Walking the Last 100 km of the Camino de Santiago: Lessons for Life
Five days on the Camino taught me some life lessons, including the importance of embracing the unknown, tapping into one’s inner resilience and opening up to life’s inherent surprises.
We were out by 4:31 this morning, my hiking buddy and I. Within minutes we were outside Melide, plunged into the dark of night, headlamps steadily fixed. Our bodies not yet warm, not yet fed, we fixed our 33 km goal for the day inside our heads and stared straight ahead. One step in front of the other. That was one of my mantras for this trek. One step. Then another. As neither one of us wanted to be on our feet for the eight hours predicted for this hike’s length, we instinctively sped up our pace. She said she wasn’t feeling her best — she had a scratchy throat and she hadn’t slept that well. I said I just wanted us to get through this next leg healthy and uninjured. We could slow, we could rest, we could attend to our bodies as we needed. This was not a race (though someone in our group had risen and left at 2:30 to beat us to our next location). We would listen to our bodies and take care of ourselves. And here we were, in the dead of night, walking uphill through a forest, with the light of the moon only peeking through. Pitch-black darkness surrounded us, the sound of our footfall, and occasional rustling in the bushes first to our right and then to our left, were our constant companions. For four hours we hiked in the dark, mystical, quiet with not a single human soul to be seen until about three and a half hours in and the sunrise at 8:30 am. Eyes peered out at us — were they cats? Dogs? Goats? Cows? Bears? God, we hoped there were no bears. But the shining eyes at various intervals were enough to spook us. Then there were the spider webs, the unknown things falling from trees, the slugs and scampering critters crossing our path, the crashing (and trickling) water (was it in front of us? Under us?), the inability to see how long our ascents and descents were. All of it created an atmosphere of both peace and expectancy. We ended up walking 36 km (22 miles) this morning, taking one 30-minute break, and arriving 7.25 hours later. It was one of the most magical experiences of my life — one I wish to relive, again and again.
The Camino de Santiago, an ancient pilgrimage route stretching across Spain to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, has enticed pilgrims and travellers for centuries. Its various trails, each unique, offer a journey of self-discovery, physical endurance and spiritual contemplation. While some traverse the extensive routes, spanning from 100 to 800 kilometres, I embarked on a journey from Sarria to Santiago, covering 115 kilometres over five days with a trusty group of 14 others, from 25 September to 1 October 2023. The path unfolded an array of life lessons, akin to the whispers of the ancient pilgrims echoing through the ages. Each step on the rugged trail, each interaction with fellow pilgrims, and every sunrise that kissed the ancient path, unravelled a lesson pertinent not just to walking the “Way”, but to the essence of life itself.
Embracing the unknown
As the veil of darkness lifted under the soft glow of the moon, my journey through the silent trails began. The unknown paths under the gentle caress of the morning light were reminiscent of life’s unpredictable yet beautiful journey. Walking for hours before dawn, with only the moon as our companion, the unknown ceased to be intimidating, morphing instead into an almost mystical mystery. Similarly, life often veils its paths in uncertainty, yet every step forward unveils a horizon waiting to be discovered.
The dance of solitude and companionship
On the Camino, solitude is a companion, offering the space for introspection and self-discovery. Yet, the camaraderie shared with fellow pilgrims added hues of warmth and belongingness to the journey.
As we were checking in to validate our pilgrim passports at the end in Santiago, someone on a bike moved in ahead of us. He asked the guard if he could park his bike in the courtyard. A few other pilgrims were a little annoyed. The guard let him by, and then his biking partner after him. Those on foot started to grumble a bit. A few minutes later, I noticed the man again. He was hopping. He only had one leg. There were also the two older women of 74 and 82 who had just finished 220 km from Porto. The latter had cancer and was on chemotherapy pills.
These examples are a testament to human resilience and the essence of community. A reminder that each person we encounter holds a narrative of strength, challenges and hope — as does life.
