to lay down today so the unbounded multidimensional rainbow of pure spaciousness and GRACE can fill me completely with the wisdom that “All IS WELL and good (and continually getting better), HERE and NOW!”

 

What gifts did your Camino bring you TODAY? (Please share your thoughts below in the “Leave a Reply” Box)

Day 9 – Honoring our Mother Earth, Honoring the Great Mother Within – Transformation Happens!
P.S. “The Choice to Love is the Mother of Everything”*

Having just celebrated Mother’s Day 2020 a few weeks ago, it seems synchronous and appropriate to be rejoining my journey along The Camino at Day 9, Sunday May 14, 2017.  Only three years ago, and look at where we (as humanity) and our beloved planet have landed – in a whole new paradigm!  Or maybe we haven’t quite landed, as I am reminded of in this old Far Side cartoon:

Walking The Way in Spain seems lifetimes ago, and yet maybe somewhat predictive of the times we are experiencing collectively as human beings on earth right now.  In 2017, I was walking the soul-searching path of a Camino Pilgrim, in solitude yet surrounded by many others also traveling their unique paths to Inner Awakening.  Now our whole planet is traveling The Milky Way (the Galactic Camino) in this time of Unfathomable Transformation and Awakening!

Today, I am again asked by Spirit to dig deep in my own Heart of Hearts to discover, cultivate and share the Compassion, Forgiveness, and Infinite Patience of the Inner Mother… for healing and awakening myself… for uplifting and inspiring others to do the same.  I am urgently entreated to reach out with open heart and hands to unconditionally embrace a world in great pain and confusion yet simultaneously holding unqualified spaciousness for the birthing and revelation of the great wisdom and beauty of the Creator’s/Creatrix’ Grand Design.  I feel the invitation to be courageous and bold, to forgive, heal and hold Witness to this Great Transformation. I am willing and learning to see the world with more compassionate eyes   A new vision, through the power of Infinite Love and Wisdom, that embraces the chaotic dissolution of all our unconscious human conditioning and allows the totality of all our ancient pain and fear be brought to the surface for healing and transmutation.  Heralding a Time when/where we (all beings, all life, without exception or limitation) already (and again) walk in Peace, Love, and Joy as Co-creators on our Mother Earth.

Excerpt from my Journal:

Sunday May 14, 2017 (HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY) – Astorga to Rabinál del Camino (~13 mi)

Early start again today (before sunrise) – a long walk ahead with ~900 foot (300 m) elevation gain… I saw more caterpillars and butterflies today, recorded a cuckoo bird, and was blessed by the sights and sounds of running horses on a hill-top as we walked into town about 1 p.m.

The somewhat ugly and ravenously destructive caterpiller eventually transforms into a delicate creature of beauty and seeker of the heavenly nectar of Life Itself!

Buen Camino (A Good Way)

This day, as I sometimes walked alone and sometimes with my Camino companions and sometimes in the company of complete strangers from all walks of life and far flung parts of the world, I felt instantly connected through our universal greeting, BUEN CAMINO!  We are each so unique and diverse… AND yet… we are all so intimately and beautifully linked in Grace on this timeless Journey of Life!

My Pilgrim Passport:  A graphic record of my daily Camino progress, the places and faces of those I passed or met along The Way, and a delightful reminder of each refugio, albergue, cafe/bar, or donativo where we always received the Pilgrim’s welcome of kind nourishment, refreshment, or a night’s restorative shower and bed.  Strangers in a strange land, we were made to feel like a welcome family member, “mi casa es su casa,” at Home, even though we were so very far away from our own familiar homes.

Walking, I am listening to a deeper way.  Suddenly all my ancestors are behind me.  “Be still,” they say. “Watch and listen.  You are the result of the love of thousands.”  [Linda Hogan (b. 1947) Native American Writer].  Shrine to a beloved White Tiger, Trudy, and another profound reminder along my path today of how connected we are to all of life – throughout all time and space and beyond!

