From The Camino Will Provide... Learning to Trust the Universe (David O'Brien)

I know I've shared this before, but it touches me every time I read it:
"So much in my life I take for granted. Rarely do I fear for my safety. I have never known hunger or thirst. Not many signs restrict my movements. I can read and write. Why was I given so much?"

I try not to take things for granted and often express gratitude, but when I read the next sentence: "Rarely do I fear for my safety," I realized that there are so many aspects of my life that I never think about, and therefore definitely take for granted. I do fear for my safety, but only when it's icy outside and I have to gingerly make my way to the car. Or when I climb up and down the stairs in my hiking boots. I fell down the stairs ten years ago while wearing my rain boots. They were a size larger than what I usually wear, and my heel caught on the stairs, sending me flying down the last six steps - and fracturing my elbow. But these examples are small potatoes compared to our servicepeople overseas who face danger on a daily basis. Or the people in war-torn countries who fear for not only their "safety" but their very lives!

"I have never known hunger or thirst." I remember as a kid complaining to Mom, "I'm starving!"  I imagine this picture of me as a baby bird with its mouth wide open - as if it hadn't been fed in days!

"Not many signs restrict my movements." I think of the many people right in our own country (let alone the oppressive countries of today) who have seen signs like: "Irish need not apply" or "Public Swimming Pool. White Only."

"I can read and write." I think back to the many times I hoped for a "snow holiday" when I was in school. And there are girls who, even today, are not allowed to go to school just because of their gender. How I took my education for granted!

"Why (indeed!) was I given so much?!"

Books, Books, Books!

When I was eating with a group of sisters, the topic of the Camino came up, and one of them asked me, "Have you read...". As a joke, I didn't even give her a chance to finish: "Yes!" I replied, enthusiastically! Truth is, I've become a Camino-junkie! Just take a look at this list...!

Walk in a Relaxed Manner: Life Lessons from the Camino, Joyce Rupp
The Slacker Pilgrim Guide to the Camino de Santiago, Sunshine Jen
I'm Off Then: Losing and Finding Myself on the Camino de Santiago, Hape Kerkeling
Camino de Santiago: To Walk Far, Carry Less, Jean-Christie Ashmore
Pilgrim Tips & Packing List: Camino de Santiago (What you need to know beforehand, what you need to take, and what you leave at home), S. Yates
Grandma's on the Camino: Reflections on a 48-Day Walking Pilgrimage to Santiago, Mary O'Hara Wyman
To the Field of Stars: A Pilgrim's Journey to Santiago de Compostela, Kevin A. Codd
Camino Frances - 1 week, Sarria to Compostela Section (Camino de Santiago Guidebooks), Denis Houde
Camino de Santiago - Practical Preparation and Background (CaminoGuide.net eBooks), Gerald Kelly
Camino de Santiago in 20 Days: My Way on the Way of St. James, Randall St. Germain

I've also followed by e-mail two of our Sisters of Mercy from the West-Mid-West Community who walked the entire way recently.

So, what have I learned?.... To be continued....

Epilogue

Well, here's a case in point (from the previous blog): this morning I had planned to walk with a friend in our favorite park. Got up, got dressed, and then discovered that the pilot light had gone out on one of the boilers. Long story short: plans change in an instant; I have to be here.

Now, it's up to me how I handle this situation. Of course, I'm disappointed - not only because I'm missing out on a visit with a friend, but also because I have so few days I can get in a good, long walk. But is it as serious as a typhoon? Enough said.

Speed Bumps

I know some people in the Philippines, and am very concerned about them at this time, as Super Typhoon Haiyan hits their country full force - and then heads to Vietnam. Lives changed in an instant! Major disasters can be speed bumps that wake us up to what is really important - that "one thing necessary."

As I was walking in the park today, I had to be careful of the acorns and discarded shells that are strewn on some of the paths. A retreatant told us recently that she's so careful of where she walks because she twisted and fractured her ankle one year and it took a long time to heal. I'm no stranger to falling (!!!) so I'm a bit more cautious than I used to be. All this training - hours of walking - and one slip could change in an instant my plans for the pilgrimage. That thought, too, was a speed bump for me. So... "what if that were to happen," I muse. "Would all that training be for naught?" As one sister used to say, "How serious?" How serious, indeed! Compared to a typhoon?

