Camino Day 6 October 8

 

Camino Day 6 (October 8)

5th Stage: Redondela – Pontevedra (21 km/13 miles)

 

Exhausted. There aren’t too many of us who aren’t exhausted. Yesterday’s hills knocked the stuffing out of several of us - me included. Three people didn’t come down for dinner, saying they needed rest and sleep more than food.

 

For me, it’s physical exhaustion, certainly, but the emotional, interior work is also a huge drain on the body. I'm told that this is one of the signs that you are doing the work The Camino called you here to do. 

 

This is a time to listen to your body, to listen to your thoughts. 

 

To listen to what others are saying to you. 

 

To listen to what you are saying to others.

 

To listen for the song that your heart is singing to your body and the song your body is singing to your heart in return. Is there harmony? Discord? Different verses of the same song?

 

This is a time to listen to your senses – the way the earth and air, the sun and sky smell and feel, taste and sound. 

 

This is a time to bless it all, to give thanks for it all, to praise God for it all. Which sounds a lot easier than it is, especially since your body may be hurting, your heart may feel heavy and your head may be exploding with so many thoughts. 

 

It is the work of The Camino. It begins - or continues - where you last left off because it all felt so daunting and unbearable.

 

It is holy work.

 

Valerie has prepared for us a “Blessing for the Senses” by John O’Donohue. I am happy to share it with you now.

 

May your body be blessed.

May you realize that your body is a faithful

and beautiful friend of your soul. 

 

And may you be peaceful and joyful

and recognize that your senses

are sacred thresholds. 

 

May you realize that holiness is

mindful, gazing, feeling, hearing, and touching.

May your senses gather you and bring you home.

May your senses always enable you to

celebrate the universe and the mystery

and possibilities in your presence here.

 

May the Eros of the Earth bless you.

 

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: How will you bless your body today? What sacred thresholds will you cross today? How will you awaken your senses and your soul?

Buen Camino!