I went to a book club gathering recently where we discussed
Jane Christmas’ What the Psychic Told the Pilgrim. After walking the Camino de Santiago last
year I have not read a single ‘pilgrim experience’ novel because now I have my
personal story and it is sacred to me. So when a member of the book club asked
me to join in on this one I was reluctant. But I loved this book! Maybe it had
something to with the fact that I could relate so completely with the author,
but I think that anyone, whether planning on walking the Camino or not, would
enjoy it. There was one little drawback from the read though. I started
reminiscing and feeling very sad because I want to return to the Camino so
badly. Now before you start thinking, “What? You crazy lady you’re going to
walk across Spain again?”; No, I’m not in a position to do that right now … but
I wish.
Two days ago I came home from work, sat in a chair in my
living room, and started to cry. I’m not a big crier and tend to stay positive
about every situation, thinking each challenge is really a new opportunity. But
this time I felt beat; mentally exhausted and worn down. You know the feeling
I’m sure. The reports, assessments, consultations, objectives, deadlines, were
swimming around in my mind and even though it was 5:00 Friday of a long weekend
I wept. So what did I do? I called my mother and said, “I’m going to Nova
Scotia”. That’s right; when life is getting you down sometimes the best answer
is to run away for a while, gain a new perspective and have some fun.
I woke up the next morning and instead of my usual Saturday
routine of market, laundry, cleaning; I sat down at my computer and booked a
flight that leaves for Halifax in 3 weeks. As soon as I had done it I started
to smile and then got a great deal on a car rental too. I feel renewed and a few years younger just
thinking about the adventure.
For anyone who has never taken a vacation by themselves, I
strongly recommend trying it one day. I learned the benefits of travelling
alone while walking the Camino. When you are not constantly engaged with
someone else you become engaged with the world. You see more, listen more, and
meet new and interesting people. You never have to negotiate ‘what to do next’ or wait for hours for
someone to browse in a shop you have no interest in. Travelling alone means
doing exactly what you want to do, when you want to do it; walking, driving,
sleeping, eating whenever you want. It’s paradoxically a complete hedonistic
and mind opening experience all in one.
That sounded a bit deep, but honestly, I know so many people who would
never think of travelling alone and I personally love the experience.
I will fly into Halifax and start driving along the South
Shore with no plan other than that. Spontaneity at it’s finest.
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It's amazing how our body responds in such a positive way when it knows we're making the right decision for our own physical and mental health!!
ReplyDeleteCatherine, have you read Jane's first book? She ran away, too, taking a sabbatical from the National Post by retreating to Pelee Island for the off-season, when only the few permanent residents are around. “The Pelee Project: One Woman's Escape from Urban Madness.”
ReplyDeleteLondon Public Libraries has 5 copies, 1 each at Central, Crouch, Masonville, Sherwood, and Westmount.
Having corresponded with Jane after reading that book, which I enjoyed so much, I jumped at “What the Psychic Told the Pilgrim,” and reading it became the start of my own Camino.