The weeks before our second walk of the Camino de Santiago, I began contemplating on what I would like to work on. It was not surprising that forgiveness emerged. Forgiveness comes in many layers, and I felt encouraged to work on going deeper.

To my surprise, other issues began surfacing. Acceptance also appeared…

My husband, Tom, and I spent the first three days of our Camino journey in Zurich, Switzerland. Our hotel was in the city’s oldest section and walking area—near museums, historical sights, and a tram that took us for a day trip to the Alps. We were already marathon-walking on our first day, pacing an astonishing 15 miles. We told ourselves that this was in preparation for the Camino, without anticipating we would soon be climbing the steepest of mountains—in rain, mud and unexpected exhaustion.

Our second flight was scheduled to take us to Biarritz, France. A driver was to bring us to our starting point of St. Jean Pied de Port, where our journey at the most difficult part of the Camino trail—in the French Pyrenees Mountains—was to begin.

The night before our flight, the host of our Zurich hotel suggested that we walk to the tram that would take us to the airport (we had intended to take a cab). That evening, we took the short walk down the hill to be certain we would be able to manage our luggage.

Up by 4 a.m., we approached the tram area in plenty of street light. Everything was fine—until I missed stepping off of the curb! As I was looking straight ahead, I missed it entirely. My luggage and I went flying into the air. An uncontrolled scream came from within and I landed in the street—my ankle twisted. My husband and a stranger came to my rescue to gently help me to my feet. The ankle hurt and pain traveled quickly up to my knee. I limped across the street with concerned help from Tom. “Are you okay?” In spite of the excruciating pain I was feeling, I answered a convincing “yes, I am fine.” I did not say another word as I would most certainly cry. Would I be able to walk the Camino the next day? Had I broken my ankle? For a moment, my thoughts were out of control.

I began “accepting”, focusing on asking for Divine Guidance and the personal connection I have to The Blessed Mother. I repeatedly told myself that I was going to be fine. I would not let myself think otherwise.

On our way to the airport, Tom and I applied our hands to my ankle to feel for the energy connection. We both felt strong, high-speed energy pulses in the ankle area. Not good. There was a significant imbalance and injury to my ankle. Still, I remained focused on a positive outcome.

I limped into the airport as we checked our luggage and sat down at a cafeé. I noticed that my foot was now swollen and placed it on Tom’s lap. I continued to ask for Divine Guidance and healing as he put his hand on my foot. This time, while making the connection, I felt a shift and change in the area that was injured. At that moment I wondered—did something in my ankle just move back into place? 

When you experience an injury, whether it is physical or emotional how do you care for yourself? If you have a physical injury, do you allow the pain to consume your thought process? Do you use the injury to get attention from others? Do you reach out for support? Do you soothe yourself with positive thinking? Do you focus on the healing of your mind, body and spirit?  

Next month’s blog will continue with my Camino experience—along with my swollen and sore ankle. Join me as I manage the healing process— physical, emotional, and spiritual.