April 27, 2005.
A group journey on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela.

Fellow pilgrims,

On Sunday I arrived home from the Camino after completing my third journey. I took a small group of people with me this time and we walked 180 kilometers. We started the journey at the Brazilian refugio in Vega de Valcarce were we found the hospitality of the hospitelero, Acacia, truly a warm hospitable person creating a memorable experience for all of us.

On our first day of walking we covered 11 kms up the mountain to the top of Cebreiro; a very special place for me. (For those of you who have read the book or heard my CD, you know why.) This was a perfect distance for new pilgrims, the weather was sunny and the view was gorgeous. The day after we left, there was snow on Cebreiro! The next day we covered 20 kilometers and each day after that was under 20kms, except for the second last day when we covered 33 kms; truly a challenge for everyone.

For the first three days we had beautiful sunshine and warm weather. Then the Galician rains came and we spent the next 7 days trying to stay dry. I had forgotten how beautiful this part of Spain is, with quaint village churches and gorgeous Galician forests along the way.

Fortunately, not one of us had blisters or any injuries. We all used vaseline and sock liners stopping to air our feet out often, especially in the early days. Most of us left things along the way to keep the weight in our backpacks down.

We stayed in the 13th Century Monastery in Samino and went to the Pilgrim's blessing where we had an incredible experience followed by a tour of the monastery. The Monks were friendly and the refugio seemed more pleasant than I remembered. In Portomarin we stayed at the new refugio which was very clean and modern. The lights were automated and turned off at 10pm whether you were ready for it or not. We couldn't get the stove to work in the morning; may it was automated too. We stopped in Melide and enjoyed a meal of the famous Galician dish called Pulpo. (spiced Octopus)

Santiago, was absolutely incredible and more mystical than I remembered. There were very few people on the streets when we arrived. As promised, I carried a stone with me along the entire way, including all the intentions I had received from people. We went in the Cathedral through the pilgrim's door and stood in awe of the beauty. I went to my favourite statue of St. Bernadette and left the stone on a ledge, set into the wall near a pillar. Then I gave the Apostle a big long hug for all of you to give my thanks. We went to honor the tomb of the Apostle; the reason the pilgrim's of the past walked the journey was because they believed if they were closer to the remains of an Apostle, they would be closer to God. You could almost feel their intentions still present in the tiny room.

Our group had the free Pilgrim's breakfast and lunch the next day at the Parador. We went to the pilgrim's mass at the Cathedral and as promised, they announced the Canadians that had walked from Vega de Valcarce. We all smiled in acknowledgment that they were talking about us.

At the Pilgrim's Office I met the priest who publishes the Compostela magazine and he asked if I would write a testimonial that he could publish in the next issue. Then later that day I had a conversation with one of the book stores in Santiago and the owner agreed to carry my book. We walked around the city embracing it's beauty and history.

The next day I flew to London, England to visit with friends. Initially, walking through the city centre I struggled to integrate the Camino into the modern day world of commerce and speed. I was annoyed and frustrated with everything around me. I wondered why I was there. It seemed that the focus on everything was about money, cars and getting ahead. I suspected that my ego was being tested. That night I went to bed wishing that I had just gone home from Spain so I didn't have to deal with this.

The next morning I woke up with a calmer mind. I thought about how the Camino had helped me to identify my purpose in life; to inspire others through my voice. I decided it was time to let go of my ego and surrender; to be still and listen, without judgment. Soon I began to see something very different. I came to realize that the only time I was disturbed by life in the modern day world, (outside the peace and solice of the Camino) was when I was facing fear. Fear had angered and frustrated me by enticing my ego's desires as a way to distract me from facing my deepest fear. I had walked the Camino for the third time reflecting myself in the grace of life as a humble pilgrim. Once again, I learned that I must surrender control.

Now, back at home I embrace my pilgrim light with more patience. On Monday night, still suffering from jet lag, I did a key note address to a group of 300 women in Alliston. It was a sold out event and they even turned 60 people away at the door. One woman said she would pay any price for a ticket because she had to hear me speak. For the first time ever, people gave me a standing ovation. After my stories, I answered questions from the audience. A woman asked me how I stay focussed on my dreams and purpose in life when I am not on the Camino, but back into the rat race of busy life. In my response, I told her that I am being my life purpose as a way of life rather than trying to control it. I have a vision and I see it as though I am walking to Santiago. I don't know what will happen along the way, who I will meet or what I will experience, but I continue to follow the yellow arrows/the signs along the way with a knowing that I will reach my destination. By developing the discipline to become one with my purpose, through mindfulness, I let go of control. Then I can begin being my purpose. It is so much easier to let it go instead of trying so hard.

By letting go, I am free to be my Camino as a contribution to the universe.

May you find peace and freedom on your life journey. If you have any questions at all about the Camino, please don't hesitate to write to me.

Buen Camino,

Sue