TITLE :- THE CAMINO’S TEACHINGS.
I just want to expand on the Alligator/Crocodile sightings.
I’m amazed at how we all walk the Camino and yet see many things in different ways.
I remember clearly the day I left Fisterra for Muxia. My original plan was to stop walking at Fisterra and take a bus to Muxia only to find that busses did not run that day.
I left early that morning on foot.
Not many Pilgrims on this part.
At one point I saw a lone Pilgrim in the distance. I slowly came closer just as he wandered off the path and started walking across a newly tilled vegetable garden which obviously belonged to the nearby farm house. I felt outranged at this seemingly inconsiderate act. About halfway into the garden my fellow pilgrim came to a sudden stopped and kneeled on the ground beside the pea netting which was strung across the garden. After taking a more careful look I realized why this Pilgrim had walked over the garden. I followed and joined him. Both kneeling, in silence, we slowly untangled a little bird that was caught in the netting………..
A Camino lesson for yours truly.
Another of the many personal lessons that I was given was to slow down my walking pace. On more than one occasion I had picked up my pace only to have a Snail come out of the grass beside me and cross my path………
Life continues to teach us………….
Solvitur Ambulando.
William, Caminoheads Canada Bureau Chief
A lovely story, William. Thank you. I was telling Phil the other day how, on my pilgrimage, I sometimes felt bad to be so slow; people passed me all day long–Buen Camino, Buen Camino, Buen Camino. One day, a pilgrim in a particular rush raced past us in such a hurry the wind of his passing gave us a breeze. My companion and daughter, wise Katherine, looked at an iridescent lizard on the side of the road. “Oh, look what he missed!” she said and we both laughed, and resumed our slow but steady snail pace.
Solvitur Ambulando.
“Wise Katherine” indeed.
Oh how much we miss by focusing on the far horizon instead of what is right beside us.
I’m sure I met at least 3 snails when I attempted to hurry on……………
I would like to return again hoping I will see no snails……..
One step at a time………