Last month, we took a full three weeks to enjoy a bucket list trip to Spain and Portugal to walk The Camino de Santiago. We spent 10 days walking and then 10 days resting in Porto.
I can easily describe this trip as transformational. That is a word too often used for meaningless things like makeup and clothes these days. Here on the trails of the Camino Portugues, we find the real meaning. This walk systematically stripped away all the ego, the personas, to reveal that they were all just shells protecting me from the fear and heartbreak of my childhood; the last of the childhood traumas that I thought I had unpacked, but apparently did not.
Each shell of Who I Am was shattered via physical pain, mental challenges, and the like. I was cracked open, layer by layer until all that was left was the one thing I had not yet been willing or able to face; the heartbreak and fear of my father’s rejection. I faced it. I felt it. It hurt intensely. But as I kept feeling it, kept allowing it, and kept walking, it subsided. I have changed internally by this in ways I will likely never be able to put into words. The tangible result is now a complete lack of fear, and a new, higher and more foundational level of self-love and self-confidence.
I am really glad we built in the time to rest and integrate the experience. Having returned home, I have brought it all with me.
In terms of simple travel joys, I can attest that Galicia has some of the best wine in existence on this planet for just a few euros. At the same time, they live on nearly bread alone, and plenty of cigarettes. Protein was hard to find. In Porto, however, we found the very best of everything; the best food, the best wine, the best shopping, the best clothes, the best architecture, and wonderful people. I took a serious look at rental properties and hope to spend a number of months there again soon. Yes, it was that aligned with my soul. I cannot wait to get back!
Peace and Light!
Guru Kathryn
