Great metaphors for life as always. The backpack weight on ones shoulders equalling the weight on ones soul, that become lighter the more we cast of that internal shadow and embrace our own lightness of being no matter where we are or where we wander on our journey.
I love your metaphors as always, and I get what you are saying, although my first thought was 'true pilgrims don't judge other pilgrims'. I take your point about touragrinos, but I think on this subject it Is sufficient to talk of the backpack as your companion and perhaps your fears. Many of us walk in more advanced years or are carrying an injury, whether visible or invisible, whereby having the pack carried can mean the difference between completing or not. The only requirement for a pilgrim is to walk. Not to stay in albergues or carry the pack the whole way. Those who are not carrying their packs walk their own camino with their own burdens and they are no less a pilgrim for that. Yes there are those, with or without the pack who walk without reverence for the traditions of the Camino, who treat it as a cheap holiday, or as some inferior comparison with the great American trails. For me, the pilgrimage aspect is not about the physical attributes, but the inner process that comes from walking across an entire country, and in the end to glance up and note that the alpha and omega symbols are reversed on Santiago cathedral to symbolise that the end of the Camino is the start of the journey.
I agree with your point of course, and I qualified my argument by saying that if you are physically not capable to carry your backpack, by all means have it shipped. This isn’t supposed to be torture. And I like the fact that there is this possibility - I’ve used just a few days ago when my knee forced me to. But there are many, who could, but who won’t out of comfort. But it’s their loss really. “Touragrinos” is it a good one I’ll remember that one 😅
Stellar. Profound and skilled commentary as always. I was quite pleased to see a longer video today, but then, when it ended, I felt a bit sad. I realized through watching this video that your Camino series is my dream movie or maybe I should say the Camino is my dream movie or maybe just the Camino is my dream. It doesn't have any of the manufactured highs and lows of a movie, it's just the Camino which is perfect. The Camino is the perfect backdrop, the perfect storyline, the perfect plan, the Camino always nourishes the brain, the body, the spirit. Things will always be going on, people, food, animals, weather and the journey continues......
thank you so much, Blake. As always, your kind words of encouragement are much appreciated. you’re touching up on the point that is very important to me, and that is to show what ‘is’. my aim is to create a very close semblance to what it is like to walk the Camino. It will always be a subjective point of view, of course, but so would anyone’s. and I can’t stand manufactured drama for clicks or views. You won’t get that on my channel. Can’t risk those six star ratings. once the Camino starts calling, you can’t un-hear it… just sayin’ 😅 having a camino breakfast of eggs, chorizo, bread right now
@@storiestellr I think you're achieving your goal of creating what is. ****** Six stars. It does seem like a Camino call doesn't go away and will often start calling more often after doing the Camino. Your breakfast sounds great. This morning I realized that for a while I have only called it the Camino as opposed to the Camino de Santiago.
There is the danger of nominating a prescriptive pilgrimage when you lose focus on your own journey and start to evaluate others if they wear a backpack or not and their reasons, be they legitimate or not-according to you or me. My journey may have great spiritual meaning and the next person may see it nothing more than a frivolous stroll with a baggage service in hand. That is something you can never control as its increasing popularity will dilute its original intent and it feels like the circus has come to town. Perhaps the less popular routes may find a more meaningful experience.
very well said, thanks! it’s a tricky subject, to be sure… I think what makes me a tad judgmental is the fact that there are so many “Florida Travel Groups” who basically get carried whole from one section to the next. That’s a farce (and maybe another video 😨🥶)
This is beautiful footage! You also explain beautifully what the weight of the backpack means to you. As a viewer with two loved ones currently walking the Camino, I understand! I think another weight on this journey for you is the concept of competition with others who approach the Camino differently (perhaps for a secular adventure, tourism, publicity-- an inevitable thing in today's world, I think). This weight may become a larger test of spiritual endurance for many devout people, not only on the Camino but in our daily lives. Let us all pray for each other to rise above and continue, at times being a leader through example to those we aren't even aware are watching.
A backpack, a dystopian vision of a deserted village and a vibrant Sunday morning-all in a days walk on the Camino! A metaphor? You got me thinking. Buen Camino.
Thx for another great theme on the camino; 😜😝 my highlight 2 years ago was a bus full of pilgrims, somewhere in the desert in front of me. Stopping. All out. No backpacks. All are friendly and happy te be a few miles on the camino! Without judging, very nice to see! 😇🤩 Yo e tu. No comparison. Buen camino to all u see today!
I understand your point but I don't agree with it. There is no "right way" to do the Camino. Choosing not to carry your full pack (for whatever reason) doesn't mean you're dishonoring the Camino or your experience. This sounds very judgmental. I recall your last Camino also held judgements toward people who started their Camino at Sarria. Why so little acceptance for people who do things differently than you do?
