Please Play Nice!

[Leslie]

I realize that this topic can bring out the best and worst in us all. I have just added this forum after being asked for it.

It is fine to disagree with other - but there are ways to do so that are not offensive - lets try that and see if it works.

I am as close to atheistic as anyone I know - but I still felt something akin to spiritual feelings on the Camino, something I have tried to develop in my day to day life - for me it appears to take the form of realizing how well off I am and developing feeling of gratitude for my life.

Enjoy.

[Jan Ramsey]

I think this topic is paramount to my decision to even do THIS walk. Pilgrimage can happen in unexpected ways, for sure...but when I try to decide to start to walk an historic pilgrim trail, in a festival year, I too am curious and a bit nervous about how accepting groups of people will be. What is the importance of being a "church" person in today's world? That is part of the reason I want to walk. What is community and faith... for today's seekers of enlightenment, beauty and solitude that chose this particular journey. Thanks, Jan

[viclindal]

Just finished the book "The Path is Made by Walking" by Arthur Paul Boers.
This has given me great insight in to reasons for walking the Camino.
Boers covers the aspects of religion and spiritualy in a great way. I am not religious and reading this book has had me assess my plans. I now have a special reading from Sri Chinmoy to go for every day I plan to be on the Camino. Chinmoy until his death lead meditations at the UN. He has profound teachings and has book of readings for every day of the year. I have then dictated onto my ipod and plan to start every day with my reading and listening and then contimplating on the reading. Boers inspired me to take this approach (in directly through his book) He also made a great presentation in Victoria BC a couple of weeks ago.
Will report how my plan works.
Vic

[Lipka149]

I am as close to atheistic as anyone I know - but I still felt something akin to spiritual feelings on the Camino, something I have tried to develop in my day to day life - for me it appears to take the form of realizing how well off I am and developing feeling of gratitude for my life.

And so, my friend, are the feelings stronger, different, more well formed ?

It's been awhile since you posted this ... I would be interested to know how you have progressed along these lines based on your Camino experience, Forum feedback, and of course, Annie.