Four Life's Lessons From the Camino
Every camino has taught me something. Each lesson came as a complete surprise in that I was not actively engaged in inner reflection. However, something about the Camino at that place at that time in the circumstances of that moment showed me 'the way' to a better life.A Camino is a journey, not a place.
A person's Camino de Santiago doesn't just happen in Spain. If you are open to the spirit of being a pilgrim, there are many things to enjoy back at home. Here are memories from a week of volunteering at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Kanab, Utah - a different kind of camino - volunteering and caring for the shelter dogs at 'Dogtown'.
On this trip in 2016, my purpose was to remember my forever 'Harold' who had recently crossed over the Rainbow Bridge.
Lesson 1: Red Hollow Canyon. You never know what you will find until you turn the corner.
Patience Is a Virtue
While here I met Zeke, a rescue with severe personality issues. Zeke learned to trust people by hiking and being together with me about 20 hours of every day.
Lesson 2: Bill Bay Canyon. In life, it's okay to back out and try something different.
Past Experiences
| Year | Place | Realization | Scale 1 - 10 (max impact) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Fuente de Cantos | Humility | 7: Falling short is human. |
| 2015 | Sevilla | Patience | 8: The Camino provides what you need. |
| 2016 | Meseta | Inner Acceptance | 5: It's the journey, not the destination. |
| 2017 | Cruz de Ferro | Appreciation for life | 8: Ships are safe in port. They belong at sea. |
Lesson 3: Angels' Rest, Best Friends Sanctuary. Letting go hurts but only for a while
I once had someone tell me how they did not understand 'dog' people because they always put the dog ahead of other things in life.
I don't quite agree with the statement, but I did spend an hour in Angle's Rest, finally letting go of Harold, a damn fine dog for all of his issues - and he had some issues. :<)
Lesson 4: Letting Go Is Okay
A pilgrim (YouTube Alexandra Liss - "I Would Walk") explained how she learned on the Camino that letting go doesn't have to be scary, and that when you do, something good comes into your life. Later that day, I went back to Dogtown HQ and adopted Zeke. For two years now he has been at my side.
