As a pilgrim the very act of walking over a long distance, forces you to shed things you no longer need. Anything which makes your rucksack feel too heavy on your shoulders, has to be discarded. From books to extra clothes - all must be let loose. The same is true for the inner baggage. The outdated beliefs and value systems. The conditioning of parents and society which kept you performing and delivering to please others. Being the dutiful daughter. The good wife. The over giving mother. The skilled employee. We all seek approval from others to prevent feelings of abandonment and grief overwhelming us. It’s a survival instinct. However when the survival instinct thwarts thriving and soul growth, change is required.

The sub conscious will let us know when it’s time to dispense with outmoded ways of being and believing, to ensure an inner peace. That inner peace often comes at a cost, since when we no longer seek the approval of others it often involves saying no to situations and people we once said yes to. We start putting ourselves first - because the consequence of not doing so impacts our energy and health.

Pilgrimage - set with the intention of the inner letting go of what no longer serves us - is a sacred act allowing our divinity to steer our path. It is the way of peace. Is it a challenge? Most certainly. Is it worth it? Most definitely? Can I do it? Absolutely. Buen Camino.