Thanks for those speed bumps, Lord!

Books That Stretch the Imagination

I've been reading many stories of people who have done the Camino de Santiago and have been following a couple of our Sisters of Mercy from the West Mid-West Community who are presently recounting their experiences. Of course, I'm reading with heightened interest as any of them writes about the last 100 miles, since that's what we'll be doing come May!

The last book I read was Camino de Santiago in 20 Days: My Way on the Way of St. James by Randall St. Germain. Two things in particular stood out for me:

1) Many times throughout the book he tells of his encounter with someone and then says, "I never saw him/her again." I've been reflecting on that. How many people do I encounter each day and never see again?! I realize I don't pay much attention to them. I'm concerned only with the folks I know. All of these people... all of these unique, amazing stories-in-the-flesh walking around!

2) He did the entire 500 or so miles in 20 days! Sometimes he walked more than a Marathon in a day! Every day for 20 days! Blisters, inclement weather, sleepless nights -- nothing stopped him! I have absolutely no desire to accomplish such a feat; it doesn't appeal to me in the least. But what reading this did for me was to stretch my mind from the limited "impossible" to the unlimited "possible." All of a sudden, as I imagined our days on The Way, 10 - 12 miles seemed like a very "possible" accomplishment.

What are some of the books you've read that have broadened your perspective?

Grateful

Most of the time I wear sneakers. That way, I'm ready to walk whenever the opportunity presents itself. This morning I drove one of the sisters to a doctor's appointment, situated in a quiet neighborhood which includes a multi-faceted care center. I decided to walk for a while and enjoy the relatively warm day. I saw a group of seniors enjoying a game of Bocce outside. A petite, frail-looking woman gently threw the ball and knocked one of the other balls. It felt so good to see people well enough to enjoy a game outside. As I rounded the corner, an aide was walking with a gentleman who was using a walker.

This afternoon I discovered a basket of washed tablecloths and napkins we had used at our last SpiritualiTEA. One of our sisters had been volunteering at the House of Prayer each Wednesday before she had a stroke. I'll bet she'd give anything to be able to iron again.

These experiences are just some more reminders of how blessed I am with good health and a strong body - strong enough to face 100 miles of the Camino!

A Walk in the Dark

This morning -- I can't say "bright" and early; it was before dawn -- I drove to Tamaques Park. My sister had given me a head lamp and I wanted to try it out. There was a group of women exercising in one of the parking lots, so I wasn't alone.

The first thing I noticed were the stars. What a delight to see so many! It's been a long while since I've enjoyed such a dark sky.

I positioned my head lamp and was able to see ahead quite well. To my surprise, three other walkers wore head lamps and one woman carried a flashlight.

From what I've read, many pilgrims leave early in the morning, so that head lamp, I'm sure, will be a necessity. It's one more thing I've done to prepare for the walk.

Find a Way

This morning I watched Oprah's interview with Diana Nyad on Super Soul Sunday. Diana had three things to tell the world after her record-breaking swim from Cuba to Florida: (paraphrased)
Never give up.
You are never too old to chase your dream.
Swimming is not a solitary sport.
And the mantra she lived by throughout the swim was:
"Find a way."

As I contemplated her words, I thought of my up-coming 100-mile pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago. Oh, my! Her experiences, her courage, her steadfastness in the face of so many obstacles sets such an example for me, not only on the Camino itself, but in all these days of training.

Another Lesson Learned

Today I decided to wear my hiking boots all day to see how they feel. They feel just fine! HOWEVER... I was sitting at the computer working on the Calendar Raffles that have been coming in, legs crossed at the ankles. I hopped up to get something and tried to uncross them - unsuccessfully! - and fell flat on my bum! Ouch! The hooks on the boots had attached themselves.
So... another lesson learned - 'way before the Camino, fortunately. Now, I'll just have to remember not to cross my ankles!

