As we approach the end of an incredibility challenging year, I’ve begun reflecting on 2020, the year of COVID-19. And while there are many things to be negative about, far too many, I can’t help but think about how others have dealt with adversity.
The Casa Ivar site (and others) is a place where Pilgrims, past, current, future and those who only dream can gather to pass on knowledge from our experience. Future Pilgrims can ask questions to benefit from the experience of those who came before them.
It’s a place where those interested in the religious history and offerings of the Camino can bond and find community. For the non-religious or those looking for a beautiful outdoor experience, it’s a place to learn and share.
For me and those like me, I’ve discovered that I’m not the only person who found and understood spirituality in a way I did not before. This was possible because someone took the time to listen and share. You may not believe in fate but that’s what led me to the Camino in 2017.
One thing that we all have in common is the 1000-year history of souls walking from their homes and trekking, for whatever reason and maybe reasons unknown, across Spain to Santiago de Compostela.
They did it, in most cases with literally nothing more than what they had on their backs. They walked barefoot or in crude sandals. They were preyed upon by thieves and bandits. They survived malnutrition, disease, and pestilence.
Fortunately, most of us cannot claim the same difficulties but, we, in our modern ways endured our own hardships. Those of us who have walked the Camino Francés or any of the other Caminos certainly saw or met Pilgrims suffering physically, mentally, spiritually or emotionally.
Many of us felt the pains brought on by 30 plus days of walking towards Santiago. Blisters, sprains, illness, and fatigue. For me, sore knees were my primary complaint.
But most of us journeyed on and persevered and we rejoiced, each in our own way, as we walked down the steps, bagpipe music washing over us, and into the Praza do Obradoiro.
A few may have been unimpressed; I don’t understand how but I accept their reality. Most of us were full of awe. The completion of a true pilgrimage for some. For others, an accomplishment that they may have thought was beyond their ability. For me, a journey that I did not know at the time that was unfinished and never ending.
Now, how did this diverse group accomplish this feat. How did people from Spain, Germany, the United States, Korea, Russia, Brazil and dozens of other countries survive, prosper, laugh, share and support one another? What led them to the Camino?
Many believe there is divine guidance along this Way. Maybe the Camino attracts the type of personalities who are naturally more social, amenable, caring or forgiving. There are though dozens of other possibilities and all reasonable explanations.
For me, while all of the above are viable, the common thread is that we all shared the same goal. Our reasons were as diverse as the nationalities and personalities of those on the Camino. But we were all walking in the same direction and towards the same place.
So, how does any of this relate to 2020, the year of COVID-19? Sadly, even some of us who are veterans of the Camino have forgotten that spirit and instead have seen only the dark side of 2020.
We want to go out. We don’t want to shelter in place. We don’t want to wear a mask. I think we can all say that we do and don’t want to do these things but, we must.
Like it or not, we’re all on this journey together. And whether we realize it or not, we’re all headed in the same direction. I can say with some confidence that we will all rejoice, in our own way when we finally reach the end and enter that far off plaza which is the end of this pandemic.
In my darkest moments, I think of that goal. I look forward to going back out, with friends and without a mask. Until then, and metaphorically, I keep walking west with the sun at my back and my shadow leading the way.
I help those that I can. I accept help when I need it. I take care of myself and I think beyond myself. I can do this because I know there is light at the end of the tunnel.
There’s a quote by Jake Remington that goes like this: Fate whispers to the warrior. “You cannot withstand the storm.” The warrior whispers back. “I am the storm.”
As we walked across Spain, the warrior in us got us over the mountains. The warrior pushed us to take that next step, descend that steep hill. The warrior accepted additional burdens when required.
So now, as we enter a difficult winter, I choose to be the warrior. I will and we will persevere because, we are the storm, if we choose to be.
Be strong, be safe and we’ll soon hear the faint sound of bagpipes in the distance.