Pilgrim Beatitudes that spoke to me today:  “Blessed you are, pilgrim, if you find that the Camino opens your eyes to the unseen… Blessed you are, pilgrim, when you contemplate the sights of the Camino and find them full of names and new dawns… Blessed you are, pilgrim, when you have no words to give thanks for all the wonders in every nook of the Camino… Blessed you are, pilgrim, if on the Camino you meet yourself and give yourself the gift of time without hurry so that you not neglect the image of your heart.” [From Pilgrim Beatitudes (found in Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Spain, commemorating the 900th anniversary of Santo Domingo’s death)].

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: 

“The choice to Love is the Mother of Everything.”*  Less is more today, when it comes to finding my own words to express the yearnings and teachings of my heart and the lessons of this day (and all my days) on The Camino of Life.  I will instead choose to feel Deep Gratitude, and seek the Inner Silence… the Inner Sanctum… of my heart… in the Great Mother’s Heart… often today, and every day forward.  In the Silence, in the Stillness, I will move toward choosing Love more consistently, instead of reacting to or resisting what is showing up in my life and in the outer world.  And I invite you to do the same.  As we each answer that call to choose Love, the call from the Compassionate Mother Within, I know we will all soon meet in that Brighter and Joy-filled world we are co-creating in each Now Moment of the Infinite Heart of All Creation.

*[This quote is from “…a healing version of the Tao Te Ching” as shared by Master Mingtong Gu, founder of The Chi Center (Wisdom Healing QiGong) located in Galisteo, New Mexico, in a teaching called “Healing Mind.”]

 

What gifts did your Camino bring you TODAY?

(Please share your thoughts below in
“Leave a Reply” Box)

 

Day 8 – Time to Follow my Heart.. and Lighten my Load

(AKA – A Different Kind of  Day Off)

I have been struggling, for many years now, with some general health challenges, mostly related to finding a nutritional and exercise lifestyle that supports my being the healthy vibrant person I know I can be.  More recently (about 6 months ago) I was struck with a different kind of health challenge – I somehow sustained a rotator cuff injury in my left shoulder, making my left arm practically useless and causing me excruciating pain in doing very simple (daily) tasks like dressing myself, washing my hair, or opening a jar.  I have been doing physical therapy for about 5 months now, with great improvement in range of motion and strength in my left shoulder, so I am happy to say that I am probably 80-85% back to “normal.”  However, I have been feeling very stuck in this “last mile” of my healing process – everything seems to take so much effort, and so much time, with seemingly very little or no apparent progress!  The long-term health challenge and goal of manifesting and maintaining that perfect “system” for a healthy and happy body-mind-heart also still seems to be eluding me after so many years of this “self-help journey!”  Today, as I sat at my computer to continue writing about my Camino Daze, I took some time to contemplate the many blessings this particular day of the journey brought me, and I finally re-membered!  Sometimes you just got to take a day off… a day off from the drill… a day off from having to be perfect… a day off from having to do what’s expected (by me or any one else)… a day off from living for that some day in the future when everything will be perfect! Just BE HERE NOW… and ENJOY LIFE AS IT IS showing up in the moment.

This is kind of what happened for me on Day 8 of my Camino walk in 2017 – I had a day off from having to do what any “real self-respecting Pilgrim” would do.  I gave myself permission to take a day off from carrying my big backpack to our next night’s stay in Astorga.  I admit, my sister and Debbie had to twist my arm a bit to convince me it would be OK to give myself a “day off” and pay to have my pack portaged to the next town.  Initially I resisted… it was already going to be a much shorter day than the previous one, I was feeling well rested after my wonderful Shiatsu treatment and fabulous Pilgrim dinner the night before, and the sun was shining so brightly and warmly on our path leading out of the Albergue Verde early that morning.  “I should be able and willing to heft my own load for this whole Camino Journey,” “Be a Real Pilgrim,” I told myself, “Don’t wimp out now!”  And then my Heart spoke up and re-minded me that this could be a day to walk in the Now, be present in Gratitude, and enjoy the beauty and grace of this part of my Journey with a much lighter load on my back!  Hallelujah! This would be a day to be Present with myself (right where I am) and enjoy the surroundings of this mystical path I am traveling.  All is truly well on the Path where my Heart leads me every step of the way.  I set aside my “foolish Pilgrim pride” that day (as I choose to do again today), and let myself Be Perfectly Present, just as I am, in the little moments that make up each day.

