Reflections: The Camino Anniversary and Walking for Well-Being
- Jun 4
- 3 min read
My May Reflection
One year ago we embarked on a pilgrimage - The Camino De Santiago - the Way of St. James. Looking back on that pilgrimage it's interesting that I remember vividly not only the pilgrimage itself but everything leading up to it: my friend Maggie asking me to join her and her friend, talking about it with my husband- once I had committed to the trip, everything went full steam ahead. There wasn't any "...oh maybe I shouldn't go..." "what if's"..." Once the commitment was made there was no hesitation. I began my physically training, and deepened my emotional and spiritual preparation.
You can read about it here:
You can read about my friends, Maggie and Tammie's experience here:
Body - Back to Basics - (you guessed it, walking)
Reflecting upon my pilgrimage preparation, one thing that stood out to me was how I missed all of that walking. On pilgrimage we would rise early, say a group prayer, throw our gear on and, yes, you guessed it, start walking. There wasn't any discernment in what we should do - our mission was clear - continue walking on the Camino.
With that "I'm missing something" tugging at my core, I'm back to donning the weighted vest, walking at an incline on the treadmill. Additionally, golf season is in full swing so I have been fortunate to get in a few rounds per week while walking.
Walking and golfing gives me time to talk with friends while taking in the benefits of being outdoors. When I'm at the gym, I focus on using walking as a training discipline - more intensity - wearing additional weight immediately increases the intensity as does walking at an incline at a steady pace i.e. no lollygagging (in technical terms).
Challenge for you:
Are you noticing anything that you are "missing"? Do you need to "get back to basics" with your physical health? Spend some time thinking about what you can commit to this week.
Mind - Walking and Well-being
Walking can be so good for our overall health and well-being. Best-selling author, and social scientist, Arthur Brooks, sees walking as more than a physical experience. He views it as a foundational tool for mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being that slows the mind to the speed of the body, breaks our addiction to constant achievement, and fosters deep inner peace.
Here are four key benefits Brooks identifies we gain from walking:
Slowing the Mind - Modern high-performers are constantly striving and scanning for the next goal. Brooks notes that taking long, meditative walks—such as his 100-mile pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago—forces us to abandon the fruitless chase for external rewards. It allows the mind to slow down and shift out of achievement-mode into simple existence.
The "Savoring Walk" - Brooks advocates for making daily walks—especially after dinner—a deliberate habit. He practices what is known as the "savoring walk," which involves focusing on the positive events in your life while walking. This mindfulness practice helps magnify and prolong feelings of happiness
Strengthening Circadian Rhythms - Taking a walk in the evening, particularly as the sun goes down, supports your circadian rhythms. Exposure to natural light transitions helps the brain naturally shift into a restorative, resting state, while also helping to blunt post-meal blood glucose spikes.
Space for Reflection - Walking alone removes digital distractions and creates the perfect span of time for prayer, meditation, or focusing on the well-being of others. This quiet headspace naturally cultivates love, compassion, and a grounding in core personal values.
Challenge for you:
Go back and reread Brook's benefits of walking. I felt calmer just thinking about it. We need time and space to think and reflect. Let's focus on that this week.
Spirit - Nature Connects us to the Divine
I went back and re-read what I had written from my spiritual perspective of walking the Camino. That sums it up. We need nature to help ground us in spiritual clarity. Walking the Camino provided a way to slow down, practice gratitude, and to find the right rhythm to see the good in others.
Challenge for you:
Go for a walk. Notice how it adjusts your attitude and well-being.
Quote I’m re-reading:
"Success is often found by practicing the fundamentals everyone knows they should be doing, but find too boring or basic to practice routinely." ~ James Clear
To your reflection and health,
Lisa Schaffer
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See my last newsletter Body, Mind & Spirit…
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