THE THREE PARTS OF THE CAMINO

It’s only after you’ve stepped outside your comfort zone that you begin to change, grow, and transform.

It is said that the Camino is divided into thirds.  The first third is physical.  That is certainly true for most people, as generally speaking, people arrive in Saint Jean Pied de Port and begin the climb up and over the Pyrenees.  Those with very little training before hand find out pretty quickly that it’s not going to be a walk in the park.  Then there’s walking 10 to 20 miles in day over varied terrain and doing it again day after day.  Even for those who arrive physically fit, the extra exertion required for the every day aspect of the journey tests most.

It is also said that the first third represents the beginning, much like the beginning of life.  We are struggling, stumbling with eyes full of excitement, finding our way, getting lost, aches and pains.  We begin to over come our fears about the walk, meeting new people with the same feelings of  nervousness about what’s in front of us.  Eventually we find a rhythm and we gain confidence.  This is our past.

The second third is mental.  This section of the Camino is on the Meseta, mostly flat and less attention is required in placing ones foot in front of the other.  The walking is generally easy, you have gained strength and are more confident.  It is here where your mind starts to wander.  For many it is boring and lonely time and some avoid this section and take a bus or train to “skip ahead”.  For others it is just the opposite and the more enjoyable part of the Camino, a time for reflection.  For me, this is my favorite part of the Camino, beautiful in it’s own way and the time when I do my best at looking at myself.  It is different for each person and for many this time represents the present.

In the final third Santiago is in sight and for many this is a spiritual time.  Even though we have some tough climbs ahead, our goal is within reach.  A time to reflect on the past, present and future, question what we have done and why and what it all means. So for most this is the future.

People walk the Camino for many different reasons.  Many are looking for answers to many of life’s questions, for personal or extremely private reasons.  Others do it to meet people from around the world, or for the physical challenge.  But for whatever reason I believe people are seeking answers.  If someone is considering walking the Camino my advise is to do it.  It is a wonderful experience.  But if you do, be prepared to discover that you will not find all the answers to all your questions.  For some they return to walk the Camino once again, and maybe even a number of times hoping to find the answers and for guidance in their life.