I’m in final prep mode to head off on Thursday to hike the Camino de Santiago. This famous pilgrimage actually begins in France and goes through the Pyrenees mountains, but I’m beginning in Spain. The full Camino takes about 35 days to walk, and since we don’t have that kind of time at the moment, we’re opting for “Camino Lite” as I like to call it, a shorter version of this spiritual path. That’s a pic of the famous shell that marks the way (courtesy of “the Google” since I haven’t actually arrived to see a shell in person yet
If you’re not familiar with the Camino (or even if you are), I highly recommend checking out the movie “The Way” with Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez (Emilio directed dad in this one). You can find in on Netflix.
As I was packing, I found myself repeatedly considering the same questions. Perhaps I’m already slipping into the reflective Camino mindset, but I realized the same questions I was mulling over while packing could apply to many areas of my life.
What do I NEED? In this case, I NEED good hiking boots, socks and rain gear are a must! No compromising on those.
What do I WANT? I WANT to have a journal, a good book and some colored pens. What can I say, I dig colored pens. I’m sure many have made it through the Camino without them though.
What can I LET GO OF? I’m leaving my iPad and my planner (gasp!) at home.
These questions are valuable to ask ourselves regularly, not just when packing for a big trip.
Try it and see what you learn.
Buen Camino!
PS Keep your eye out for trip updates. My partner in crime, ER and I are planning on podcasting from the trail. If all goes well and we can upload, you’ll hear daily reports which will be posted either on my blog and/or Facebook page (depending on how our technology works out).