Resilience: A silent ally
Each uphill climb, every challenging terrain mirrored life’s adversities. The physical exertion translated into a mental and emotional journey of confronting fears, discomforts and the surprising realisation of one’s capabilities. The Camino whispers the essence of resilience, a silent ally amidst life’s tempest.
The wisdom of simplicity
Stripped from the daily clutter (because no, you cannot carry it all), the Camino teaches the essence of simplicity. The joy of a warm meal, the serenity of silence and the luxury of a peaceful slumber highlight life’s simple yet profound blessings often overlooked in the daily hustle.
Discovering unseen strength
The journey from Sarria to Santiago is a testament to the unseen strength that resides within. Initially daunting, the 115 kilometres unfolded not just the physical capability but the mental fortitude that often lies untapped. Each step was a dialogue with my inner self, a narrative of transcending perceived limitations, reminiscent of life’s endless potential awaiting recognition.
The heart of gratitude
The simple act of placing one foot in front of the other on the Camino cultivates a heart of gratitude. Gratitude for the ability to move, to feel and to experience life’s spectrum. It’s a gentle reminder to cherish each moment, each breath and each day.
The promise of new horizons
As the journey concluded at the ancient cathedral in Santiago, the end marked the beginning of new horizons. Each pilgrim, with tales of resilience, hope and newfound wisdom, embarked on life’s next chapter with a heart full of gratitude, eyes set on the horizon and a soul enriched with profound lessons.
Summary: A journey beyond miles
The Camino de Santiago transcends a mere pilgrimage; it embodies a profound journey of self-discovery, camaraderie and a deepened appreciation for life’s essence. The trails, dotted with pilgrims from various walks of life, unfold a kaleidoscope of life lessons waiting to be embraced. Here’s a recap of some of the things I learned along the “Way”:
- Embrace the unknown: Just as the pre-dawn paths on the Camino shrouded in mystery taught me serenity in embracing the unknown, life too holds the promise of unforeseen joys amidst uncertainties.
- There is strength in community: Whether it’s the camaraderie shared on the trail or the collective human experience, we thrive in community, enriching our journey through shared tales and support.
- Find your inner resilience: Each step on the rugged trails cultivates resilience, a silent ally for life’s varying challenges, reminding us of our innate ability to rise above adversities.
- Enter into mindfulness and presence: Amidst the chaos of the mundane, the Camino’s serene backdrop is a reminder to pause, reflect, and imbibe the essence of being present.
- Do not underestimate your potential: Challenges, whether on the Camino or in life, are avenues to uncover our boundless potential, urging us to transcend perceived limitations.
- Cherish simplicity and gratitude: The joy in simplicity and the heart of gratitude cultivated on the journey underscores life’s most cherished blessings often taken for granted.
- Empowerment and clarity are yours: Overcoming the hurdles on the Camino echoes a sense of empowerment and a clearer perspective on our life’s path, igniting the spirit of exploration and growth.
- Life will surprise you: The unexpected encounters on the trail mirror life’s surprises. Each individual we cross paths with holds a story of resilience and inspiration. Each day alive is a celebration.
The Camino de Santiago, with its blend of natural splendour, ancient trails, and the enriching amalgam of solitude and companionship, is not merely a pilgrimage, but a mirror reflecting life’s profound lessons.
I would encourage everyone to walk the Camino, if only a part. Worldtowning Voyages is running it again in September 2024. I’m thinking about doing it again and adding on a 100 kms — or more — before meeting you there. Join me?
And if 115 km feels a bit much, I can also recommend the 12-hour walk, which I wrote about in 2022 and you can learn more about here. In fact, the next free Global 12-hour Walk is on 6 January 2024. You can sign up here!
Feel free to share this article or give it a “clap” if you enjoyed it. Join my tribe and
hit the “subscribe” button to get a notification when I publish new articles. For more of me and what I’m working on, Hit Pause, Then Play.