Excerpt from my Journal:

Saturday, May 13 (~10 mi) – Hospital de Órbigo to Astorga

Walking was much easier and enjoyable for me today as I had my pack sent forward to the albergue in Astorga where we planned to stay.  Learning some trust…  Damp and green, but no rain until after reaching town.

Great stop on top of a hill, “Donativo David,” before descending into the valley.  David had watermelon, as well as other fruits, juices of all varieties, coffee, cookies & jam, and a fresh out of the oven traditional “Spanish Omelet” – only this time it was spiced with fresh green chile (the first, and the last green chile I had since leaving New Mexico)!

 

 

We can smell the chocolate already!

Once we made it to Astorga, we all lunched on their famously extraordinary chocolate, and finally located our albergue, San Javier – where my pack was waiting for me!  We saw many castle-like churches today – including the one in Astorga designed and built by Gaudi.  Astorga is not only famous for its chocolate, but was also a source of gold for the Roman Empire, who also apparently used the area as a resort – we saw the partial archeological excavation of a Roman Bath House in the middle of town.  The center of Astorga sits on top of a hill surrounded by a great stone wall like a fortress – beautiful views of the rural valley below from the hilltop park.  We all did a little shopping here as Astorga is a large enough town to have more amenities  – saw the world’s biggest backpack in front of the outdoor gear store where Marcia and I each bought a pair of (way too expensive) rain pants – we were anticipating that the weather would just be getting wetter from here on out.  To bed early again for early start on a long uphill day tomorrow!

 

 

We needed a bigger pack for all that chocolate!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: 

Humility is the better part of Valor, learning that less can be better, quality over quantity (even when it comes to chocolate!), and giving oneself a day off from having to be the perfect pilgrim on Life’s Journey can be a very good thing now and again.  Perfection is the Gift that comes when I accept my human imperfections with grace and humility.

What gifts did your Camino bring you TODAY?  (Please share your thoughts below in “Leave a Reply” Box)

 

Day 7 – A Day of Hell’s Challenges Transformed by Heaven’s Infinite Grace

Again another year of personal and global challenges as well as many grand adventures and divinely blessed events have spun me into another new year (2020) since I last wrote about my Camino Daze of 2017.  Even as I look back on the year 2019, just on a personal experience level, with its many times of chaos and pain equally interspersed with great joys and celebrations, I feel an instant and profound connection to my longest, most challenging – and most rewarding – 24 hour stretch on the Camino Frances.  Almost three years ago now, I can still remember and feel the vast extremes of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual lessons and gifts bestowed upon me that day, as though it only happened last week!  So here is the somewhat condensed version of my Dark Night of the Soul during the Camino Daze of 2017.

This day, Friday May 12, 2017, started much the same as our other days thus far on the Camino, with a pre-dawn departure.  All three of us, myself, my sister Marcia, and our friend Debbie, spent a restless night in the bunkhouse-like accommodations of the massive stone Monasterio de Benedictinas – we each kept waking up throughout the night wondering if it was time to get up, pack up, and make our way down to the León plaza to catch our 6:15 a.m. bus to the outskirts of the city where we would begin walking the longest day since we started the Camino.  We finally got up at the appropriate hour, packed up as quietly as we could in the pitch dark, grabbed a quick bite of toast, juice and coffee before rushing out the door.  Marcia had noticed some hand painted “blessing stones” on a desk on our way out, and called my attention to the one made especially for me – “Gracia” means Grace in Spanish, so I took it as a good omen and snapped a picture before we hurried on out the door to catch our bus.  We made it to the bus stop with five or ten minutes to spare and it was starting to rain.  I began sorting through my pack to pull out my rain coat, just as the bus was pulling up, and I discovered (to my horror) that in the dark I had apparently missed getting my rain coat packed.  I literally ran the 3-4 blocks back to the Monasterio (Marcia and Debbie stood guard over my pack) and retrieved it right where I’d left it, making it back to the bus stop in time for us all to catch the 6:45 bus instead.  As it turned out this was the rainiest, most wet weather we had had on the Camino to date (except for maybe the day before when we were all snug and warm on the bus), so I would have been one really miserable cat had I not discovered my missing rain gear until too late.  My guardian angels were already looking after me, although there were far too many times for me to count when I felt completely alone in my body, heart and mind pain and discomfort that day!

