Wynette. The nature of the Camino is such that most people cannot dawdle much. Most people have fewer than five weeks and a goal to get from St. Jean to Santiago (500 miles) completely on foot. They have to start early each day and cover the miles fast to be sure to get a bed at the end of the day. I think that is such a cool thing to do. If I were younger or much fitter I would have loved to have that goal even though it would be a huge challenge.
Charlie and I have eight weeks and I am not up to the physical challenge of 15+ miles a day, so we’ve chosen to do a different kind of Camino. We are trying to be aware when we are rushing, whether when walking or packing or getting ready in the morning or doing the afternoon chores: charging phones, doing laundry, choosing and reserving next place to stay, maybe shopping for food and cooking a lunch or dinner. (Hard life!)
Sometimes we rush because we want to get out early to beat the heat or enjoy the early morning light, but mostly out of habit and when there is no good reason. When we are feeling rushed we might not stop to put on jackets even if cold. Or take them off when hot. Or tighten a shoelace. Or fix a hot spot that might become a blister. Or admire a church or bird or flower or view or a garden, building, cairn, or message some creative person left behind. Or chat with another pilgrim. (In this case it is usually they who are rushing past us.) Or chat with a local person. Or explore something interesting just off the path.
We both read a nice book about the Camino by Joyce Rupp named Walk in a Relaxed Manner. At first I thought that was a strange, awkward title but now I like it and it is my walking mantra. It sounds contradictory, but I know one can walk in a relaxed manner and still enjoy a brisk walk. One can get a lot done and still be relaxed. So, we are having fun exploring this.