I gave meaning to the Camino at the end, but the first important lessons came much earlier — along the way.
After two weeks of walking, I reached Hontanas — a tiny village about a solid day’s march past Burgos. The events and reflections connected with this place deserve several unhurried posts.
I had been walking to Hontanas in task mode: precise daily plan, defined distance,early start, short breaks.
And then suddenly, just before entering the village, a thought came:
Why am I rushing so much?
Nothing was waiting for my immediate attention. I was in another place and another time. I was on sabbatical. I could return home whenever I wanted.
It took me two weeks to notice. That I was somewhere else. That I could slow down. That I could look around consciously, experience everything and everyone in a more mindful way. That I could step out of my habitual way of being and doing.
Today, “slowing down” is one of the most important tools in my work. It allows curiosity to unfold, creates the space to calmly observe thoughts, to notice assumptions, beliefs, expectations, and biases. It opens up room for new perspectives and solutions.
This is one of the most important lessons of my Camino.
I will return to the next ones — also connected with Hontanas — unhurriedly, in a few days.