limited time for a spiritual pilgrimage?

[Paul]

I am new to the forum and am very much hoping to have at least 2 weeks from 30th april 2012 .I feel drawn to the pilgrimage for the spiritual reasons you are discussing but wonder if 2 weeks is long enough? I think I am at a crossroads and unless I take early retirement from teaching before Easter this is all I may have next year!Any advice gratefully received.
Paul

[HuskyNerd]

Hi Paul ~
Two weeks is definitely enough to get a taste. If that's all the time you have available, it's definitely worth it to go. You can start from Leon and catch some of the best scenery along the Camino. I'm guessing you'll want to come back later and start much earlier, though, to get the full effect.

[Lipka149]

I feel drawn to the pilgrimage for the spiritual reasons you are discussing but wonder if 2 weeks is long enough?

Hi Paul -

Oh absolutely ! Sandy has a great post here about the spiritual aspect of the Camino and how to approach it. Give that some serious consideration and you will be well prepared to get the most out of 2 weeks. As with almost all of the advice given about the Camino, forethought and preparation go a long way towards making it a good experience. Enjoy the anticipation !

You might also want to try the Examen Prayer as a way to get in the spiritual frame of mind. It is St. Ignatius of Loyola's teaching on finding God in the business of daily life. I have been praying it <ahem> attempting to pray it for some months now and have found it to be a wonderful source of grace.

The Daily Examen – IgnatianSpirituality.com

Enjoy !

[Paul]

Hi Paul ~
Two weeks is definitely enough to get a taste. If that's all the time you have available, it's definitely worth it to go. You can start from Leon and catch some of the best scenery along the Camino. I'm guessing you'll want to come back later and start much earlier, though, to get the full effect.

Hi ,
Many thanks for your advice.Nearest airport to Leon?...also is it worth taking a small tent or should one rely on accomodation along the route?..I will start doing some research after the Christmas period and look at my options.
Paul

[Paul]

Many thanks. Have been engaged in some Buddhist practices recently,one of which is setting time aside to contemplate and reflect on one's day in order to engage mindfully with all others. This seems similar to idea behind The Examen?
Paul

[HuskyNerd]

Hi ,
Nearest airport to Leon?...also is it worth taking a small tent or should one rely on accomodation along the route?..
Paul

Leon has an airport of its own, but it may be easiest (and cheapest) to fly to Madrid and take a train (or bus) to Leon. No need for a tent -- there's plenty of inexpensive accommodation. Buen camino!

[Paul]

Leon has an airport of its own, but it may be easiest (and cheapest) to fly to Madrid and take a train (or bus) to Leon. No need for a tent -- there's plenty of inexpensive accommodation. Buen camino!

Many thanks Sandy
Paul

[netia]

Hi Paul,
Good luck and lots of happiness on your upcoming camino! I'm sure you will discover your spiritual self on your camino...it doesn't take long, believe me : )
If you really want to be in the zone, the walk from Burgos thru the Meseta, will do it! It's a little tough mentally but truly beautiful....the skies are endless and the silence is astounding. From there, you will have another week to discover some delightful towns.
Whatever way you choose to do it, will be right : )
Have lots of fun!
Happy wandering,
Netia

[Tanya Yaksich]

Hi,
I started from Leon. I took the bus from Madrid in the morning and spent the afternoon to sightsee. If you bus it, be warned, it's a 5 hour trip and there is no meal stop so take food !
Cheers Tanya