Circumstances and conditions I experienced during my first day of walking the Camino became metaphors in my view–metaphors that became very clear to me on the second day.

The wind and rain had been relentless. I needed the wind to chase away the grief, and I needed the rain to wash the sadness away. It felt good to walk the first 14 miles, and even as I woke up to the same damp clothes, I knew I had to go back out there and walk through the fragments of sadness again. As I walked the beautiful paths and steep hills, I was able to find the clarity needed to let go, and soon found comfort within myself. I felt humbled and thankful to move forward.

After another day of walking 14 miles, I noticed that I felt in balance on every level: emotionally, physically and spiritually. I became aware of the gifts of the Camino–I was able to receive the generosity of others, the strength to walk, and clarity of vision.

In my awareness I understood that I needed to walk through all the hurdles in order to let go. Only then was I able to receive.