Not only was this our longest day in miles, but there seemed to be no good rest stops or places where we could buy a snack or a meal (we only located one vending machine on a street corner with some sugary treats if you had the right change).  With no apparent cafes or bars along our route this day, this also meant no water bottle refills or restroom facilities (which spelled disaster for me in my weakened digestion state).  Walking along side a road, in a constant drizzling rain, with very few bushes or trees for that whole 16-mile stretch, I became absolutely despondent.  By early afternoon, Marcia and Debbie were well ahead of me by over an hour, and having not seen them for some time, I was truly beginning to feel utterly alone in my dreary misery.

I will let this excerpt from my journal detail the rest of my “Hell to Heaven” experience on the Camino that day:

Friday, May 12, 2017 – León -> Hospital de Orbigo (~16 mi) … I struggled a lot with my pack and the miles today – plus it was raining most of the time we were walking, my feet, legs and back aching, and increasingly uncomfortable digestive issues, made the day even longer for me.  I really thought I was not going to make it to the selected accommodations in Hospital de Órbigo, but Debbie came through again with the Albergue Verde.  [Debbie and Marcia had both come back to offer to help me with my pack, as I had dropped over an hour behind them throughout the day’s trek!]. There was a downpour of rain just as we came into town and then the sun came out shining on one of the most beautiful Roman-built bridges – making the cobblestones shimmer like gold.  We found the entrance to our albergue by following a sidewalk lined with multi-colored iris and white cala lilies.  We were warmly welcomed by an American couple [hosts of the albergue] and offered hot tea (from a selection of garden grown herbs), and invited to get out of our wet clothes, take a hot shower, and settle into our bunks before they needed us to sign in and pay our donativo fees.  I treated myself (after much cajoling from Marcia and Debbie) to a massage from Alejandro (a volunteer at the albergue, from Italy).  I experienced another spiritual breakthrough and attunement under his very skilled and intuitive Shiatsu treatment.  After my session (downstairs in the yoga room), I noticed what looked like a small painting of Amachi [one of India’s Divine Mothers, known as the Hugging Saint] on his altar (along with an “om” symbol and some Buddha images and statues). 

I had somewhat of a spiritual meltdown, and felt overcome with Spirit in that moment – it felt like the prayer I had been chanting most of the day (to keep me moving one foot in front of the other) had been heard and amazingly answered – “Be Still and Know I Am God – I Am Here – I Am Home All-ways!”  As I confirmed with Alejandro that it was indeed Amma, I hugged him and excitedly shared my connection with Amma [she has a well-established community in Santa Fe, NM, where I first met her].  Later, before our wonderful vegetarian dinner was served, Alejandro led several of us in a yoga qigong movement stretch.  Dinner was served, and accompanied by one of our other hosts, playing guitar and singing a Camino song he had written; then a Buddhist prayer of gratitude (Tich Nat Han) for the food, plants, animals, and human beings that brought the food from land to table; and finally gratitude to The Universe – All Is Well!  Dinner consisted of fresh tomatoes and beets, creamy lentil soup, hearty dark brown bread, and a wonderful stuffed (mushrooms and zucchini) flakey torte pastry.  A heavenly raisin ginger sunflower-seed bread was served for dessert.  Definitely sleeping well tonight!  Lots of emotional and physical releases during my Shiatsu session today. 

