On September 8, 2011 I began walking the Camino de Santiago from St. Jean Pied de Port France. The first day was the hardest but in some ways the most significant. It is said that if you can survive day one, then you can do it.
When I arrived in SJPP, I checked in to my hostel - L’Esprit du Chemin, “the spirit of the way” a very special place in a tradition of simplicity, quality and inspiration and a great start to my pilgrimage. It was the only place I pre-booked other than the Parador in Santiago, and I was ever so glad I did. The volunteers who ran the place were so supportive and helpful. They prepared a beautiful meal where we all ate together and introduced ourselves, chatting with excitement and anticipation of our journey ahead. I met some really amazing people there, some I have kept in touch with - Anna and Francis - and others who I never saw again but who remain in my memory only.
So today, as I reflect on that first day, the beginning of an experience that was to change my life, I am reminded of the things I learned as I walked "The Way":
I learned to live in the moment. On that very first day I kept looking ahead to see what was coming next; what was around the next corner or how much further till it got a bit easier. I remember stopping in the middle of the path and telling myself out loud to STOP and BE in THIS moment and accept it for what it was. I have become much better at being exactly where I am without thinking about what I have to do next or what's around the next corner. I've stopped worrying about what the future holds and I'm trying not to dwell in the past.
I learned to be gentler with my opinion of others. I met so many people who had stories about their lives that I would never have guessed until they told me. It made me realize that when we see a person or meet someone for the first time, we don't know them and we have no idea what their story is. I think we all tend to make snap judgements about people based on what we "see". I learned so much about listening and hearing what others had to say.
And by following the proverbial yellow arrows, I found my way to Santiago. To this day, and I'm sure for the rest of my life, a yellow arrow will always be a reminder of my pilgrimage and how I began to find my way.
When I arrived in SJPP, I checked in to my hostel - L’Esprit du Chemin, “the spirit of the way” a very special place in a tradition of simplicity, quality and inspiration and a great start to my pilgrimage. It was the only place I pre-booked other than the Parador in Santiago, and I was ever so glad I did. The volunteers who ran the place were so supportive and helpful. They prepared a beautiful meal where we all ate together and introduced ourselves, chatting with excitement and anticipation of our journey ahead. I met some really amazing people there, some I have kept in touch with - Anna and Francis - and others who I never saw again but who remain in my memory only.
So today, as I reflect on that first day, the beginning of an experience that was to change my life, I am reminded of the things I learned as I walked "The Way":
I learned to live in the moment. On that very first day I kept looking ahead to see what was coming next; what was around the next corner or how much further till it got a bit easier. I remember stopping in the middle of the path and telling myself out loud to STOP and BE in THIS moment and accept it for what it was. I have become much better at being exactly where I am without thinking about what I have to do next or what's around the next corner. I've stopped worrying about what the future holds and I'm trying not to dwell in the past.
I learned to be gentler with my opinion of others. I met so many people who had stories about their lives that I would never have guessed until they told me. It made me realize that when we see a person or meet someone for the first time, we don't know them and we have no idea what their story is. I think we all tend to make snap judgements about people based on what we "see". I learned so much about listening and hearing what others had to say.
And by following the proverbial yellow arrows, I found my way to Santiago. To this day, and I'm sure for the rest of my life, a yellow arrow will always be a reminder of my pilgrimage and how I began to find my way.
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