<2.5-minute read
In June, I had the absolute privilege to walk the Camino de Santiago with 4 school friends. We started in Porto, Portugal, walked to Santiago de Compostela, Spain and then onto Finisterre, the western most point of mainland Europe; the Romans and pagans thought this point to be the end of the world.
What was my biggest learning along the way? (By the way, there were a few.)
My biggest learning is that I really do love nature. Really. Since studying positive psychology and wellbeing, I have focused on noticing nature and its impact on me. I have noticed that it grounds me and calms me. Since my studies, I have been grateful for nature and loved being in it. But it wasn’t until we were on our way from Santiago to Finisterre that I truly understood the impact of nature on me and for me.
It was day 17 and we were walking from Negreira to Abeleiroas in Galicia, Spain. What started as a cool, grey day ended 28.5kms later with bright blue sky and lots of sunshine. It was a tough day of relentless hills, hot sun and very little shade after the first 8km or so. But I loved the space; the endless space; so much space. For approximately 18 kms, other than the path we were on, there was no sign of humanity – not a fence, not a house or shed in the distance, not a town on the horizon, not a domesticated animal. Here was space; here was nature.
Dumbria, between Abeleiroas and Cee.
I revelled in the views that held so many shades of blue and green. I loved the beauty, the quiet, the tranquillity. I kept looking up, down, sideways, behind me to soak it all in. While I had intentionally noticed nature and been grateful for nature for some years, it was here that I truly noticed nature and that I realised just how much it fills my heart.
The following day, walking from Abeleiroas to Cee, was fairly similar. A similar start and end to the day with respect to the elements. 27km on the trail. And so much space filled only with nature. I was so grateful to have another day like the previous one; I had so much love and gratitude for nature and that space. I realised that this is what walking the Camino was for me.
Please don’t get me wrong. While I revelled in the space and nature, I am very grateful to have walked this stretch of the Camino with a very dear friend. I loved that I shared this whole walking experience with my friends. I value and treasure this beyond words. I can only speak for myself in saying that the connection between us has strengthened and grown (I hope they feel the same way). I will hold this experience that we had together tightly and look forward to more experiences together.
I also know and espouse how important it is to practise self-care. In doing so, we can be the best version of ourselves for others. This experience has reinforced this for me, and I know that when needed, nature is just outside the door and nature will help fill my cup; nature gives me strength and makes me strong; being strong supports me to be courageous. Even as I reminisce and write this now, I feel my heart’s rhythm in my chest, I feel strong.
What fills your heart? What makes you strong?
Wishing you that which fills your heart and makes you strong,
Dina
(@CourageChick)
Leading with courage 