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.