It was simultaneously odd and exciting to part ways with the next-to-last last vestiges of my French Camino compatriots – bidding farewell the night before to Thierry & Celine (first met in Pimbo) and adieu to Jean-Marc this morning after breakfast (his last pilgrimage leg was going to be walking back over the Pyrenees today; back to St. Jean Pied du Port, and then back ot Belgium). Only Stephane, who was ending his own pilgrimage today in the town of Zubiri a few miles up the Road, remained from those who I had already met along The Way. How weird to be parting paths with those with whom I had grown so close so quickly, and yet how just-as-oddly refreshing to be journeying forth “alone” again – fully open to meeting new friends anew! And so it was that I set forth once more – into my next day in this longer chain of walked days, and my first of that series completely in Spain …

“Sometimes we are allowed to walk the same path together, and yet we must always remember that we are ever essentially walking our own paths alone. Indeed, no matter how similar our vectors or cadences, at some point the path we share with others will divide, and on we will flow without them. And these separations are somehow essential – lending preciousness to the times we share, and enormous gratitude for being allowed to meet at all. So think fondly of the time you share with others, as you continue on your own unique pathway. Yes, we are to immerse ourselves fully & lovingly in all the lives we are blessed to encounter along the way, and yet first & foremost we must focus on walking our own path with courage & kindness & integrity, for this is the only way to live a life truly well-lived – this is the only way to become true masters of our own destinies.” ~ inspired by Jason Medina

Filed under: Peace Pilgrimage #02: Walking HOME (2019) by Scaughdt