If we're not living, we're dying...

Rena and I have committed ourselves to the spiritual undertaking and physical challenge of the Camino De Santiago, a 780km journey on foot hiking a portion of the Pyrenees and across Northern Spain. Our Pilgrim passports arrived today, bringing the reality of our endeavour that much closer.



Completing the Camino has been looming around the number one slot of my bucket list for nearly a decade. I'd first heard mention of it in a book by Shirley Maclaine aptly titled "The Camino". More than intrigued, I felt, without explanation, called to its' allure. Over the years I stifled the desire, choosing instead to focus on my career, adding more ornaments to my possessions tree and somehow convincing myself I was having an authentic experience. After loosing my career, my alter identity, and having accumulated enough stuff that would satisfy most third world inhabitants, I lost all reasons of why not. I did not want my words to echo those of the insightful John Adams who on December 28, 1779 wrote this of the Camino; "I always regretted that we could not find time to make a pilgrimage to Saint iago de compostella."

Rena and I are not religious people. On the contrary, we question and criticize the role most all organized religions play in instilling fear and casting judgement while imposing divisive tactics and politics which drive further the wedges of intolerance and separation amongst all God's children. Historically, all religions have been less than kind to our people....women, mystics and gays, and for that alone we have little use for the various institutions. We are however, deeply spiritual and mindful of a higher power. We recognize and respect that religion is merely, for some, a doorway to spirit. We've grown to understand that deeply rooted spiritual rituals, elevate and expand one's consciousness, in spite of the religion they're associated with. Our travels and experiences have demonstrated that the essence, the spirit of intent of those who journeyed before, the voices of the ancients, have a profound power and impact and it is with that understanding, that we embark upon the Camino de Santiago.

Last night I busied myself by sewing a patch, identifying me as a pilgrim, on the backpack that will soon become an extension of me on this journey. After knotting the thread, I held the pack at arm's length to admire my handiwork. After placing all my personal affects in the pack, about thirteen pounds in total, I slung it onto my back envisioning a thirty five day hike. I looked at Rena for encouragement. "Tell me why we're doing this again?" I asked.
Without pause or deep thought her response was matter of fact. "Because Ash, if we're not living, we're dying."
And with that I realize how perfect life truly is.