Finding the Way
“Not everyone who sets out on a journey is looking for a destination. Some are searching for themselves.”
Don’t try to rush today.
As you walk, notice how often your mind is already on the next kilometre, the next break or the finish line.
The body is here.
The mind is one step ahead.
The path lies only where your feet are.
- Today’s step
For 10 minutes, focus solely on your footsteps.
Without changing your breathing.
Without trying to achieve anything.
Simply:
- Step
- Step
- Step
When your mind wanders, return your attention to your feet.
- Food for thought
What am I always trying to achieve in my life, without living fully in the present?
The Mirror
“Every person we meet shows us something about ourselves.”
Think of someone you don’t particularly like.
Work out exactly what it is about her that bothers you.
Perhaps it is:
- arrogance
- impatience
- selfishness
- aggressiveness
Now ask yourself:
Have there been times when I, too, have displayed this trait? Even if in a different way?
- Today’s step
Without judging yourself, think back to three situations in which you might have acted in a similar way.
Not to make anyone feel guilty.
But to foster understanding.
- Food for thought
What would change if I saw that person as someone who is also struggling with their own wounds?
The Story of the Full Glass
A Zen Story
A teacher went to visit a Zen master. For hours, he talked about everything he knew. The master served him tea.
He carried on filling the cup until it overflowed.
‘It’s full!’ exclaimed the teacher.
The master replied:
— Just like this cup, you too are full of your own ideas. How can you
Learn something new?
- Today’s step
Today, notice how often you assume you already know. When someone says:
- listen more
- interrupts less
- tries to understand before answering
- Food for thought
In which areas of my life do I need to empty the cup?
Invisible Gratitude
“There is much more to sustain your life than what you can see.”
- Today’s step
Whilst you’re out walking, choose something simple.
A bottle of water.
Now think about this:
Who made the bottle?
Who carried the water?
Who built the road?
Who made your shoes?
Do you realise how many people have made this moment possible?.
- Food for thought
How many blessings do I receive every day without even realising it?
Breathe
“Breathing is the bridge between the body and the soul.”
- Today’s step
For 5 minutes:
Breathe in slowly.
Hold your breath for a few moments.
Breathe out more slowly than you breathed in.
Don’t force it.
Just go along with it.
- Food for thought
What happens inside me when I slow down?
The Weight of the Rucksack
We all carry an invisible rucksack.
Heartache.
Concerns.
Regrets.
Today, imagine that every worry is a stone.
- Today’s step
Ask yourself:
What burden have I been carrying for far too long?
What would happen if I left her by the wayside?
- Food for thought
What am I ready to let go of?
The Old Man and the Horse
A Zen Story
A farmer lost his horse.
The neighbours said:
— What a shame.
He replied:
— Perhaps.
A few days later, the horse returned with some other horses.
— How lucky!
— Perhaps.
His son fell off a horse and broke his leg.
— What a shame.
— Perhaps.
Later, the soldiers came to conscript young men for the war. His son was not taken.
— How lucky.
— Perhaps.
- Food for thought
How often do I jump to conclusions about something I don’t yet understand?
The Power of Silence
- Today’s step
Go for a 30-minute walk without music, without podcasts and without your phone.
Just listen.
The wind.
The birds.
Your footsteps.
- Food for thought
What tries to emerge within me when I fall silent?
To forgive
“Perdoar não muda o passado. Liberta o futuro.”
- Today’s step
Pensa numa pessoa que ainda ocupa espaço nas tuas feridas.
Não precisas justificar o que aconteceu.
Apenas pergunta:
Quanto da minha energia continua presa a esta história?
- Food for thought
Quem seria eu sem este ressentimento?
Imperfection
- Today’s step
Short Story
A cracked jug was lamenting the fact that it was leaking water.
But along the way, the raindrops made flowers grow.
What I had regarded as a flaw was precisely what created beauty.
- Food for thought
Which of my imperfections might be serving a purpose that I cannot yet see?
The Stranger
- Today’s step
Today, take a look at every person who crosses your path.
Imagine that she carries joys, fears, dreams and sorrows just as deep as your own.
- Food for thought
What changes when I stop seeing people and start seeing lives?
What Really Matters
If you could take just three invisible things with you for the rest of your life, what would they be?
Courage?
Love?
Peace?
Humility?
- Food for thought
What do I really want to cultivate?
Rio
A Zen Story
A disciple asked:
— How do I find peace?
The master replied:
— Look at a river.
The disciple watched.
The river did not struggle against the rocks.
He would go round them.
- Food for thought
Where am I wasting energy fighting against something I could simply accept?
The Best of Me
Think back to a time when you were at your very best.
Generous.
Brave.
Patient.
Relive that moment.
- Food for thought
How can I bring more of that person into my daily life?
The Arrival
“True destiny is not a place. It is a new way of seeing.”
Look behind you.
It’s not just about the kilometres.
But let’s move on to the changes.
Perhaps they are small.
Perhaps they are invisible.
But they’re there.
- Today’s step
Write a letter to yourself.
What have you learnt?
What do you want to take with you when the Camino is over?
- Food for thought
Who am I now that I wasn’t when I started?
A reflection for the pilgrim:
What do I have that cannot be stolen?