What a difference a day can make on the camino. Yesterday as I began walking in the starlight before dawn my body felt alive, my pack was light and my heart was singing. Every cell of my body was celebrating life and expressing gratitude for being alive and for the privilige of this experience.
Today, things are heavy. The sky has been overcast all day. There has been a steady cold headwind of 50+ kilometers per hour. Every step has been an effort and the question of what am I doing and why am I here has never been far from my consciousness. And then the rain began and the prospects for the coming day are not pretty. At times like this, I long for somewhere to call home, somewhere cozy preferably with a nice warm fireplace.
What I have discovered is that living in gratitude is not just a feeling that comes during the good times. It is also a decision that can carry me during the heavy and dark times. By consciously reminding myself of the gift of life, my head can take the lead and my body and spirit will follow, however reluctantly. This journey is a practice as well as a gift and the practice is to take each next step no matter how difficult and to allow the camino to do its work in clearing out my heart to live more fully and to love more deeply. I trust that this work is going on, even when I struggle with each step.
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Not unlike living with presence in the hectic lives amongst the “homefull”. With faith that you are well…..dme
Win the day Bro!
Spiritually, physically and mentally.
Love You –
Stu