Nil Grimace Face

A week ago I was on a 5-day cruise to Canada. The four of us Sisters had many laughs, ate good food and basically had a wonderful, relaxing time. Sr. Eileen and I were noted by many as outstanding dancers! In fact, one husband and wife from Iran asked if we had been dance instructors!!! I think it was simply because we knew the Electric Slide and the Cha-Cha - a dance we did in high school!

The second day of the cruise, I slipped and fell on my right elbow. Ouch! It's black and blue, and I'm still working to extend and flex it fully. The doctor's report recorded some "interesting" remarks, two of which I'm still laughing about. In the description of the patient, among other things, were:
"female old age," and "nil grimace face." Considering that Eileen and I were the only two white-haired people dancing, I can understand the "old age" thingy! But I had never seen: "nil grimace face" before. And that expression has come back to me time and time again since then. I'll be working hard on a project or worrying about something and catch myself with a "grimace face." Even as I walk in the park, thinking, I find myself with that "grimace face."

"Nil grimace face, Mary Jo!"

Buenos Dias!

Yesterday I hiked our hill - only did about 1 1/2 miles - but in a lighter pair of socks with my hiking boots. I don't know the exact cause - it may have been the hill or it may have been the fact I had less cushioning with those socks or maybe that I didn't stretch enough - whatever the reason, the back of my left ankle is very sore. So, while I'm waiting to heal, my Camino preparations will have to turn to a less-strenuous one: reviewing my Spanish!

Together and Alone

The last few days have been amazing regarding my preparations for the Camino. Jean, the originator of this greatly-anticipated pilgrimage, came to the East Coast and stayed with us overnight. We had a chance to take a 3-mile walk in the park as well as attend Sr. Laura's wonderful presentation, Thank You for the Music. Jean and I have the habit of walking just a little in front of people, almost as if we're pulling them along! Can you imagine what happened when the two of us walked together?! It was a brisk walk, believe me! I'm always afraid I'm not fast enough, and Jean asked me to slow down!

I'm really grateful for the experience of walking with Jean for a couple of reasons. First of all, it certainly gave me a sense of my own ability. I don't know how I'll do over the long haul, but I'm probably in better shape than I give myself credit for.

Secondly, I had a chance to see what it's like to walk with Jean. I've been used to walking by myself. In Grandma's on the Camino, the author sings the glory of walking alone. She says, "Here was a lifetime opportunity to be alone with myself and my soul for extended periods of time... To give my mind and soul a chance to hear the silence of the Camino and echo it back to me.... Walking solo was undoubtedly the most important influence shaping my overall Camino experiences." I have a sense that my own Camino experiences will be shaped by some alone time as well as togetherness.

If We Only Knew!

Tonight was the 30th National Night Out and I celebrated it by going out! After walking around Scotch Plains, I drove over to Westfield to enjoy some music on the streets. The VooDudes were playing at the train station, so I joined the crowd and thoroughly enjoyed the music. The lead singer wore a kind of washboard and played it right on his chest! The music had a great beat! One young mother bounced her child to the music as she held him in her arms. I thought he was about 3 years old, but found out he was 6! I imagined him 15 years from now, possibly going off to war.

As I glanced over the crowd I thought of a quote from Grandma's on the Camino:
Engrave this upon my heart: "There isn't anyone you couldn't love once you've heard their story." (Anonymous)

I began to see the people with new eyes, wondering who in the audience was unemployed? How many enjoyed their jobs? What deep concerns did they hold in their anxious hearts? For just a little while, perhaps this free, joyful concert distracted them enough to alleviate some of their stress. If we only knew their stories...

Blessed

Last week I was on retreat in Maine. When Sr. Theresina was a young sister (many, many years ago!) she was telling a mother of one of her students what she was doing over the summer. Of course, one of the things she mentioned was that she was going to make a week-long retreat. The woman commented that the only time she had ever experienced anything that resembled a retreat was when she was in the hospital having her babies. Since then, Theresina has told that story many times, noting how blessed we Sisters are to "have to" make a yearly retreat.

