For this blog I would like to share with you a little of my own Pilgrimage experience.
April 12th 2012 was day one of el camino.
The reflections afforded to he who walks without talking are life changing.
When I tied up my boots each morning I also tied my lips. Despite my
silence, I met people from all over the world. And the local folks I met
were kind, loving, generous. No common language spoken. Our communication
was done with eye to eye and heart to heart connection.
The elevation at the beginning was 200M/660Ft above sea level.
The sun shone as we climbed upwards on the way over the Pyrenees.By taking
the high pass one reaches the second highest point,1400M/4592Ft, of the whole Camino
Frances.
As mountain weather does, it changed quickly from sun to a heavy
mist and rain. We took refuge in a nearby hostel.
A fellow pilgrim informed
me that four other pilgrims, two Irish/two Italian, had called him to say they were in danger higher up in the pass in a blinding snow storm. They were lost, cold and very wet.The Spanish authorities were informed, but as time was of the essence, I headed out in an unsuccessful attempt to find them. We had also contacted a local driver who was familiar with the area. He was able to drive along the small road that led over the pass.Luckily he found the missing Pilgrims and brought them back to the hostel.
Two of the four were within hours of dying of hypothermia. They were ill prepared for mountain weather.As this hostel had no heating, we arranged for then to be taken to a village with warmer accommodation.
That evening we enjoyed a wonderful Peregrino supper.
Day two started in the rain which soon turned to snow. Could only see a few
yards in front. When I left Calgary for this pilgrimage I didn’t expect a
winter wonderland. Each tree branch was covered in white and flowers poked
their heads through the white blanket.
Passed roaming wild horses. A cattle
guard indicated the border. Now in Spain. Downhill to a Monastery, our next
resting spot.
This Pilgrimage was clearly a very personal journey.
No two people will see it the same way.
It was like living life from birth to death and everything in between AND
beyond. I have not, as yet, found the words to describe the beyond portion of this journey.
It was kind / it was cruel. happy / hell. pleasure / pain.
All weather. rain–hail–snow–wind–sun.
All terrain– mountain–valley–flat–hilly–muddy–fields–rough
paths–smooth paths— village–town–farmland–vineyards.
Upon reaching the Cathedral in Santiago I was met by a very excited pilgrim
whom I had met earlier on the path.
“We are planning a party,I’ve bought a cake and we will gather to
celebrate—-. Immediately I felt overwhelmed with all the noise and the
people and the city. That’s when I realized the profound effect my silent
pilgrimage had on me.I returned straight away to the pilgrim office where I
had picked up my Compostela. Here the official gave instructions on how to
leave town and continue on my silent way 87 km to Finisterre on the far
west coast of Spain.
I then continued my journey on foot arriving in Muxia.
Like the rest of my Camino this final part brought within it some incredible experiences that I will never forget.
BUEN CAMINO.
Dear William,
There is so much to say about your post, that paradoxically, it is about silence. You participated in saving these people from dying, you helped to give birth to some cattle one other day… and you are saying that you lived all from birth to death -and all in between and beyond-. Just yesterday someone told me that some people we meet, and particularly in places like the Camino (this person was referring particularly to the Camino) are “windows through we can see the essence of the human being: body, mind, heart and soul”. And you are just saying the same today.
Buen Camino!
Love,
Cris
Dearest William, Cris, Phil and all pilgrims now and yet to be:
I am giving this concept of silence much pensive energy! Not sure I could stay quiet that long! I did have long spells on the Camino where I was “inside my head” able to reflect on many things past and yet to reveal themselves. One thing I know is a benefit to walking in “silence” is you “listen” much more effectively ,when you are are not rushing to respond, which in and of itself is very rare and so valuable. Something few of us ever truly do.
My brother-in-law often attends “sesshing” (spelling, sorry) part of his Zin Buddist faith, where he goes for weeks at a time to a monestary and meditates in silence. No talking the whole time. At first I was appalled at how someone could go that long without any human communication. But then I came to realize all the other ways we really communicate and the benefits from silence and maybe, I think this could be so beneficial in “house cleaning” one’s soul!
Much Loves to you all,
Carol
PS: My father passed away 9/18/19. The journey in healing of our family lineage continues and through my piligrimage I have learned I am to be the catalyst for this.
Carol ~ Hi. Am glad that you are connecting with Wiliam’s thoughts. That is interesting that you have identified yourself as a catalyst for change in your family. That is so amazing. I’m thinking about that. Felipé.x