The Three Stages of the Camino

Just like the Camino itself has three different environments—different weather, different foliage, different difficulties—there are also three different emotional states a pilgrim goes through. I'd read about it, even spoken with experienced pilgrims about it, but I don't think one can truly understand until they experience it.

These three stages can be summarized as body, mind and heart. Each lasts about two weeks, in that order, but you also bounce between them.

Stage 1: Body

In the beginning, it's all about the body. You're just trying to get through the day. Your feet hurt, something always aches, and you're figuring out how to keep moving forward no matter what. It's not glamorous. It's a lot of "just put one foot in front of the other." But somewhere in there, you realize you're stronger than you thought.

I can attest to all of that. The beginning for me was filled with anxiety, stress, self doubt. I didn't know how to find my albergues at the end of the day. I didn't know anyone. I didn't know if I was doing it right (whatever that may mean). I didn't know what or when to eat. I got that blister even though I "never" get blisters.

But slowly you start talking to people, make Camino friends, discover they have all the same fears as you do (if they are first timers), their bodies hurt worse than yours perhaps. You start mastering Google Maps, you learn to relax a little more each day. You sit at the bars and enjoy the rest, you figure out that there is no hurry whatsoever. You actually start to enjoy the walking.

You realize it's all so simple—walk, eat, shower, sleep and do it all over again the next day and the next day and the next. Life is so simple on the Camino and I believe that is why people do it over and over again.

I cannot comment on Stages 2 or 3 yet because I am not there, although today I truly felt the peacefulness of the Camino come over me.

Stay tuned...