Because I’m human and every human has opinions (just as you do right now by the way ) there is no right way to do it, of course. but it is my opinion that if you have no physical impediment to carry your backpack, you should carry it. no one‘s going to give you a failed grade for not carrying it. But I’m just saying if you don’t, you’re missing out. And that’s an opinion I’m entitled to, just as you are to yours…
Ooh… contentious subject. Well, I forwarded my backpack from Day 5 onwards on my Camino last year. That day, I bumped into a 71-year-old lady who was carrying too much and I was able to take some load off her. We walked together the rest of day and remain friends to this day. Everyone’s Camino is different. It’s not a race between pilgrims. Thank God for that! I mean, I was already at a disadvantage with my short legs! 😂 Everyone has his/ her own journey to walk. I did not do Camino to prove anything to anyone. It was my journey - with my own thoughts and conversations to be had with myself. It was not a battle to fight, hence no shield needed. To each his/ her own. I was happy to do it my way. N I’m glad you’ve decided to do it your way. Buen Camino!
Ola, nach einigen Tagen war der Rucksack auch für mich ein wichtiger Teil. Er fühlte sich auch immer leichter an. Ich wäre nie auf die Idee gekommen, ihn transportieren zu lassen. Zudem schützte er mich in Pamplona, als ich bei nasser Strasse auf den Rücken stürzte. So hatte ich auch als Überschrift meines Caminos gewählt: Omnia mea mecum porto „All meinen Besitz trage ich bei mir“
sehr cool, danke für die schöne anekdote… ich finde auch, er fühlt sich wie ein Teil von mir an. Hatte neulich wegen Knie vorweg geschickt, fühlte mich an dem Tag aber nackt 🤣
Ooooh. This one is going to be controversial. Personally I agree with you, but a lot of people get very upset when they detect "judgement" - often oblivious to the fact that they too judge the people who they perceive to be judgemental! If we are honest, I think we all judge at some level. Anyway, another excellent video. Thank you. By the way, it looks like you are having nice weather there, unlike rainy Ferrol from where I set out tomorrow. Buen camino.
yeah prepare for impact… 🥶 and i’ve qualified my opinion with some obvious exceptions (I forgot to mention rain though - a good reason to ship). But in general, I’ll stick to my point. You’re making great points, thanks - and it’s taught here too now 😨😂 buen camino! ⛅️
Carrying you backpack or having it forwarded to your destination ? Whatever suits … as long as the heart is in the Camino, I think. The same applies to bus or taxi rides to gap over a stage or even just a few km. Also a shorter Camino such as, say the Ingles, ought to be appreciated if the pilgrim does it with a good and open spirit … and his heart in it. When I cycled from Samos to Portomarin I came across the hundreds of pilgrims having started in Sarria. By then I had clocked up some 2.400 km. Of course I found it annoying, as I felt banned to that strange EuroVelo route. Too many people on the Camino-trail … and they didn’t even carry their stuff. Yes, for a moment I even was angry. They were all happily skipping along and wouldn‘t even step aside, when the Camino and the EV3 were shared in sections. I had to push my fully loaded bike amongst them, and they happily and loudly chatted away. But then, what the heck, I thought, they just want to have some fun, maybe will discover something new, and their fresh enthusiasm showed me that most of them actually did have their hearts in it. So. Be and let be. I know exactly what you mean though about carrying your pack and others rush past and potentially are competition for your bed. One has those thoughts from time to time, also on the Camino … as for „normal life“ we are trained to be competitive. Begins at school … who is the fastest, who is the strongest, who is the whatever … But don‘t worry. Just do the Camino your style. You must do what feels right for you. Never mind the others. And yes, an initially super heavy backpack will simply become part of you and hardly felt by week three. 😊
Well I do wonder where you found a set of rules....my understanding is that there are no rules. If you want a Compostela you have to walk the last 100km or cycle/horseride the last 200km. Anything else is entirely personal. I think this would be a far more effective video if you qualified it by stating it's your own opinion.
I said there was a rule to that effect, and of course it’s my opinion. listen to my reasoning: what I’m saying is you’re missing out if you don’t carry (exceptions notwithstanding).
Great metaphors for life as always. The backpack weight on ones shoulders equalling the weight on ones soul, that become lighter the more we cast of that internal shadow and embrace our own lightness of being no matter where we are or where we wander on our journey.
