El Camino de Santiago

Today, we were to go by ferry to Cies Island. Cies Island, pronounced "Thee-ays," is a national park here. We were really looking forward to this adventure, and this is why we had a two night stay in Vigo.

We got up early this morning and ate an 18 euro buffet breakfast at the hotel, since there is no food on the island during off-season. Then, we took a 12 euro taxi to the port. When we arrived, we were told that the trip had been canceled due to the high winds today.

So, we decided to walk back 4 miles to the hotel. My backpack was loaded down with water and clothes and a bathrobe and everything I was going to need for the day. It was probably three times heavier than it was on the Camino. We walked south along the coast with the water on our right. We passed a couple of Pilgrims and a few people who told us that we were walking the wrong way to Santiago...

It was a beautiful time exploring, finding a new route and an unexpected new plan for our day. There was beautiful scenery, we talked, we walked in silence, we stopped and shredded layers. Walking somehow feels fun and happy now. I used to not like walking. Walking was a chore, a forced exercise or a necessity. It hurt my back... but I find that I really like walking now.

As we neared our hotel beach, we decided to do a photo shoot on the rocks. Donna climbed first, and I took her pictures. Then I climbed the rocks. It was extremely windy up there and not safe to stand at the very top.

After we completed our photo shoot, we started playing with shells.

I thought of the principles of mindfulness, specifically the one about seeing the world through a beginners' point of view. As today unfolded, I got to experience this. The spontaneity of the day created excitement. I felt like a child, experiencing everything with awe and wonder and being playful about my activities. "Ah, look at these shells; let's play with them."
"I wonder what happens if I hold the phone like this for taking the photo?"
"Wouldn't it be fun to just run into the ocean right now?"
I allowed myself to be distracted by my youthful, creative imagination, running free. I enjoyed being present and playful in each moment.

How many times do we do our daily routines and work and are not really present? We're thinking about what we're going to do next or later. The tasks have become mundane because we are only using 10% off our senses, rushing through operations like robots. Somehow, checking off the to-do list is the priority instead of enjoying the process.

They say, "Stop and smell the roses." That also means... savor each bite of my food, feel the sun, the wind or my clothing on my skin; hear the birds singing their special song of the day, feel my feet on the ground and my heart beating, look at the brightness of the colors and the beauty of the simple things, smell the fragrances around me and appreciate all of these things. Then let it set for a few seconds as I relish it. "Birds, I hear you. Eucalyptus, I smell you. Rain, I feel you."

Rain.

It just is. I accept it and appreciate it. Then relish it, and play in it.Read more