Also had a vision during my treatment with Alejandro:  an expanding, very dark fingered void seemed to be opening out into the Light and calling me inward at the same time – not frightening, though requiring courage on my part to enter The Great Void.

 

 

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: 

Even in my darkest hours, times of greatest challenge in my physical, emotional, mental human experience, I am never alone.  I often forget to ask specifically for help from the Source of all Love and Life, always and everywhere Present.  But this does not mean that I have ever been, or could ever be, abandoned by my Beloved Creator.  My Beloved shows up in many forms and many faces of my friends and family, as well as in the eyes and helping hands and hearts of every stranger I meet along this amazing Camino Journey of Life!  I have found that this Divine Grace is not limited to any particular race, culture, religion, tradition, nor by time and space.  I thank Heaven and the Loving Source of my Being this is SO!

 

What gifts did your Camino bring you TODAY?

 

Day 6 – Giving Our Pilgrim Feet a “Day Off”

Into a new year again now (2019), and having begun some new health and well-being adventures (food and activity nourishment for body, mind, and heart-soul), I am taking it easy today (by “fasting”) – nothing on my “To Do List” and letting my Heart lead me in a perfect balance between activity and quiet time.  There is a time and season for everything, and today I am enjoying a quiet Winter into Spring day of rest from my more worldly responsibilities – also finding myself drifting back to rejoin my Camino walk on Day 6, Thursday May 11, 2017.  My companions and I had our only planned “rest” day today when we would be taking a bus from Carrión de los Condes to León, giving our well deserving Pilgrim feet a day off from walking The Camino.  Turned out to be serendipitous, weather-wise, as this was the most rainy and windy day we had experienced since we began our walking in Burgos!  We had time to say our goodbyes to our friends who would be walking this next stretch (~75 miles, 3-4 days), and to check out this morning’s local street market, before boarding the bus that provided us a warm and dry journey all the way to León.

We arrived at the huge bus station in León early afternoon and checked the large kiosk city map to get our bearings and hopefully find our way to our accommodations for the night at Monasterio de Benedictinas.  We ended up logging a few miles (~5)  on our Pilgrim feet afterall, as we wandered around city center trying to locate the correct “alley” off the square that would take us to where our beds were located.

After finally getting checked in, we dropped our packs and walked back to the square to take in more of the sights and visit the famous Cathedral of León – gloriously beautiful inside and out!

Excerpt from my Journal

Thursday, May 11 – Carrión de los Condes -> León (75 mi via bus, ~5 mi walking around town).  [On the bus] I sat next to Erin, from Korea… Erin is a beautiful young woman who quit her job last December and is on the road to find herself (not “religious” but spiritual quest) – a reminder to me to do the same!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: 

I want to be sure to take time out from the busy-ness of life, every day, to observe, enjoy, and feel deep and expanding gratitude for the beauty and true vitality both inside and outside all dimensions of myself, the world, and all of Creation and Life – everywhere always.  As I take Rest in God/Spirit/Creator, Grace fills every moment of every day, and forwards the Gift of Love into every heart and into every corner of this blessed Earth – for the Divine Benefit of all beings, no exceptions, no limitations.

 

What gifts did your Camino bring you TODAY?

 

 

Day 5 – A New Song is Expanding and Leading my Heart

Today (December 4, 2018) as I have been contemplating the close of yet another year on my Life Journey and feeling such gratitude for the joys and blessings of 2018, I was swept into the sweetness of nostalgia and inspired to follow my Soul-prints back to my Camino Walk in Spain.  Reading my Journal entry for May 10, 2017 I was transported in time and geography again to experience the colors, smells, tastes, sounds and feelings that day.  The sunrise was again calling me forth on the 5th day of my Walk, the old churches on the plaza were illuminated in golden light, and the air permeated my whole being with the freshness and fragrance of moist air and damp earth from the gentle overnight soaking of rain.

