243/499 … the end of means & ends (10/10/08)
… heading into Villalcazar … “Wield means precisely fitted to their ends.” ~ Eric Brende
244/499 … waiting to wait (10/10/08)
My hostel for the night, were I met a German fellow who had walked from Jerusalem — regularly treading over 50km (30 miles) a day while doing so! “We need not wait for chance or disaster.” ~ Eric Brende [translation: Don’t wait until someone “needs help” to be Kind]
245/499 … accessing the Silence within (10/10/08)
The manager here was less than kind at first (I think he thought I was a “mooch pilgrim” when I asked if his place was a donativo), and yet he warmed to me under a steady shower of unconditional Kindness. “Words are worthwhile when they lead to silence.” ~ Nanja Naisah
246/499 … allowing the Blossoming (10/11/08)
“Love seeks not to change whatever is. Love cares for the flower that already exists in the other; often doing so by letting her go to blossom beautifully elsewhere.” ~ from my Camino journal
247/499 … the Everything happening (10/11/08)
This German fellow has been caring for pilgrims with his healing hands for years — massaging their feet, tending their blisters, soothing their stress. I didn’t stay here, yet I did get news from him about Mom, as she had stayed in this hostel only a few nights prior (and had made quite the positive […]
248/499 … the truest Love (10/11/08)
“Our truest Love is known whenever we gently tend the wounded; remembering, of course, that not all others’ “blisters” are physical.” ~ from my Camino journal
249/499 … breathing the Freedom (10/11/08)
At this point, part of the Walk traverses an ancient road originally built by the Romans. “No need to tell a fearless one to breathe freely. He does it without thought or effort. As a consequence, his energy is large & strong.” ~ Elizabeth Towne
250/499 … Acceptance persists (10/11/08)
After another verrrry long day of walking, one in which I had been turned away by several hostels after they heard that I was a mendicant (a pilgrim walking The Way without money), I came to the town of Moratinos. The first thing I noticed on its outskirts were these Spanish wine-cellars, known as “bodegas”. […]
251/499 … every moment, Arriving (10/11/08)
… Moratinos … “Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home.” ~ Matsuo Basho
252/499 … sustained by Love (10/11/08)
Of course, there were no hobbits here in Moratinos, and yet I did serendipitously stumble upon “The Peaceable Kingdom” (a hostel not found in any guidebook) run by Rebekkah Scott and her husband. “I have food to eat of which you do not yet know.” ~ Jesus Christ (John 4:32)
253/499 … finding perfect Pace (10/13/08)
After staying an extra day in Moratinos to help Rebekkah with her garden, I set out once again upon The Road. “Whether walking a pilgrimage or journeying through the everyday, our True Self’s perfect pace does not vary … Regardless of whether our days are steep or flat, rocky or smooth, filled with hardship or […]
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