I was thinking of that story as I enjoyed a marvelous week of hearing about the Foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, Venerable Catherine McAuley, by a Sister who has written extensively on Catherine - Sr. Mary Catherine Sullivan. I had a chance to walk about four miles every day as well, touring the St. Joseph's College campus. I am feeling especially blessed, and want to keep this sense of gratitude in my heart as I return to a very busy schedule!

Change

When I first entered the Sisters of Mercy, Sr. Mary George, in charge of us Postulants, used to always say around visiting day that it was not a compliment if someone in our family told us "You haven't changed a bit." I remember that well, because I cringed when someone in my family said that exact thing when they came for the first visiting day! I'm hoping it was because they were happy I hadn't changed in a negative way (maybe they thought I would become "holier than thou" or a "holy roller" or - worse still - "very serious"!!!).

Today I read in The Practical Sayings of Catherine McAuley:
"Even our nearest and dearest friends expect to find a change in us after we have embraced this state of life: they look for something different from themselves. Let us never give them cause to say, "she is not in the least changed; she is just the same as she was in the world."

From all I've read about the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, change happens! I'll be interested in seeing what shape these changes take in my life.

Short, Careful Steps

Venerable Catherine McAuley, Foundress of the Sisters of Mercy was a woman of prayer and of deep faith. Her philosophy was “Let us take one day only in the hands at a time, merely making a resolve for tomorrow. Thus we may hope to go on, taking short, careful steps, not great strides … Each day is a step we take towards Eternity … The final step will bring us into the presence of God." I want to reflect on this as I walk each day in preparation for the Camino.

Pilgrim

What is a pilgrim? The dictionary gives one definition as "one who travels to a shrine or holy place as a devotee." It doesn't say how the person travels. In some of the books I've been reading about personal experiences along the Camino de Santiago, I've noticed that there's a kind of "elitist" attitude among some of the pilgrims who walk the entire way (500 miles or so) towards those who do only part of the Camino, or those who do it the "easy" way: having their backpacks carried for them by car. But all of these people can truly be considered pilgrims, regardless of how they travel. Yes, a pilgrim can be one who takes a train to a shrine or holy place as a devotee. I'd like to offer my condolences to all the pilgrims who were aboard the fated train heading to Santiago de Compostela on Wednesday for the Feast of St. James, July 25th.

Detour

This afternoon, Sr. Theresina and I visited my brother Robert who is in the hospital recovering from hip surgery. On the way home we ran into stand-still traffic on Route 22, so I pressed the "Detour" sign on my GPS and it rerouted us to Route 28 through Westfield.

Last night I was disappointed not to hear the jazz musicians who usually play on various corners throughout Westfield each Tuesday evening in the summer. I thought perhaps the performances had been cancelled due to the threat of rain. However, that didn't prevent me from enjoying a Gelato at The Chocolate Bar!

This evening, as we made our way down Route 28 I heard.... MUSIC! JAZZ! What a surprise! I rolled down the window and asked a passer-by what was going on. He said there had been a Marathon. That explained the blocked-off streets - and perhaps the music. I know I take after my mother who always loved to be where the action was! I thrilled to see so many people enjoying a stroll down the streets and eating outside some of the restaurants. I am so grateful for that detour!

I wonder how many surprising detours I'll experience on the Camino. I hope my spirit of adventure and love of serendipity will help me keep a positive attitude when the detours, in whatever shape they reveal themselves, take me down different pathways.

The "one thing necessary"

This morning I put on my hiking boots and became the casual walker. Unlike yesterday, I decided to take a more leisurely walk around the path at Tamaques Park. As I walked I said my usual Rosary and swatted at those pesky insects that seem to be fascinated by my face! As I strove to be recollected in the midst of a couple of bikes racing by, a woman shouting out commands to an exercising group, and those ever-companioning flying distractors, I was reminded of something Venerable Catherine McAuley, Foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, wrote: "our hearts can always be in the same place, centered in God, for whom alone we go forward or stay back."