There seemed to be a new song beginning to rise in my heart this morning, not tied to any old familiar tune (though entwined in ancient tonal roots) – something exciting, being born anew from all my earth walk experiences.  It made me want to slow down, be still, and listen closer, letting its Essence soak more completely into to my being, like the plants and the earth drinking in the life-giving and renewing rain.   As the three of us (my sister, our friend and I) left the outskirts of Frómista and crossed the pedestrian bridge over the freeway, we passed another image of Saint James with his staff and Pilgrim heart pointing our Way and blessing us for this day’s adventure.

Our next night’s destination was Carrión de los Condes, about 13.3 miles via a slightly longer “green route” which took us away from the busy highway and through more lush farmland, expansive wheat fields, and along side long hedges of bright yellow and orange wild roses.  The song that was a spark in my heart when I rose this morning was reignited by another Pilgrim, the singing Frenchman, who accompanied us as we left town.  I was again inspired to “take it slow” and enjoy every aspect of this day’s gifts as I observed the sparkling trails and painstaking progress of numerous snails traveling our same path today!  Like all the Pilgrims we met (including ourselves), they were carrying all the necessities of life (at least for that day) on their backs – another reminder to me to continue to lighten my load of all that no longer nourishes or supports my earth journey to experience happiness and well-being on a daily basis.

With this New Song in my heart today, I was more open and receptive to the magic of this place and the Journey itself.  Being in such a totally unfamiliar country, culture, and environment seemed to float me out of the “normal” time/dimension-stream too.  It was as though I could be anyone, a magnificent and magical being, in the most exciting fantasy epic story of my own making!  Look at this wonderful little fairy haven that surely came straight out of The Shire, the perfect Hobbit home tucked away into the hillside.

On arrival to Carrión de los Condes midafternoon, we immediately made our way to the Iglesia de la Santa Maria to see if we could secure 3 beds for the night – this is the home of the famous Singing Nuns.  Unfortunately there was only 1 bed left (which made one young man very happy when we told him if he hurried it could be his), so we found accommodations in the large convent, Espiritu Santo, a block away [where we were reminded to Trust (Confra) in the Divine Order of everything].  A very short walk brought as us back to join the sing-along with the nuns followed by a beautiful Pilgrim Blessing service at the main church (described below in my Journal excerpt).  At the sing along, we were delighted to reconnect with our gentleman roommate from the previous night, Andy from Texas, who, as it turned out, had a beautiful singing voice to match his big heart.  Beginning and closing another day on The Camino, this New Song in my Soul (infused by all the celestial and Pilgrim heart music I heard and felt today) continued to expand throughout and beyond my heart into my world Now.

Excerpt from my Journal:

Wednesday, May 10th  Frómista -> Carrión de los Condes (~13.3 mi/19.5 km)
… Highlights for me today were hearing the “Singing Nuns” of Iglesia de la Santa Maria (“Amazing Grace” my favorite, of course), and the evening mass with Pilgrim Blessing afterwards in the main church (Parroguia de Santa Maria del Camino y San Andrés) with the most beautiful statue of Mother Mary I have ever seen!  Both Marcia and I were certain we saw tears rolling down the face of Mother Mary during the Pilgrim Blessing (tears were definitely flooding down my cheeks at this time).

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:  Each day, and each Moment, is an opportunity and reminder to me to slow down, be still and listen closer to the Song in My Heart.   It is my constant and loving guide, and only I can pause and take the time to Listen and then follow my wondrous Path of Joy.  There is no greater Gift to the world, and to all of life, than to follow One’s Inner Joy.

