So... training is underway! Last week I walked from my home to Rockaway Beach for a total all day of about 13 miles and today I walked to see my Auntie Marion at the assisted living facility she is at- total of 11.5 miles. I feel good! And accomplished. Last week’s walk was much more enjoyable as the ocean was my reward. The smell of the beach, the sound of the waves, beach people- all things that make putting one foot in front of the other easier.
Today’s walk was not pretty and although I do love Auntie, getting to the facility not so thrilling. It was a beautiful day out and the walk was fairly easy. I used my walking poles for the first time. I am bot very coordinated. It took me probably 3-4 miles to find my rhythm with them but they definitely made a major difference. My fingers and hands always swell when I walk - using the poles helped that significantly. Last week, my back was aching when I got home- the poles helped that also.
Today’s walk was not pretty and although I do love Auntie, getting to the facility not so thrilling. It was a beautiful day out and the walk was fairly easy. I used my walking poles for the first time. I am bot very coordinated. It took me probably 3-4 miles to find my rhythm with them but they definitely made a major difference. My fingers and hands always swell when I walk - using the poles helped that significantly. Last week, my back was aching when I got home- the poles helped that also.
An egret along Brookville...
These turtles on a discarded shopping cart share the water with the egret. The litter and pollution in the water is so disheartening.
Many people have asked me, “Why are you undertaking this journey?” There is no easy answer. Part of it has to do with a calling to do so. I am drawn to do it. The first time was a short, easier journey via a less challenging route. Eddie (the hubby) wanted to come to make sure I would be safe. We did the least amount of walking allowed to be able to get a COMPOSTELA- which is a certificate stating you have completed the journey for at least 100 kms. This time, I have to prove to myself I can do it. I learned of the camino after the passing of my parents in 1994. I came upon a book, in a little metaphysical shop I loved in Forest Hills where I would purchase my incense. I loved the artwork on the cover. This book was “The Alchemist” and I quickly read and enjoyed it. It moved my soul at a time my soul needed moving. The author, Paolo Coelho, quickly became a favorite of mine- leading me to hos book called “The Pilgrimage” where I first learned of this Camino to Santiago de Compostela. Santiago (Saint James- apostle of Jesus) is said to he buried in this Northern city of Spain- in the Galician section of Spain. In times of yore, people left their homes to journey there to receive a plenary indulgence. *In the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church, an indulgence is "a way to reduce the amount of punishment one has to undergo for sins". It may reduce the "temporal punishment for sin" after death, in the state or process of purification called Purgatory. Wikipedia
I am not walking for this reason. Don’t even really believe that this bargaining chip is a thing- seems like a man made invention to create a way out for those who have done wrong.
What I do know, is that walking and prayer go hand in hand for me.I can focus my attention on my prayers of gratitude and petition. There are other ways to do this- I realize- but walking is a great way. I “practice walk” and pray. These months of preparation lead me back to God and to LIFE. I loved prepping last time and met some wonderful people and had some great moments right here in good the good ol’ Big Apple. We are on a journey each day. We forget that in the day to day “busy-ness” of life. I know that as this next 130 something days passes, and I practice my walking - I will have some awesome experiences. Today, I greeted lots of folks with a “Good morning,” some people responded- some did not. All good in my mind as you have to meet people where they are at.
Enough for now. More to come next time!
Many people have asked me, “Why are you undertaking this journey?” There is no easy answer. Part of it has to do with a calling to do so. I am drawn to do it. The first time was a short, easier journey via a less challenging route. Eddie (the hubby) wanted to come to make sure I would be safe. We did the least amount of walking allowed to be able to get a COMPOSTELA- which is a certificate stating you have completed the journey for at least 100 kms. This time, I have to prove to myself I can do it. I learned of the camino after the passing of my parents in 1994. I came upon a book, in a little metaphysical shop I loved in Forest Hills where I would purchase my incense. I loved the artwork on the cover. This book was “The Alchemist” and I quickly read and enjoyed it. It moved my soul at a time my soul needed moving. The author, Paolo Coelho, quickly became a favorite of mine- leading me to hos book called “The Pilgrimage” where I first learned of this Camino to Santiago de Compostela. Santiago (Saint James- apostle of Jesus) is said to he buried in this Northern city of Spain- in the Galician section of Spain. In times of yore, people left their homes to journey there to receive a plenary indulgence. *In the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church, an indulgence is "a way to reduce the amount of punishment one has to undergo for sins". It may reduce the "temporal punishment for sin" after death, in the state or process of purification called Purgatory. Wikipedia
I am not walking for this reason. Don’t even really believe that this bargaining chip is a thing- seems like a man made invention to create a way out for those who have done wrong.
What I do know, is that walking and prayer go hand in hand for me.I can focus my attention on my prayers of gratitude and petition. There are other ways to do this- I realize- but walking is a great way. I “practice walk” and pray. These months of preparation lead me back to God and to LIFE. I loved prepping last time and met some wonderful people and had some great moments right here in good the good ol’ Big Apple. We are on a journey each day. We forget that in the day to day “busy-ness” of life. I know that as this next 130 something days passes, and I practice my walking - I will have some awesome experiences. Today, I greeted lots of folks with a “Good morning,” some people responded- some did not. All good in my mind as you have to meet people where they are at.
Enough for now. More to come next time!