"For whom alone" -- the "one thing necessary" as stated in yesterday's Gospel on Martha and Mary. I started to reflect on just why I was getting up so early to walk. What is the bottom line? Certainly not exercise... not this time, anyway - although the result is my getting exercise. I'm getting up to get my body in shape so I can walk 10 - 15 miles a day for 9 - 10 days. Again: why? I was invited. Not good enough. Why? I want to do the Camino. Again.... not good enough. Why? What's the bottom line? What is the "one thing necessary" in this case? Bottom line: I want to be able to walk the Camino in order to draw closer to God, for whom alone I go forward or stay back. My relationship with God is the "one thing necessary."

Attunement

Early this morning - 5:49 to 6:46 a.m., to be exact - I did a 4-mile power-walk. What did I notice this time? The park took on a ghostlike appearance with the mist settled on much of the grassy areas. Flying insects accompanied me 90% of the time, but they were no match for my pumping arms and swatting hands! I was met at the end with many kisses - from a Miniature Greyhound. Precious! But the thing I noticed the most was the terrain. To the casual walker, the park is extremely flat. But to the power-walker, the jogger, the man with crutches... the slightest incline is felt dramatically. I actually found myself jogging a bit on a downhill. The uphill, on the other hand, took so much more energy and determination to keep up to speed. Just as I was so attuned to the topography, I'd like to be that attuned to God's presence and actions in my life.

Pray While Walking

Well, here's something I've heard a lot this past week: It's HOT! This morning, despite the heat, I walked 4 miles around the track at Tamaques Park - the longest I've done since my Marathon days 20 years ago. I've a long way to go to be prepared to walk 10 to 15 miles a day, but back in February when I was just starting out, doing 4 miles would have left me sore for days.

I enjoy saying a Rosary each time I walk, too. There are so many people who have asked for my/our prayers, and the peaceful time I have while I walk affords me the opportunity to pray without much distraction.

I don't have any special reflections to offer, but if anyone who reads my blogs would like me to pray for your special intentions, let me know!

Just Enough

Yesterday morning I walked for an hour and 20 minutes through the development where I was staying, and over to another area that has a marina and a lovely gravel pathway near the bay. I didn't want to get lost, so I took special note of the street signs and had to laugh at a couple of them. I've often wondered who gets to name the streets and why do they choose those particular names. Bodys Neck??? Golden Eye??? They're two of the strangest I've ever heard!

Passing by the marina, I also checked out the names of some of the boats, and one especially caught my eye: Just Enough. That got me reflecting on what is just enough?

Do I have just enough? Hardly! I've been blessed with a super-abundance of almost everything! I grew up at the Jersey Shore where we never went on vacation: we lived in a vacation town. I attended wonderful Catholic grade and high schools and got a better than enough education. My vocation as a Sister of Mercy has afforded me many opportunities for enrichments beyond my wildest dreams. I have more than enough good nourishing food and a great variety to boot.

During my walk, I received a call from Sisters Theresina and Eileen. Eileen’s brother Jim had just died and they wanted to let me know. Then I started to think about enough time. Jim was “only” 58 years old. Did he have enough time on this earth? And what about Jesus? He was “only” 33. Think of all the people he could have influenced had he lived longer. God must have thought his time on earth was just enough.

This reminds me of a poem by Bob Perks:

"I Wish You Enough!®"
Bob Perks
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Goodbye."

Expect "Travails"

I was delighted to read in The Best Way: El Camino de Santiago by Bill Walker:

"... the word travel is derived from the word 'travails', which connotes beleagurement.... Modern tourism so often seems to be all about destination. One can often subtly hear the frustrations of travelers who return from their long journeys. Deep in their sub-conscious seems to be the subtle occurrence, "Is that all?" The hope of the sublime, life-changing encounters somewhere along the road usually proves elusive. Pilgrimages, however, are much more about transformation... It is this innate human desire for the deeply real, I believe, that is what has made pilgrimages so popular throughout the ages. On the Camino everybody walks an average of 15 or 16 miles, day after day. Pilgrims sleep in compact bunkrooms full of 100 or more strangers, not exactly the Ritz Carlton Hotel. Queueing up for showers, tooilet use, and laundry machines are part of the drill. Even without trying, a person is forced out of their comfort zone. It feel real."