 

What gifts did your Camino bring you TODAY?  (Please share your thoughts below in “Leave a Reply” Box)

 

Day 4 – The Invitation

Day 4 of my Camino Journey, began much the same as the previous days: rising before the sun, morning toiletries, and re-packing our packs for the coming day’s walk.  Today, however, I became aware of a deeper sense of camaraderie with my newfound fellow pilgrims on this Camino walk, as well as in this Walk of Life.  We breakfasted together with our small group of overnight guests (all from countries other than the USA), and though only a couple others at our communal table spoke English, we all seemed to easily share our feelings and express our delight and gratitude for being here together, at this time, on this Journey.  It would turn out that we would cross paths with several of these pilgrims, at different times, in the days to come; and would heartfully greet our new friends like old friends with the traditional “Buen Camino,” (The Good Way), and ask with genuine interest “How is your Journey going now?”

Excerpt from my Journal:

Tuesday, May 9^th– Itero de la Vega -> Frómista (~9.4 mi/16 km)
We were treated to a big breakfast of sweet “biscuits,” fresh-made bread, fresh fruit, coffee, and homemade jam on “lady-finger” cakes.  When we departed, we also each received from our hosts a small wrapped chocolate along with the traditional “Buen Camino” blessing for the road. 

“The Invitation” for me now (today), and on this particular day of my Camino walk, was to fully engage the Adventure of Life by opening my Heart/Mind/Body ever more each day.  With each rising of the sun on our beautiful world filled with beautiful and amazing people, there are infinite opportunies and potentials to experience more light and joy in my life, as well as bringing more light and joy into the lives of those around me.  For me to answer The Invitation, I must actively seek and find my Inner courage, find and acknowledge my unique gifts and talents that I have to offer Life, and finally to Trust in the Divinity/Creator/Spirit of/in/as my Life – each step then taking me forward into the Adventure of exploring the Great Unknown (the future reality that I dream and desire to Co-create with Life).  On this 4th day of my Camino walk, the physical manifestation of this invitation came in the form of a sculpture and dedication at the canal crossing before we entered the town of Frómista – it was like a guest register at a wedding, but no one was required to sign in, the only key was having an open heart and willingness to experience a whole new chapter of being in love with Life:

After crossing the Canal de Castillo and entering the town of Frómista, we were in for another serendipitous blessing.  We were looking for accommodations for the night and our guidebook listed a couple of public or municipal albergues that had 50 or more beds available to pilgrims (bunkhouse arrangement with 10-25 beds per room with shared bathroom facilities).  As we were walking up one of the main streets looking for the address of one of these albergues, a woman stepped out a door onto the sidewalk near us and asked if we needed help finding something.   We told her we were looking for pilgrim accommodations for tonight, and she immediately offered us 3 beds she had available at her “Donativo” (a private residence that offers beds/rooms for a minimal donation) – this was a much more attractive option for us as we ended up sharing our bedroom with only one other person (instead of 10-20 other people)! We were delighted to meet another pilgrim (a gentleman from Texas with whom we continued to cross paths over the next several days) and to have the opportunity to exchange Camino journey stories and pilgrim foot care tips!  Life rewarded us well today, for our courageous and open hearted acceptance of its Invitation!

 

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:  If I accept The Invitation that Life extends to me each day, with all my heart, mind, and body, then every day can and will be filled with adventure, joy, love, new friends, new expanded Family, and the Peace that surpasses all understanding (in Knowing that no matter where I am, I am always Home in the loving arms of the Universe/Spirit/All That Is).

 

What gifts did your Camino bring you TODAY?

 

 

