Find a purpose, and you’ll find the meaning

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Q:  Why did the chicken cross the Road?
A:  Because Prugue decided to walk the full 800 kms of El Camino to supposedly find himself.  So this chicken figured crossing the road would be an easy alternative.

One question I’m regularly asked is, “Why El Camino?”  For some the answer is religious, while others it’s, while other’s is the physical challenge and endurance of walking 800 kms/500 miles.  My answer once was to challenge myself as part of MY own journey of self discovery. Being one who’s always erred on walking with purpose, releasing myself into a directionless state of vulnerability was never an option. But somehow, the further into the direction I planned, the more lost I felt.  And reading stories from others who’ve done El Camino, their trip sounded perfect trifecta.  Ironically, losing yourself in this state of vulnerability was a path in itself.

This last month away from home, however, opened doors previously left unseen or unnoticed.  As mentioned in previous blogs, fate has a funny way of reminding you that any sense of self control is but an illusion.  But equally, finding myself present for others; such as my 92 yo mother, or my sister who’d been diagnosed and fighting cancer successfully, or my sister in law who’d been fighting her own battle with cancer for some time; my answer as to why is becoming clearer.  Being present for others IS making yourself present to both others and yourself.

So, perhaps somewhat selfishly, I ask for a favour.  I will embark on this 800 km/500 mile journey in honour of those fighting for health: my mother, my sister, my sister in law.  And with your help, in honour of anyone whom you’d care to share with me.  I will carry their fight in my heart, just as I do my own family.  As I push myself deeper into this pilgrimage, I will hold their hearts close to mine.  So if you’d care to share their names with me, please send me a whatsapp/email/private message as I’ll promise to make myself present for them as well.

I embark in a few hours from here in St Jean Pied de Port, hoping to finish this 800 kms around mid May.  Been Camino!

Comments

  1. Gaby MatthewmanSunday, April 08, 2018

    Beautiful! You remind me of this Buddhist saying:
    "Irrigators channel waters;
    fletchers straighten arrows;
    carpenters shape wood;
    the wise master themselves". - Buddha

    ReplyDelete
  2. lynda bassSunday, April 08, 2018

    Enjoy this amazing journey. Look forward to updates :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jorge PrugueSunday, April 08, 2018

    Safe travels brother. The first 799 kms will be all you. For that last km, Monica, Nick, Bella, mom, sis, Paloma, and all your other loved ones will pull you through.

    ReplyDelete

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