One of the great aspects of the Camino is the ability to get away from everyday life and getting to inner stillness.
For many the Camino becomes very social. There is the excitement of meeting interesting people from around the world. Of walking with newfound friends. I have seen people extend themselves beyond their natural pace just to be part of a new set of friends. They ignore the increasing pain from legs and feet and push their bodies at an unnatural pace so they can walk together.
It is seductive.
I love to walk alone. To have the time to be with my thoughts. To be able to really do an inner journey. To relax in the journey without rushing.
On my first Camino I had major leg problems and had slowed my pace substantially. My legs were happy at the slower pace. One day someone I met showed up on the route and we got into conversation. We had a fabulous day sharing thoughts and ideas.
Time passed quickly.
He was faster than me but I was able to keep up. Unfortunately the next morning when I got up to go to the bathroom I could barely walk. I had to support myself along the wall.
In despair I began crying certain I had wrecked my Camino.
I managed to get back to my bed and was able to have someone call a cab for me to go 10 km to the next auberge.
Fortunately I was able to sit for 2 days before gingerly setting out. From that point I listened to my body treating it with respect and slowly making my way to Santiago.
I was fortunate.
Please listen to your body and give your soul the gift of a contemplative journey. The first hours of the day are powerful if you can maintain a solo journey.
There is a lot of time at lunch and at the end of the day for conversation and connection.
To your best Camino. Ariana