I was trying to come up with a smart reply to your comment but i could, because you said all there is to say 😃
I love your metaphors as always, and I get what you are saying, although my first thought was 'true pilgrims don't judge other pilgrims'. I take your point about touragrinos, but I think on this subject it Is sufficient to talk of the backpack as your companion and perhaps your fears. Many of us walk in more advanced years or are carrying an injury, whether visible or invisible, whereby having the pack carried can mean the difference between completing or not. The only requirement for a pilgrim is to walk. Not to stay in albergues or carry the pack the whole way. Those who are not carrying their packs walk their own camino with their own burdens and they are no less a pilgrim for that. Yes there are those, with or without the pack who walk without reverence for the traditions of the Camino, who treat it as a cheap holiday, or as some inferior comparison with the great American trails. For me, the pilgrimage aspect is not about the physical attributes, but the inner process that comes from walking across an entire country, and in the end to glance up and note that the alpha and omega symbols are reversed on Santiago cathedral to symbolise that the end of the Camino is the start of the journey.
I agree with your point of course, and I qualified my argument by saying that if you are physically not capable to carry your backpack, by all means have it shipped. This isn’t supposed to be torture. And I like the fact that there is this possibility - I’ve used just a few days ago when my knee forced me to. But there are many, who could, but who won’t out of comfort. But it’s their loss really. “Touragrinos” is it a good one I’ll remember that one 😅
Stellar. Profound and skilled commentary as always. I was quite pleased to see a longer video today, but then, when it ended, I felt a bit sad. I realized through watching this video that your Camino series is my dream movie or maybe I should say the Camino is my dream movie or maybe just the Camino is my dream. It doesn't have any of the manufactured highs and lows of a movie, it's just the Camino which is perfect. The Camino is the perfect backdrop, the perfect storyline, the perfect plan, the Camino always nourishes the brain, the body, the spirit. Things will always be going on, people, food, animals, weather and the journey continues......
thank you so much, Blake. As always, your kind words of encouragement are much appreciated. you’re touching up on the point that is very important to me, and that is to show what ‘is’. my aim is to create a very close semblance to what it is like to walk the Camino. It will always be a subjective point of view, of course, but so would anyone’s. and I can’t stand manufactured drama for clicks or views. You won’t get that on my channel. Can’t risk those six star ratings.
once the Camino starts calling, you can’t un-hear it… just sayin’ 😅
having a camino breakfast of eggs, chorizo, bread right now
@@storiestellr I think you're achieving your goal of creating what is. ****** Six stars. It does seem like a Camino call doesn't go away and will often start calling more often after doing the Camino. Your breakfast sounds great. This morning I realized that for a while I have only called it the Camino as opposed to the Camino de Santiago.
The real pilgrimage is the journey within. Wisdom to carry along the way thank you!
There is the danger of nominating a prescriptive pilgrimage when you lose focus on your own journey and start to evaluate others if they wear a backpack or not and their reasons, be they legitimate or not-according to you or me.
My journey may have great spiritual meaning and the next person may see it nothing more than a frivolous stroll with a baggage service in hand. That is something you can never control as its increasing popularity will dilute its original intent and it feels like the circus has come to town.
Perhaps the less popular routes may find a more meaningful experience.
very well said, thanks! it’s a tricky subject, to be sure…
I think what makes me a tad judgmental is the fact that there are so many “Florida Travel Groups” who basically get carried whole from one section to the next. That’s a farce (and maybe another video 😨🥶)
This is beautiful footage! You also explain beautifully what the weight of the backpack means to you. As a viewer with two loved ones currently walking the Camino, I understand! I think another weight on this journey for you is the concept of competition with others who approach the Camino differently (perhaps for a secular adventure, tourism, publicity-- an inevitable thing in today's world, I think). This weight may become a larger test of spiritual endurance for many devout people, not only on the Camino but in our daily lives. Let us all pray for each other to rise above and continue, at times being a leader through example to those we aren't even aware are watching.
thank you so much for your kind comment! i’m glad it makes sense to you. buen camino to your loved ones, maybe i’ll give across them! ☀️
Hello. Your videos are so beautifully shot. Thank you for all the work you put into it. 😊
A backpack, a dystopian vision of a deserted village and a vibrant Sunday morning-all in a days walk on the Camino! A metaphor? You got me thinking. Buen Camino.
…. never a dull moment! 😅
Thx for another great theme on the camino; 😜😝 my highlight 2 years ago was a bus full of pilgrims, somewhere in the desert in front of me. Stopping. All out. No backpacks. All are friendly and happy te be a few miles on the camino! Without judging, very nice to see! 😇🤩 Yo e tu. No comparison. Buen camino to all u see today!
😂😂 yeah those travel groups are truly something … “else” 😩
I understand your point but I don't agree with it. There is no "right way" to do the Camino. Choosing not to carry your full pack (for whatever reason) doesn't mean you're dishonoring the Camino or your experience. This sounds very judgmental. I recall your last Camino also held judgements toward people who started their Camino at Sarria. Why so little acceptance for people who do things differently than you do?