Familiar Words Take on a New Meaning

Our friends Joan and John had quite a time at the airport when they were returning from vacation. The details would be too numerous to tell here, but suffice it to say that in recounting their experiences of a cancelled flight due to weather, run-in with the agricultural "police", power-failure in the one hotel that wasn't filled to capacity, delay on the runway... I came vicariously to experience in a new way just some of the inconveniences and worries associated with the simple announcement we often hear on the news: All flights are cancelled due to inclement weather. I've seen pictures of people sleeping in the airport and being interviewed, but until Joan described her harrowing experiences, I never appreciated fully the impact of that simple statement.

The other morning when we were praying with our Sisters of Mercy Prayer Book, a word I've read many times "came alive" for me: pilgrimage. The Intercessions began: Our God shares the fullness of our humanity, and calls us to honor and care for all those who share the joys and sorrows of our human pilgrimage. We pray this morning for our companions on the journey...

And then this morning at Mass, Jesus instructed the Apostles in the Gospel: Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick.

Anticipating a pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago, that word "pilgrimage" has taken on a whole new meaning with many new awarenesses. I've been thinking of what I need to bring on this long hike through Galicia, and "money, a sack, a second tunic, sandals, and a walking stick" would closely describe my perceived needs! I really couldn't imagine going to the next town or village and relying totally on the hospitality of the local residents. Of course, that's not what I'm called to do on this particular pilgrimage. But just anticipating and preparing for it has made my appreciation for this Gospel reading so much more acute.

Sounds of Silence

This morning, on my way to a golf course-turned-park, I heard a portion of WNYC's program, On Being, in which Krista Tippett interviewed Gorden Hempton, an acoustic ecologist. (You can hear the entire interview online.) He observed that our eyes have lids so that we can close out sight, but that our ears do not have any flaps to close out sound - because sound, more than sight, is necessary for survival. At one point, he described in detail each sound he heard. That inspired me to focus on my hearing as I walked along the paths. The quiet afforded me the ability to notice the rhythmic slapping of my sneakers as they hit the blacktop. I recognized the calls of mocking birds, mourning doves, crows and crickets. The breeze rustled through both leafy and needled trees. The sounds of nature were joined by the rumble of an occasional freight train, the distant roar of a plane, and the greetings of others who passed in the opposite direction. I realized as I attended to all these sounds, that I was  in the habit of noticing with my eyes, but not with my ears. That program was such a gift to me! I'll be more attentive to listening as I train for the Camino.

Who's Inspiring Whom?

This evening I decided to walk three times around the .8 track at Tamaques Park. On the way, I realized I had on my jeans - not a good option for walking, especially in this heat. As I pulled into the park, however, any thought of my anticipated discomfort evaporated as I witnessed a man on crutches slowly - very slowly - making his way around the track. His foot/leg was in a cast. What an inspiration! I parked the car in the last parking lot, and began my treck with a definite spring in my step. If he can do it under those circumstances, I certainly can! When I caught up to him, I had to tell him what an inspiration he was to me. He expressed his own appreciation, saying that that gave him encouragement to keep on going. We chatted for a moment, and then I took off at my usual quick pace. I worried about him, though. He had been perspiring profusely, and wasn't carrying any water with him. Besides that, his car was on the opposite side of the track. Just then, I noticed the ice cream truck parked in one of the lots. An idea! So I cut through to my car and grabbed some money to buy some water - which the vendor didn't have - and settled for some Italian ice. I made my way back to him and found out he's diabetic! He also told me he never drank water - even before his accident - while he was exercising. Well, the conversation just kept going. We made our way slowly - very slowly - around the track. I told him about my escapades of the past: The Longest Day (I did a double metric century) and the NYC Marathon (walking it; I can't run!). I also told him about my anticipated pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago. He told me that I was an inspiration to him! His determination, though, as far as I was concerned, far outweighed any accomplishments I had done or hoped to do. Even as we neared the end point, he insisted on making it to the rock, because that's where he started from, saying the walk to and from his car didn't count!!! Just who's inspiring whom?!

