A personal account of self-discovery during an 11-day journey along Camino de Santiago
Walking the Camino de Santiago: A Journey of Introspection and Personal Growth
The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, is one of the world's most famous pilgrimages. This historic network of Christian pilgrimage routes across Europe leads to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain, where the tomb of the Apostle St. James the Greater is believed to be located.
The writer, inspired by Alastair Humphreys' book "My Midsummer Morning," embarked on an 11-day trek along the Portuguese coast up into Spain's Galicia region. The journey began in Porto, Portugal, and ended at the Santiago de Compostela cathedral.
The writer found the solitude on the Camino de Santiago to be beneficial for introspection and personal growth. The daily routine during the journey consisted of finding coffee, collecting passport stamps, and eating fresh fruits, nuts, olives, and pan con tomate. Earphones were not used throughout the journey, allowing for a more immersive experience.
The writer was joined by friends from the UK at various points during the journey. A highlight was a meeting in Padron, where the writer sat in a church feeling emotional about the upcoming reunion. The journey ended with a bittersweet feeling as the time of isolated introspection was coming to an end. However, the writer planted a new seed in a few people during their time with their group of loved ones at the end of the journey.
The Camino de Santiago has been a major pilgrimage destination since medieval times, offering spiritual benefits and attracting pilgrims from various backgrounds. People embark on this pilgrimage for multiple reasons, including religious devotion, cultural and historical interest, personal challenge and transformation, and the experience of community and cultural exchange.
The idea of finding a "Camino family" was popularized by Martin Sheen's 2010 film, The Way. The writer decided to follow in the footsteps of his mother, who walked the Camino de Santiago about 18 years earlier. The journey begins with a "calling" to leave daily luxuries and walk the pilgrim trail.
The writer found space for introspection and healing during the journey on the Camino de Santiago. The experience was so impactful that the writer expressed a desire to go on the Camino de Santiago again in about 10 years, although this may change in the future.
The Camino de Santiago remains a powerful spiritual site enriching Christian heritage and European cultural history. It is named after the disciple of Jesus who played a role in spreading Christianity in Europe. Today, it remains a popular destination for those seeking adventure, history, spirituality, or personal growth.
- Along with spiritual benefits and cultural exchange, many pilgrims are drawn to the Camino de Santiago for personal transformation and challenge.
- The writer, inspired by Martin Sheen's film The Way, followed in the footsteps of his mother who walked the Camino de Santiago 18 years prior.
- Podcasts about travel, lifestyle, and mental-health could provide useful insights for those preparing to embark on a journey like the Camino de Santiago.
- The Camino de Santiago, a popular European destination for news networks, offers a rich tapestry of stories about travel, history, and personal growth.
- The writer's experience on the Camino de Santiago sparked an interest in health-and-wellness, as the daily walking and fresh food nourished both body and mind.
- After returning from the Camino de Santiago, the writer may find solace in meditation podcasts to continue the process of introspection and personal growth.
