“Patience is the calm acceptance that things can happen in a different order than the one you have in mind.” – David G Allen
The Camino always teaches me something. It’s one of the many reasons I love it so much. At the moment, it’s giving me a lesson in patience and acceptance. Two things I don’t thrive at.
During my first Camino I didn’t take any days off. I sailed right through that sucker and loved it! On my second Camino, I took two days off because the person I was walking with had bad knees and I wanted to continue walking with him. For the third Camino, our group took one day off because we went to see a specific town off the trail and stayed an extra day to look around.
As of now, this is my second day off (in only 6 days) and I have at least one more to go per Dr. Dina’s recommendation. On the days off during my other Caminos, I was with other people I had met along the way. I had people to hangout with and not be left behind. On this Camino, I am alone. I’ve had to say goodbye and Buen Camino to all the people I’ve met so far.
This morning, everyone from the room I was staying in at the hostel said, “Buen Camino” and headed towards the trail. I stayed in the room until checkout and read. Don’t get me wrong, I love my alone time to recharge but I came here to walk and be in nature…and meet some other pilgrims. The plan is not going as I imagined.
While all the pilgrims are complaining about the physical lessons they are learning; sore muscles and getting up early. I am observing my own lesson of staying still and mentally/emotionally remaining calm. It’s quite interesting.
I’m not sad or even melancholy. My plans haven’t worked out the way I intend them to and I know I have to be patient, adjust and accept. I’m learning to do just that.
What’s that old saying?
I know I’ll be back on the trail in no time but sitting still is not my strong suit…especially if there is an adventure out there to experience! I’m a goer and a doer.
So instead of feeling bad about the situation, I knew I needed to make the most of the day while still honoring my body with a day of rest. I hobbled the short distance to the city park and sat in the grass and sunshine and read a book. Then I crossed the street to the shopping center…Orland the café owner who helped me yesterday, told me that it had a nice food court. I ate a delicious salad and continued reading my book. It was quite an enjoyable afternoon.
I’ve been back at the hostel since it reopened and I was greeted by Lucia, who said, “I’ve been looking for you! I’m glad you’re back.” That one kind comment was the icing on the cake and truly made my day. ❤️ It’s always the little things, isn’t it?
I’m in a different room tonight. Instead of four people, it’s me and seven Portuguese women who are on their way to Fatima for the celebration. They’ve all gone to dinner, leaving the wafting smell of menthol from the European version of Icy Hot in the air, and I am again alone, but not lonely. ❤️
Goodnight and much love from Portugal! 🇵🇹
Scenes from Day 6
Found a traffic mirror!
0,10€ to use the public toilet in the park.
A hands-free flush for the toilet at the mall. Genius.