Hospitality

As Kevin Codd made his pilgrimage along the Camino, he experienced a very inhospitable situation in probably one of the most luxurious refugios he had encountered. It's a reminder to all of us of what the human spirit really longs for.

"...none of us care that much about the marble floors and firm mattresses of this refugio. After five or six days on the road, what we care about is care. Hospitality counts for everything; appearances for nothing. I hope I can hold onto this obvious life lesson once I return to the big world where shine and newness so often trump humility and kindness." - To the Field of Stars: A Pilgrim's Journey to Santiago de Compostela (Kevin A. Codd)

Blessed

Today I'm quoting from The Camino Will Provide: Learning to Trust the Universe by David O'Brien:
"So much in my life I take for granted. Rarely do I fear for my safety. I have never known hunger or thirst. Not many signs restrict my movements. I can read and write. Why was I given so much?"
I am so blessed, and my response is gratitude!

The Journey's the Thing

This morning, Sr. Rosemary and I were marveling at the fact that it's already July 1st. We've been preparing for several months for our Golden Jubilee celebration in September. Fifty years as Sisters of Mercy! Wow! We still have a number of loose ends to tie up, and the days are flying by quickly. 




Having just celebrated with my St. Rose High School, Class of '63, however, I know that all those preparations took a lot longer than the actual events themselves. The weekend that we were so looking forward to came and went - almost in a flash! It's already a pleasant memory.


Then I thought of the Camino. I'm giving it a whole year of preparations: increasing the distances in walking, getting used to walking with a backpack, reading books and studying maps, trying to make wise purchases, talking with my sister and niece (future Camino-buddies) and people who have made the pilgrimage.... and.... What if I never get to make it after all?! What if, after all those preparations, something happens and I/we don't go in the end?!!! Would it all have been a waste of time?


I think not. I regard this whole year as part of the journey/the pilgrimage, and found two quotations that express this perfectly:

The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination. – Don Williams, Jr. (American Novelist and Poet)

Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it. – Greg Anderson

The Blessing in the Blister

I was hoping this would be a post I'd never have to make... not in these preparation days, and especially not on the Camino. I was going to be extra careful. In all the books I've read so far about the Camino, only Hape Kerkeling boasted of not getting any blisters. I was going to be like him! It took only two days of inattention to my feet - particularly two potentially troublesome toes - to sprout two painful blisters.
First thing: check the internet to find cures and choose one that might work for me.
But the deeper question: what can I learn from getting blisters?
1) Blisters on the Camino will probably be a "given", since I'll be walking far more in one day than the three miles I walked to get these.
2) Now is the time to learn how to treat them, so getting blisters now - months before I leave - is  actually a blessing.
There it is: the blessing in the blister!

Everything's Relative

Several days ago I walked to the post office in Scotch Plains. When I was training for the NYC Marathon, that was a very short walk, but I hadn't walked that far in 18 years! With each step taking me farther and farther away from home, I began to wonder if I'd have to call for Sr. Eileen to pick me up. Maybe I had "bitten off more than I could chew." But I made it, and it took me only 45 minutes. Today, I did a similar walk, and didn't give it a thought about being able to make it. Everything's relative.

On the way, I met a lone Cicada. He actually looked old - a dull brown color all over. I had held another one on my finger, and gotten a great close look at it a few weeks ago as I walked Tamaques Park, so I knew what they look like in their prime. This one was moving very slowly, but seemed to want to climb my sneaker, so I let him. Yesterday, I had just seen an awesome film about the lifecycle of the Cicada, so I had an even greater appreciation of the life of this little critter. He's only 17 years and so many weeks old, and yet he's an "old man." Everything's relative.

"We carry our fears in our backpacks."

