Day 42
When you travel, you find yourself
Alone in a different way,
More attentive now
To the self you bring along, Your more subtle eye watching
You abroad; and how what meets you Touches that part of the heart
That lies low at home:
How you unexpectedly attune To the timbre in some voice,
Opening in conversation
You want to take in
To where your longing
Has pressed hard enough
Inward, on some unsaid dark,
To create a crystal of insight
You could not have known
You needed
To illuminate
Your way.
For the Traveler—John O’Donohue
When I was preparing for this camino I came across just a small part of this larger writing from John O’Donohue. I was fascinated by what he wrote so I found the whole poem.
I divided this poem up because it was so rich in meaning. Like all of the words of encouragement that I used for help in writing my blog while I was gone I randomly put them on days not knowing where Lindsay and I, and eventually Jim would be on our travels at this point. It’s been quite amazing how they have fit the event or the mood or the camino.
For me on this day as we entered the cathedral in Santiago I heard a voice and then Jim touched me and I felt an arm on my arm…I turned and was face to face with my German friend Brigitte. I met her at Muxia two years ago and became immediate friends.
It was the culmination of a beautiful journey…that really started two years ago…new friends…new encounters…new experiences…intersecting with long time friendships…support from home…encouragement on the journey from so many….love abounding, joy overwhelming, grace so amazing.
The opportunity to listen carefully to others and to yourself…to quiet yourself for the insights that need to be made is essential for the journey of life…may you find this opportunity often…
“When you travel, you find yourself
Alone in a different way,
More attentive now
To the self you bring along,
Your more subtle eye watching
You abroad; and how what meets you Touches that part of the heart
That lies low at home:
How you unexpectedly attune To the timbre in some voice,
Opening in conversation
You want to take in
To where your longing
Has pressed hard enough
Inward, on some unsaid dark,
To create a crystal of insight
You could not have known
You needed
To illuminate
Your way.”
Buen Camino
Tripping Into Grace 