I've felt this when I did a solo pilgrimage in New Mexico a few years ago. It changed me in ways I'm still figuring out and working through. I want so badly to do the Camino before I'm too old! Next September is my goal. I think I'll take the route that starts in France...... Thanks for writing this.
That sounds like a wonderful experience you had. Have you written about your New Mexico experience, either to process it yourself or to share with others?
There is no age too old for the Camino. On the Le Puy path in France, which I plan to offer a small contemplative walking retreat along at the end of May 2026, for 7 days of walking and connecting with nature. When I walked for 7 days last May, I found that there were several times when I was the youngest person I saw (I am in my mid-50s), meaning the average group was in their 60s and 70s. I have met people walking in their 80s as well.
Yes, I wrote quite a bit about it but haven’t done anything with it yet. It’s a work in progress. Thanks for the encouragement to not let age keep me from the Camino!
I love this. Walking has been my spiritual practice for almost 40 years. I love that moment when trees stand out from the background and sparkle with stillness, solidity, presence. If I'm walking now, and the world stays flat, I can ask for the shift: Please come. It loves to be invited. Often, I'll start by singing something chanty. Dona Noblis Pachem, or something similar, but TV commercials work, too. When I'm singing, I'm not thinking. I've always wanted to walk the Santiago or the Appalachian Trail. But the park down the hill shines with tranquility most days.
Your statement, "I love that moment when trees stand out from the background and sparkle with stillness, solidity, presence," is what led me to study ecospirituality and eventually get ordained in service of the wild earth and our relationship with her.
I love that. I didn't know you could be ordained in that. When I was deep in trauma, walking in nature healed me. I am very grateful for your service to her.
I've felt this when I did a solo pilgrimage in New Mexico a few years ago. It changed me in ways I'm still figuring out and working through. I want so badly to do the Camino before I'm too old! Next September is my goal. I think I'll take the route that starts in France...... Thanks for writing this.
That sounds like a wonderful experience you had. Have you written about your New Mexico experience, either to process it yourself or to share with others?
There is no age too old for the Camino. On the Le Puy path in France, which I plan to offer a small contemplative walking retreat along at the end of May 2026, for 7 days of walking and connecting with nature. When I walked for 7 days last May, I found that there were several times when I was the youngest person I saw (I am in my mid-50s), meaning the average group was in their 60s and 70s. I have met people walking in their 80s as well.
We walk when we are called and ready for it.
Yes, I wrote quite a bit about it but haven’t done anything with it yet. It’s a work in progress. Thanks for the encouragement to not let age keep me from the Camino!
I look forward to reading about it when you are ready.
I love this. Walking has been my spiritual practice for almost 40 years. I love that moment when trees stand out from the background and sparkle with stillness, solidity, presence. If I'm walking now, and the world stays flat, I can ask for the shift: Please come. It loves to be invited. Often, I'll start by singing something chanty. Dona Noblis Pachem, or something similar, but TV commercials work, too. When I'm singing, I'm not thinking. I've always wanted to walk the Santiago or the Appalachian Trail. But the park down the hill shines with tranquility most days.
Your statement, "I love that moment when trees stand out from the background and sparkle with stillness, solidity, presence," is what led me to study ecospirituality and eventually get ordained in service of the wild earth and our relationship with her.
I love that. I didn't know you could be ordained in that. When I was deep in trauma, walking in nature healed me. I am very grateful for your service to her.
Thanks for your kind words, and also by leading in example through your healing and talking about it.