Tonight I'm sleeping in what appears to be an old barn (including birds nests in the rafters) in yet another abandoned village (Boadilla del Camino) after a solid 30 km trek.
Interestingly, the Camino is beginning to influence my accustomed sense of time and space. Standard measurements of time, such as when I wake up or depart for my day's walk, or when I expect to arrive at a destination, seem of little value. Likewise, distances have become more subjective and personal. Values are becoming more internal and less driven by traditional external methods of measurement.
Im also noticing how the Camino gently directs my thoughts into the present. My senses are hyperactive and my mind is more open to receive and experience immediate stimuli. My home life and history (with all it's worries and complexities) has fallen away significantly. My future has become as immediate and simple as "where the heck am i gonna pee?" Sweet and prolific birdsong or the wind moving the wheat field can engage my mind completely.
It is obvious to me at this point that I am starting to look more inward as i progress along on this journey. During the first two weeks i was captivated by the magnificent scenery, novel living arrangements and new relationships with interesting people. There was much posturing and presentation of my own self-authored narrative. I was deeply involved in my standard routine of Observing and characterizing individuals into familiar prototypes. Now it seems i am becoming less convivial and less intent on developing traditional relationships with fellow pilgrims. It would seem i am more preoccupied with my own internal explorations. I find myself more focussed on looking inward, rather than on how I present myself outwardly.
It is said that the Camino is a metaphor for life. The first part of the pilgrimage is about Life, the middle part (which involves many days of walking across uninteresting, flat plains) is about Death, and the last part metaphorically represents Rebirth.
I have certainly experienced the first part of the journey in full colour. We shall see what awaits me for the next part...
Wonderful to read your comments on your progress, both physical and spiritual. I remember suggesting that the Camino would not provide the answers, but the questions. Good luck with your searches.
ReplyDeleteDarlene
Ok Angela
ReplyDeleteThis is the best blog yet. but death is a bit strong, maybe it is more like the chrysalis stage where from the butterfly is born. there is definitely a spreading of spiritual wings. I can feel them fluttering all the way back here. it is funny your comments on time and space and shift in focus. I am just plowing through Paulo Cohelo's Pilgrimage, novel and am at a section that touches on the same ideas. He even has an excercise, you will love this, walk at half speed. Given your propensity for 30km days, I don't see this happening. On another front, I am stunned at the high number of drop offs as well as the high volumes of pilgrims. Finally, love your pix.