One of the most valuable books I read about the Camino is Jean-Christie Ashmore's book, To Walk Far, Carry Less. The Introduction begins with a quotation by Vidal, a Spanish pilgrim: "We carry our fears in our backpacks." I've been reflecting on that quotation ever since! Specifically about the Camino, I catch myself thinking, "I'd better bring that, just in case..." And most of the "in cases" are simply fears, rather than sensible really-possible situations. I've also looked at my closet and drawers with that quotation in mind. Why am I afraid to let go of - declutter - some of that clothing I never wear, or go through those old photographs that simply take up space? "I'd better save that, just in case..." Whenever I do declutter, I feel so much lighter. Perhaps preparing for this pilgrimage will help me view my belongings in a new, freer way.

In a Relaxed Manner

June 27, 2013
This morning, before it got too hot, I walked 45 minutes from the Mount into Scotch Plains and back. I'm a naturally fast walker. In fact, I do most things fast: eat, talk, drive - and lose things fast, too!!!
On this walk, I was thinking of the first book I read by someone who did the Camino: Walk in a Relaxed Manner, by Joyce Rupp. I'm not chiding myself for walking fast, especially while training for the Camino, but the title certainly does call me to reflect on the gifts that could come from slowing down.

Sr. Lisa Gambacorto, the Directress at Mount St. Mary Academy, made great strides last month in getting everyone to slow down on the hill. I always see cars whipping up the hill past the House of Prayer, especially in the early hours before school is set to begin. It's dangerous - especially to the Academy girls, who have a tendency to walk 3, 4, 5 abreast! It really is a miracle no one has gotten hit. So, Lisa's efforts made us all aware of how fast we really were driving up the hill... even 25 mph was 10 miles over the speed limit!

One day, as I consciously slowed down to the speed limit, the title of Joyce Rupp's book came to my mind with a twist: Drive in a Relaxed Manner. Then I started to think of all the things I do fast: Eat in a Relaxed Manner; Talk in a Relaxed Manner. What I'll need is conscious awareness! So, if you see me going at my usual speed, I won't mind if you remind me: "in a relaxed manner, Mary Jo!"

Camino de Santiago

Back in February my sister CJ called to say that her daughter Jean had texted her a message asking if she'd like to do the Camino de Santiago. CJ texted her back: 6 miles with a guide? Jean's response: 10 miles without a guide! Then Jean asked if she thought her Aunt MJ would like to go, too! It didn't take me long to decide - definitely YES! This was back in February, and since then, I've begun training and reading, reading, reading.... any book I could find by people who had done the Camino.

Recently, a couple of people asked if I'd blog not only my experience of the Camino itself, but about my preparations for it. I've never done a blog, and hope I can be faithful to it. Thank you, Jim Cyr, for your encouragement and leading me to this blog site!

In the early days, back in February, the weather was quite cold - and of course it was very dark in the early morning when I could begin walking. So... many a morning I walked the entire length of the Mount (Mount St. Mary in Watchung) from St. Joseph's building to Gabriel Hall. Some of it is connected by an underground tunnel, so I never had to worry about the weather or the light.

When I could, I'd walk down the hill as far as the Dunkin' Donuts, which is only about a 1/2 mile, and back up the hill. Those beginning walks told me how out-of-shape I had gotten - a far cry from my NYC Marathon days! Eventually, the pains in my shins and butt lessened, and today I walked all the way to the post office in Scotch Plains and back with absolutely no pain at all. I'll have to measure the distance in the car later on.. but I know it's the longest I've walked so far in preparation for this pilgrimage.

Early on, I realized by training to do this pilgrimage I was already a pilgrim. I believe the hours and days of preparation will hold for me surprising blessings as well.

I have reflected many times on just why I am going to do this pilgrimage and what I hope to receive from it. At first it was just a response to an opportunity -- Jean and CJ inviting me to go along with them. But by choosing to say "yes" not only to the pilgrimage but to all the training, I'm feeling more committed to the whole process. At this point, I'm just staying open to whatever the Lord wishes to do in and through me.