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Q: My struggle is I that have this idea of a realistic path of building a career and education, financial stability, family and then after I will have the experience and wisdom, and understanding of life's challenges, and then continue to set off and find myself. OR... There is the option to go on the spiritual journey, be unique and trust, without having the need to follow the path of society.

Presently, for comfort and out of curiosity I choose the realistic path, but I have this fear of getting trapped in a routine, a cycle in a cage. I continue to fight, and I will not let myself get caught so I try to maintain my spirituality through meeting souls like yours, journalling, going outside, etc.

My question relates to my generation which has not built their expertise and financial security and needs to choose a direction. I understand only I will have the answer to the path I need to choose but I would like to hear your opinion. Once again thank you for your inspiration and your attitude towards life, and thank you for sharing your stories. I am keen to keep in touch and I know that one day our paths will cross again.

A: Thanks for the lovely note and for sharing your story with me. Your question is excellent, especially since you have addressed the same question about life that I used to struggle with; Should one go on the realistic path or the spiritual one?

Here's what I learned on the Camino.

My realistic path and my spiritual path are part of each other; a part of the same thing like ying and yang. They are not two different courses and I cannot separate them. Rather, they are elements of the whole life journey.

If we consider the physical manifestation of walking a journey, on the Camino I walked 20 to 40 kms each day through all kinds of weather and terrain. I didn't wake up in the morning to find out it was going to rain all day, and decide not to walk because of the weather. I walked every day, rain or shine.

At the same time I embraced the lessons and experiences of my spiritual journey; through the intention of seeking an inner journey to finding self-love and ultimately my higher purpose in life. The physical activity of walking everyday became a state of being. In that state, I could find my way physically, emotionally and spiritually to my purpose; to Santiago.

By the time I reached Santiago I had figured out my higher purpose. Looking back I now realize that I knew my purpose all along, it was just a question of being able to see it. The mantra of walking everyday together with defined rituals gave me the platform I needed to increase my gradient level of awareness.

Now back in the real world, my intention is to be my purpose in body, mind and spirit without trying so hard. I act as a part of the natural flow, not fighting my way. Through the sport of rowing I had finally discovered that by fighting, I was causing more struggle in my life. As a result I was using valuable energy on achieving nothing but proof to myself that I was trying my hardest. The boat didn't go any faster.

My advice to you is to be your purpose. To do this you must find a state of being that allows you to become more aware and present. It could be meditation, walking, yoga, swimming, rowing or anything that involves the discipline of combining activity (mind or body) and surrender. The Sufi's refer to this as mindfulness.

As you become more aware, you will see your purpose. Once you see your purpose you must continue to walk in a state of awareness of your mind, body and spirit. Put one foot in front of the other until you reach your Santiago. And always remember; When the Camino ends, the journey begins.

May you find peace on your journey.

Buen Camino,

Q: I was wondering about your knee, you stopped writing about it after your miracle. Is this because you focussed on other details of your journey to write about or did your knee start to feel better?

A: I stopped writing about my knee in my diary and in the book. It was as though it healed on its own and then it was a concern at all. Funny, I wonder if I kept all my fear in my knee and once I had faced it, there was no need to experience the pain of it. It wasn't intentional to leave it out. It just happened that way.

Q: I've noticed how you have a sort of glow about you. Not literally of course, but you draw people in somehow. I wondered if it's just you because you are a special person or is it all of us that have profound things happen to us and we just don't allow ourselves to notice them. We dismiss them because we're too busy to listen. I think your glow is your spirit. It's awakened somehow and it shines.

A: About the glow....I am not sure what happened to me on the Camino. I was defiantly touched in some way and the end result of that still has to unfold. I am different than before I left and there is no doubt that people are drawn to me. I just accept it. I don't judge people or the situation I am in. My compassion for all people has evolved through awareness. I am so completely grateful for everything that is in my life. Sometimes I wonder if it's all a dream.

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