The “walk” to Santiago in Spain was such a powerful experience in so many ways, on so many levels. It was a beautiful inner journey of discovery.

Two days before I began the walk I started to experience waves of grief. It was a surprise– I was shocked that such deep personal feelings surfaced. These feelings of grief were so strong that it took my appetite away for an entire day.

My previous post touched upon the anticipation of emotions that might emerge on the walk. Despite those expectations, I was broadsided by deep-seated powerful feelings. Through emotions that felt overwhelming, I continued to look within, trying to figure out how to deal with what surfaced. The response from my inner guidance was consistent: stay in your truth, stay away from anyone who is toxic, and stay in a place of love. I cried for 2 days releasing what I can only describe as deep seated sadness and loss.

Although I was surrounded by the beauty of nature the first 2 days of walking the releasing of emotional baggage was difficult. We– my husband and I– walked in the pouring rain and extreme cold wind. I clearly remember climbing a steep hill as the wind and rain hit my face like stinging pebbles. The cold wind was so painful at times, that it felt as though my hands were going to freeze off. Then, just as I thought,” How can I go on?” the rain and wind stopped; and within 30 minutes my body felt warm and comfortable again.

After walking our first 14 miles in the pouring rain, we looked for shelter in which to read the directions to our pension–only to discover that getting there required a steep climb up 40 long steps, followed by a walk through a river of still water.

Looking back I wonder how we did it………..we were guided every step of the way.