Because I’m human and every human has opinions (just as you do right now by the way )
there is no right way to do it, of course. but it is my opinion that if you have no physical impediment to carry your backpack, you should carry it. no one‘s going to give you a failed grade for not carrying it. But I’m just saying if you don’t, you’re missing out.
And that’s an opinion I’m entitled to, just as you are to yours…
Oh no, has the cookie monster been tamed 🤪
🫠 it can’t be!!
Ooh… contentious subject. Well, I forwarded my backpack from Day 5 onwards on my Camino last year. That day, I bumped into a 71-year-old lady who was carrying too much and I was able to take some load off her. We walked together the rest of day and remain friends to this day. Everyone’s Camino is different. It’s not a race between pilgrims. Thank God for that! I mean, I was already at a disadvantage with my short legs! 😂 Everyone has his/ her own journey to walk. I did not do Camino to prove anything to anyone. It was my journey - with my own thoughts and conversations to be had with myself. It was not a battle to fight, hence no shield needed. To each his/ her own. I was happy to do it my way. N I’m glad you’ve decided to do it your way. Buen Camino!
…this ⬆️ is the way! 😅
@@storiestellr 🤣
Ola, nach einigen Tagen war der Rucksack auch für mich ein wichtiger Teil. Er fühlte sich auch immer leichter an. Ich wäre nie auf die Idee gekommen, ihn transportieren zu lassen. Zudem schützte er mich in Pamplona, als ich bei nasser Strasse auf den Rücken stürzte. So hatte ich auch als Überschrift meines Caminos gewählt: Omnia mea mecum porto „All meinen Besitz trage ich bei mir“
sehr cool, danke für die schöne anekdote… ich finde auch, er fühlt sich wie ein Teil von mir an. Hatte neulich wegen Knie vorweg geschickt, fühlte mich an dem Tag aber nackt 🤣
Ooooh. This one is going to be controversial. Personally I agree with you, but a lot of people get very upset when they detect "judgement" - often oblivious to the fact that they too judge the people who they perceive to be judgemental! If we are honest, I think we all judge at some level.
Anyway, another excellent video. Thank you. By the way, it looks like you are having nice weather there, unlike rainy Ferrol from where I set out tomorrow.
Buen camino.
yeah prepare for impact… 🥶 and i’ve qualified my opinion with some obvious exceptions (I forgot to mention rain though - a good reason to ship). But in general, I’ll stick to my point.
You’re making great points, thanks - and it’s taught here too now 😨😂
buen camino! ⛅️
You should think about doing talks on the subject of the Camino in order to reach further (o:
hmmm… but who would
would listen?
@@storiestellr Evening school, church meetings, library lectures etc.
Carrying you backpack or having it forwarded to your destination ? Whatever suits … as long as the heart is in the Camino, I think. The same applies to bus or taxi rides to gap over a stage or even just a few km. Also a shorter Camino such as, say the Ingles, ought to be appreciated if the pilgrim does it with a good and open spirit … and his heart in it.
When I cycled from Samos to Portomarin I came across the hundreds of pilgrims having started in Sarria. By then I had clocked up some 2.400 km. Of course I found it annoying, as I felt banned to that strange EuroVelo route. Too many people on the Camino-trail … and they didn’t even carry their stuff. Yes, for a moment I even was angry. They were all happily skipping along and wouldn‘t even step aside, when the Camino and the EV3 were shared in sections. I had to push my fully loaded bike amongst them, and they happily and loudly chatted away.
But then, what the heck, I thought, they just want to have some fun, maybe will discover something new, and their fresh enthusiasm showed me that most of them actually did have their hearts in it. So. Be and let be. I know exactly what you mean though about carrying your pack and others rush past and potentially are competition for your bed. One has those thoughts from time to time, also on the Camino … as for „normal life“ we are trained to be competitive. Begins at school … who is the fastest, who is the strongest, who is the whatever … But don‘t worry. Just do the Camino your style. You must do what feels right for you. Never mind the others. And yes, an initially super heavy backpack will simply become part of you and hardly felt by week three. 😊
you’re right, of course… 🚲 🐈
@@storiestellr no, no, no - not „of course“. It‘s just an opinion, and there may be many different ones 😊
My backpack was only 3kg. I guess you would have judged me wrong. Shame on you!
😜🤜🏼🤛🏼
Well I do wonder where you found a set of rules....my understanding is that there are no rules. If you want a Compostela you have to walk the last 100km or cycle/horseride the last 200km. Anything else is entirely personal. I think this would be a far more effective video if you qualified it by stating it's your own opinion.
I said there was a rule to that effect, and of course it’s my opinion. listen to my reasoning: what I’m saying is you’re missing out if you don’t carry (exceptions notwithstanding).
Hello. Your videos are so beautifully shot. Thank you for all the work you put into it. 😊
thank you Danielle, i’m glad they’re getting appreciated by viewers like you ☀️