This was the only one where I didn't travel alone. I went with my friend Pam, and her companionship greatly enhanced my experience. I knew this route would be the best one for Pam because she was not on a spiritual journey so much as a walk though the wonders of nature.The Primitivo wonderfully combines both the spiritual and the natural because the route is primarily mountain trails with far fewer cities than the other routes that I have walked. Unlike myself, Pam is very outgoing and makes new friends easily. Because of her friendly nature, I met many wonderful new friends along the way. But I still found myself walking alone somewhere behind Pam and other people because she was a slightly faster walker than I was. I was content to saunter along with my own thoughts and let them chatter about their lives, work, children and relationships.
I loved visiting the small chapels and majestic churches that dotted this original ancient pathway to Santiago de Compostela. Although I did stop and say a prayer for safety and peace many times along the way, I felt a lot different from the way I have felt on my other Caminos. I particularly felt a different sense of spirituality than on my earlier walks. I think on those I had more of a dedicated Roman Catholic focus. But I have experienced a lot of spiritual confusion in the last couple of years. I've traveled so much all over the world and met incredible people from many religions. I'm finding it difficult to cling to only one form of spirituality. Of course I still love the primary Christian teachings, but I see the beauty of most of the other religions and philosophies that I have encountered as well. I'm quite touched by the Buddhist philosophy of seeking to eliminate suffering from all living things, not just humans. There has been incredible turmoil in my own country lately, as well as in my own Catholic Church. It's difficult to get past the church cover-ups of priests abusing young children. Even more distressing is the way I've been watching those who claim to be Christians lash out with hatred towards those who are different. Whether it's those of other religions or those who practice different lifestyles. I see so many Christians passing judgment against homosexuals, the poor, immigrants desperately seeking asylum in our country, and suffering refugees. I can't grasp how this is the way to follow the teachings of Christ.
When I was a child my greatest fear was of Jesus, God, and Santa Claus! I was taught at a very early age that those three entities were able to know everything I was doing, and even more frightening, everything I was thinking. There were times that I was actually afraid of my own thoughts for fear of burning in some horrible fire somewhere in the depths of the earth. My travels and exposure to other philosophies have helped me to form my own sense of evolving spirituality.
I was in awe of the beauty of the mountains along the Camino Primitivo. Villages were frequently few and far between, but the trails were extraordinary. I delighted in feeling the crisp morning air sometimes shrouded in fog. My best friend once told me she believed in the church of the great outdoors. I was feeling quite a bit of that sentiment as I wandered along those peaceful paths, and ancient Roman roads, among the flowers, rivers and trees.
It is impossible to not be in awe of the magnificence of the cathedrals and churches along the way. The art of those times reflects the dedication people had for their religion. But it's hard not to feel some sadness when I think about all the gold and riches that are in the churches, while so often the people are in a state of dire poverty. I'm not sure Jesus would approve of all the riches, but there is no doubt the art is breathtakingly beautiful. The Cathedral in Santiago was spectacular and awe-inspiring as always.
I'm sure I will one day walk a few more of the Camino trails and further contemplate the wonders of this world.
