Compostela: A Final Reflecition
At the last step before entering Santiago, the grand finale to an adventure I’d had my heart set on for years, I expected tears of bittersweet sentiments to pour out of me. However, upon reaching the Cathedral of Compostela, I felt somewhat indifferent and disconnected from the beautiful structure.
When I presented my pilgrim credential for one last stamp and received the legendary certificate announcing I had completed the route, I realized something. For a real pilgrim, this is just a piece of paper. Everything you need to mark the end of your road is already inside you and no Compostela diploma can parallel this truth.
I heard the birds and crickets sing me songs from natures soundtrack. I sat down on rocks and watched the wind dance in the trees. I saw the world go by in the most relaxing and tranquil way. I learned to open my heart and lose fear; two lessons that I hope to carry with me for the rest of my life. I broke bread with fellow pilgrims and laughed. My hand was held on this trip.
Besides being an astonishing adventure with unforgettable sights, the Camino de Santiago is a spiritual ambition that can be a life changing experience. If you let it, you will learn to truly appreciate life for its most simple and most important qualities. Having a clean bed to sleep in, warm shower, food to fill your belly, and people in your life to share memories with. These are fundamental things that are often forgotten in today’s materialistic society, but ultimately are the key to finding inner strength and happiness.
All that I learned on this trip I value, but what I will never forget is how impossible the distance once seemed. With one glance at a map, I felt like I would never arrive.
But I did arrive. With one foot in front of the other, one step at a time, I made it. Life often can be harsh, stubborn, or present us with difficult and challenging situations. The important thing to remember is that in all of us lies the power to overcome; no matter how scary or impossible something seems. Stop, breathe, rest for a minute, and take each hurdle at a time. Like this, you too will arrive to your Santiago.
January 13, 2009 @ 11:28 am
As a native from Astorga with some ancestors born near Foncebadón, I feel a special emotion reading your comments.So happy you enjoyed it!
August 3, 2007 @ 5:22 pm
Hi Teri,I read your comment the other day and got really excited to hear that you are about to begin your camino. The journey is a priceless experience and you are in for one great walk. Be prepared to meet people from all over the world speaking all kinds of languages, and be especially ready to deal with your feet.My advice to you on feet is to rub vasoline on them 2-3 times a day (this will prevent blisters before they happen) and to wear 2 kinds of socks… one super thin pair (hielo in spanish) and one thick cotton pair.Also make sure you have at least one walking stick to take the pressure off your knees. Yet if they do hurt buy a cream or gel form of Arnica (a homiopathic tool) which is the “secret” of the camino. massage it into your knee(s) 2-3 a day and you will notice a huge difference.I am so excited for you! and will keep reading your blog for updates.Buen Camino!!!!
July 30, 2007 @ 4:05 am
Marina – thank you for your wonderful account of the Camino. I start mine in 32 days. I was particularly moved by your closing statement about “arrivials”. http://mi-viaje-a-santiago.blogspot.com/
July 26, 2007 @ 9:03 pm
Better is impossible. Here we have an excelent review about the essence of this pilgrimage. Good job!Carlos Ag.
July 21, 2007 @ 2:12 am
Steve,thank you for all your kind comments. It is always such a pleasure to know that my writing touches someone and they understand the message I am trying to conveymany smiles,marina
July 20, 2007 @ 2:24 pm
These entries about your pilgrimage are so profound and so well written they give me goosebumps.steve h