Day 0- Blank Slate

I am resting in my hotel room after a filling meal of fish soup and lamb chops (see below). Tomorrow I officially begin my pilgrimage on a route which has been described as the most difficult day of the whole journey. Curiously, I struggled physically on the first day of each of the last 2 pilgrimages. The physical demand is there throughout. What’s in store for me tomorrow? People have asked, “why walk the Camino for the 3rd time?” Faith plays a big reason for sure but there’s really nothing beyond that- I am not seeking or searching for anything specific. Going into this with a fairly clean slate is a great way to start- there’s plenty of space in my head to spot and absorb whatever I experience. In my heyday I was so busy with so much (both important and perhaps not so important) I had no time or mental space to be touched by the world around me. If it wasn’t on the agenda it just passed me by. On the Camino I have what could be described as a good sized margin between load and capacity. The space and time is there. Can my steps be leisurely and thoughtful- not hurried or rushed? You know, Christ was never rushed or in a hurry. I can’t change the past but I can try to mend my ways going forward and mentally declutter. With that as my intro- let’s see what happens this time around. As before, I really appreciate you guys joining me on this journey. Your participation gives me great strength.