Mindfulness, Connection, and Joy: Theresa’s Camino Experience
Theresa and Paula crossing the Pyrenees on the Camino Francés
A Calling to the Camino
In the fall of 2023, I received an email from my sister, Paula, who had, years before, completed the Community Dharma Leader training at Spirit Rock, about a Mindfulness Walking Pilgrimage in the fall of 2024, and she asked if any of our sisters would want to go. Something inside me immediately said yes! The combination of meditation and walking called to me almost like an old friend I had forgotten. I had heard of the Camino Way, but knew little else than it was for many, a Spiritual Journey, from ancient times, of Christians, following the path of St. James the Apostle. I felt drawn to this journey at several levels, and knew I wanted to be a part of it.
“What I thought was a journey about the self, and individual strength and determination, became quite the opposite—a journey of awareness and caring for others, while embracing nature and beauty in every step.”
From the first Zoom with Jamie (Lotus Compass leader) and Gavrila (Meditation Leader), we shared our intentions about the trip. I knew before the call, for me, it was about composure, my own self composure in life, navigating my own inner dialogue and outward interactions and responses in a sometimes overwhelming and dissonant-sounding world. Self-composure was my intention and the Camino certainly helped me achieve and expand my understanding of myself and others, and built awareness of joy in present moments. The Camino helped me develop patience with myself and others, and open my eyes to beauty in walking silently.
What I thought was a journey about the self, and individual strength and determination, became quite the opposite, a journey of awareness and caring for others and feeling the care and kindness of fellow pilgrims reciprocated, while embracing nature and beauty in every step.
Lessons from the Camino
The duality of daily walking in silence the first couple of hours, then conversing naturally afterwards, if you chose, became a compelling and fulfilling practice that brought greater powers of observation, sensations, and awareness than I had felt before. I’m a person that believes in God, or whatever means “the GOOD” in the universe, and over my years, I’ve come to feel the presence of this power of goodness, whether it is my understand of God as a being, or “God as Love”, it was very much a part of each day, the presence of the energy, which for me, was very real on Camino, in both the essence of other people, and in nature, and sense of community.
From the first worried-filled night lying quietly in a simple bunk bed at an Auberge in St. Jean Pied de Port, where, despite my efforts, I could not fall asleep with my mind racing with anticipation, to the very last evening in a rose-filled park in Logrono, at our final sangha gathering, I think what I learned most from our group and fellow pilgrims, was “we are here for each other.”
I’ve often reflected on my life experience as broken into three parts, the physical, the cognitive, and the spiritual. Each part of these life experiences was deeply enriched on Camino. The physical, of course, preparations of walking and hiking for many months in preparation, essential and which cannot be understated, made the journey pleasant, instead of grueling, but I would say, especially for the days in the stunning Pyrenees Mountains, it is a “hike” and not quite a walk, but what a hike. I felt strong most days, but challenged others. I learned that steep downhills are much trickier and more tiring than steep uphill climbs. I was brought to tears seeing mountain beauty I’d never experienced before or since, and still find it difficult to put into words. Majestic, haunting, foggy, clean, crisp-aired mountains that felt like another presence in themselves, another being almost. The days through the Pyrenees I would gladly repeat many times again if I am able. It was in the Pyrenees I first felt showered with peace and strength I didn’t know I possessed. The steep descents aside, the walking part became natural and comfortable, and I felt very strong, although exhausted at the end of every day.
Crossing the Pyrenees
Getting to know our fellow travelers in our group was an added gem to each day. Each of the ten of us brought perspectives and observations sometimes the rest of us missed. The sangha gatherings allowed meditation and also sharing of the daily experiences. My fellow travelers were insightful, wise, and kind, funny, and delightful. Seeing the struggles on some days, especially in the beginning, learning to rest, hydrate, eat snacks, stretch, for this 63-year old, learning from others was greatly appreciated. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such kindness as well. Sharing of supplies, food, a bandage, a helping hand, became so commonplace, I felt I’d walked into a world of greater kindness on Camino. You might see another person fatigued, resting, and check to see if they were okay or needed water. Little yellow arrows along the way that pilgrims that came before, guided us through confusing junctures, there was a feeling of gratitude for others that I cannot overstate, it was everywhere along the Camino. One of our teachers said on beginning a difficult/long day, “one foot in front of the other” and keep going. So simple, but at times I felt tired, it became a mantra for perseverance.
Our Camino sangha
“Feelings of calm and peace grew on the journey. Walking mindfully, purposefully, not rushed—seeing the world around us and feeling joy in each step.”
After the first day, falling asleep was never a struggle, my body and feet were ready for the slumber, even if the bunk was a humble one, slumber on the Camino walking days was deep and restful. One night in Villatuerta, we watched the moon rise over an ancient church steeple, the air was so clean and clear and sleep can like a beautiful wave. Feelings of calm and peace grew on the journey. Of course there were episodes of frustration, lack of toilets and having to “use the great outdoors” being one of my least favorite life tasks, and rude remarks of a stranger on a busy street in Pamplona, all seemed to fade away in the balm of the rewards of continuing each day to walk mindfully, purposefully, not rushed, seeing the world around us, and feeling joy in each step.
I can’t begin to relate all my experiences and memories, but I can say that this pilgrimage was unforgettable, the people, the landscape, the sky, the joy, it is all there for each traveler. I’m so glad I was asked by my big sister in the fall of 2023. I feel that in making this journey, while sometimes difficult, but overwhelmingly wonderful, I have grown, stretched, and strengthened, my composure, and my mindset, to appreciate this life. Something I learned and observed from my late, and dearest, Mother, she used to say “ you can always find something good in even the hardest days.”
Being on Camino, you can, and will, find joy - in each and every day, even the hardest days.
Theresa Simon McMahon
Albany, New York
November, 2024