Day 3 – Rainbows and Tie Dye Brighten My Camino

Today, present time (June 11, 2018), I am engaging in one of my favorite creative activities: Tie-Dying!.  It got me to thinking about one of the big inspirations and motivating factors for me before, during, and after my first Camino walk.  The inspiration came from a young woman I barely knew before she left her Earth Walk.  Kyra was my husband’s grand-niece (his brother’s grand-daughter), who lived with her parents in Castle Rock, CO.  About 7 months before I was to begin my Camino walk with my sister, we learned that Kyra had tragically died in a car accident just blocks from the high school she attended as a senior student.  I had met Kyra a few times at family reunions, but had not seen her since she was maybe 10 or 12 years old.  I knew very little about her young adult life, but I felt a special connection to her when I learned that she absolutely loved tie dye clothes and was considered by her friends and family to be a free spirit “retro-hippy.”  We attended her Memorial Service in Castle Rock and the church was packed with a couple hundred family members and friends – almost all were wearing tie dye shirts in honor of Kyra.  I had actually been asked to bring as many tie dye shirts and scarves from my inventory as I could spare (I have a tie-dye hobby-business, as I am a bit of a retro-hippy myself), so was able to contribute to the colorful rainbow spectacle at the church that day.  Here are a few things I heard and learned about Kyra from those who were close to her (which was a large percentage of her community): “Kyra lived – and she had a blast!” (her dad); “She put everybody before herself.” (a close friend of the family).  This same family friend had received many letters and special little gifts in the mail from Kyra when he was serving overseas; a local newspaper quoted him, “This world can be an ugly one if you are always focused on the bad things.  Kyra reminded me of the beauty this world has to offer every time she smiled.”

 Kyra, and the things I learned about her after she was gone, inspired me to really “Go for Life” and “have a blast”, as her dad had said about her.  I had already previously decided that tie dye was going with me on my Camino (I like to bring my rainbows with me wherever I go).   Then I met one of Kyra’s uncles, Mitch, who had been walking the Camino Frances when he received the news about her death and had flown back to the States to be with his brother and family.  Mitch ended up with one of the tie-dye shirts I made and he told me he planned to return to Spain and finish his Camino walk wearing the “Rainbow Colors” for Kyra.  Kyra had connected me more deeply with the extended family I had not previously known, and with another “Pilgrim” who was already walking the same Camino adventure in which I would be immersed 7 months down the road!  Both Mitch and I had Kyra with us on our Camino walks.  Several times during the memorial event, she  was referred to as a “Shooting Star” – so bright and beautiful even for her short life, a beautiful streak across the infinitely deep night sky.   I later learned, towards the end of my first Walk, that the Camino Frances is often fondly referred to as “The Milky Way.”  This was a profound reminder to me that we all walk in the Divine Company of those have gone before us, as well as those with us in the present, and those who come after us on this Earth Walk through the Stars … we are all of the Rainbow Race walking as One on The Way.

Excerpt from my Camino Journal on Day 3:

Monday, May 8^th– Hontanas à Itero de la Vega (10.4 mi)

We get up at 5:30 a.m. today to get early start – we want to get beds at a small hermitage – San Nicolas de Puentelitero Hospital de Peregrinos – famous for its rustic yet very warm hospitality.  More butterflies, red poppies, and vast vibrant green fields of wheat.  I am still “working my shit mind,” negative self-talk and complaining, though mixed with moments of peaceful reflection when I focus on my breath, Presence, and enjoyment of my amazing surroundings.  We reach the hermitage about two hours before they open, so hang out knowing our beds are secured.  The hosts don’t speak any English (except the one woman who speaks a little), nor do they speak any Spanish – only Italian.  There are about five other Italian guests staying there this particular night, one of whom graciously served as our interpreter – Bruno spoke pretty fair English (though he was very modest about it)…  We had a beautiful ceremony before dinner:  one foot was ceremonially bathed with water, towel dried, and then kissed by the main host, also named Bruno, and finally blessed with a prayer for our pilgrim walk.

Other memorable experiences today:  A giant green chameleon-like lizard hiding in the garden wall behind the hermitage.  Our first Roman style aqueduct bridge at the border of two provinces.  Group photo of all the guests and hosts in front of the San Nicolas “hermitage”.  A great home cooked meal (on wood burning stove) served by candlelight – every time we emptied our plates, the hosts, assuming we must still be hungry, instantly refilled them!  No electricity or heat at the hermitage, so early to bed and grateful for our own warm sleeping bags and the extra blankets provided by our Italian Confraternity hosts. 

 

What gifts did your Camino bring you TODAY?  (Please share your thoughts below in “Leave a Reply” Box)