Today was a great day. Today we were united with Blaise and Grace back on the Way. It was wonderful to relive moments with Blaise while watching Grace experience something brand new. Heading out of Pamplona we climbed the modest mountain of Alto del Perdón with an inspiring view as we looked back at the city over our shoulder.
Today I also am feeling at my “Camino Solstice.” My calves have finally stopped burning and my feet are feeling great. All of the 2021 pilgrimage my heels burned with pain. As I set out this time, I am pain-free. I think my legs have been tight from the workout they got earlier this week, but after some time and lots of stretching, they are ready to go the distance.
Last night we shared with Blaise and Grace that our Albergue before Pamplona had cleared out by 7:00am and we were some of the last to leave at 7:30am. I thought that seemed odd, but Blaise certainly agreed that it was odd. As we headed out of Pamplona we again left at 7:30am, but we were being passed left and right. We stopped at churches, and fountains, and took some snack breaks. As the day proceeded the crowds grew thinner.
Mind you, this was not completely natural. I did want to protect one of the members of our team that wasn’t feeling well, but more importantly, I wanted to remember to be “Tranquilo.”
“Tranquilo” is a word roughly meaning to Chill Out or Don’t Worry. As the head of a household of 13, I naturally have to worry a lot. The Camino, however, is a time to slow down and savor, to slow down and reflect. I had my moments, but I think we got it mostly right today. I let the other people pass and just lived in the moments with our group and with God in his creation. We didn’t need to hurry at all and we did our best to take our walk at a prudent pace.
Another blessing of slowing down is it allows us to observe and reflect. Deeply. This leads to meaningful insights for myself, but also from others. You can have a conversation where you really listen, where you empathize. It’s the kind of activity we don’t always take time to do back home. Just from being around my son and his friend Grace, I have had some observations that I think will prove useful for my relationship with my wife. Yes, I know she is among the readers of this blog, but I’m not sure I will share these insights with her. Sometimes revelations are just for you.
So a little advice to pilgrims that keep passing us, “Tranquilo fellow Pilgrim,” and let today take as long as it needs. I think we could all handle a little Camino advice in our daily lives by being more “Tranquilo” and letting God take care of the details so we can pay attention to the whispers he is giving us.
Nice reflection.
Nice reflection.
i’m loving your blog!!!! Our son is making it in November.. He would love any advice you have ..
Good advice for all of us, whatever “Camino” we are traveling. Living vicariously through all of you, thanks for sharing your journey!
It sounds like you had an incredible day on the Camino, filled with meaningful experiences and moments of reflection. It’s wonderful that you were able to reunite with Blaise and Grace and share new and cherished memories together. Witnessing Grace’s excitement and exploring the Alto del Perdón must have been truly inspiring. The view of the city from the mountaintop sounds breathtaking and a perfect opportunity to appreciate the beauty around you.
I’m glad to hear that your physical condition has improved since your last pilgrimage. It’s remarkable that your calves have stopped burning and your feet are feeling great this time. It seems like your preparation and stretching exercises have paid off, allowing you to embark on this journey pain-free. It’s important to take care of ourselves physically to fully enjoy the experience.
Your decision to embrace the “Tranquilo” mindset is commendable. The Camino offers a chance to slow down, savor the moments, and reflect on life. By allowing others to pass and focusing on the present, you’re creating space for meaningful observations and conversations. It’s true that back home, we often neglect the opportunity to deeply connect with others and truly listen. Your insights from spending time with your son and Grace may hold valuable lessons for your relationship with your wife, even if you choose to keep them to yourself for now.
Your advice to fellow pilgrims to embrace the “Tranquilo” spirit and allow the journey to unfold at its own pace is both insightful and universal. In our daily lives, we often rush through tasks and worry about the future, missing out on the whispers of guidance that surround us. Taking a step back, trusting in a higher power, and focusing on the present can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful existence. Thank you for sharing your reflections, and may your Camino continue to be a source of wisdom and tranquility.