My journey.: Being a "Peregrino".

I have been thinking about what it means to be a pilgrim. Am I finally experienced enough to speak as one? I think I am. I have now almost walked half the way to Santiago and I have experienced both highs and lows along the way, with much more to come. But, the thing about being a¨"peregrino" is that there is a simple but strict structure. Each day is a new adventure. We are out of our accomodation before 7 or 8 at the latest each morning, moving forward to a new destination. There is a plan for where we want to go, but the camino teaches us whether what we think and what we need are aligned. And if they are not, then the camino wins. And it teaches us what we need to know. We walk on roads and trails that we´ve never walked on before and all we have to guide us are the arrows and camino signs, which we sometimes have to look hard for. The routine is simple, yet all our needs are met and we are focused on our purpose. The simplicity of the days are mixed with the physical challenges and our energy is primarily focused on the task at hand; walking and routines to be ready for the next day. Yet there is a peacefulness in this. Life´s other distractions are gone and we are by ourselves and with ourselves, in nature and mostly peaceful settings. Upon the arrival at each destination there is a sense of pride and satisfaction of yet another accomplished goal. We can plan ahead, but because of the physical and mental challenges we live each day in it´s present moment. (If I could only transfer this piece back to my every day life..). There is definitely a lesson here! The only constant in life is change, and there is nowhere this is more obvious than on the camino. Making peace with change and trusting the process and key factors for a peregrino´s success. A peregrino has left all distractions behind and have chosen to take a journey so that he can learn what he needs to learn, be forgiven for what he need forgiveness and finally grow as a human being, from the inside out.

To laugh is to risk appearing a fool

To weep is to risk being called sentimental

To reach out to another is to risk involvment

To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self

To place your ideas and dreams before a crowd is to risk their loss

To love is to risk not being loved in return

To live is to risk dying

To try is to risk failure.

But risks must be taken

Because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing

The people who risk nothing may avoid suffering and sorrow,

But they cannot learn, feel, change, grow or really live.