Introduction

 

In 2014 I was invited by my good friend, Anne, to join her in walking a portion of The Camino de Santiago, a thousand year-old Christian pilgrimage that winds its way through the towns and countryside of Europe. 

 

I’d heard about The Camino for years, and had been intrigued at the idea of a long European walk. I hadn’t ever given much thought to a “Pilgrimage”; That seemed like an experience for those more traditionally devout than I. But, I do love an adventure, and so before my husband could change his mind about a two week “girlfriend trip” I had my ticket booked. What began on a spontaneous whim ended up being a powerful and profound experience; I returned home changed to the core.

 

Nearly three years later I returned to walk again, this time with my daughter. While both the route, and I, were different this time, the lessons were equally important .

 

Here is the thing about The Camino from my short experience: It doesn’t teach you anything that you don’t already know, but it allows you to know at a very deep and visceral level that which, until then, you had only grasped intellectually. 

 

I have been a seeker, or “spiritual pilgrim,” all my life. For more than twenty years I have actively worked a 12 step recovery program. I have been a psychotherapist for over thirty years. I lead retreats at my own desert retreat center. While I know far from everything, I still know a lot. I didn’t learn anything new during the weeks I spent walking The Camino de Santiago but I did, gently, one step at a time, live familiar truths at a level deeper than I ever had before. 

 

There isn’t a single “Lesson of The Camino” that I didn’t know before I even packed my bags for Portugal, but, here’s the difference: I have never felt the truth of these lessons at every level of my being until now. There is magic that occurs when one walks 374,000 steps with an active intention to be completely present to each-and-every step, open to whatever it is that God choses to reveal to you. Is it the rhythm of walking? Is it this attitude of openness? Is it just that the miles break down your defenses through the inevitable fatigue, leaving you “emotionally thinner” and less guarded? Is it all of those things? I don’t know.  Will this deeper level of awareness last? I don’t know that either. I’m glad that I used the jet lagged mornings upon returning home to record these “lessons” while they were still fresh and clear. I was afraid that the clarity I felt would dim with time, but three years later, it hasn’t. 

 

The lessons and reflections that follow are meant to be read slowly and answered honestly. Sometimes it helps to share responses with someone else; Perhaps you have a friend, or partner that you wish to share this journey with. Or, my website offers the option to do that with me. Other times we can be more honest when we know that we alone will hear our truth. No matter how you choose to engage with these teachings I’m glad you have decided to share this pilgrimage with me.                                          -Dana Hope