mariakoropecky by Maria Koropecky, Storytelling Coach, Pilgrim & Author
This past Saturday, I had the joy of participating in a 10K hike around Elk Lake/Beaver Lake with the Canadian Company of Pilgrims. It was a sunny morning and a beautiful opportunity to reconnect with fellow pilgrims and the Camino spirit!
This special walk was a celebration of St. James Day, celebrated on July 25, a day that holds deep significance for those of us who have gone on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage.
St. James Day honors St. James the Greater, one of Jesus’ 12 apostles and the patron saint of pilgrims. For 2000 years, pilgrims have walked the Camino de Santiago, a network of routes leading to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, where St. James is believed to be buried. This pilgrimage is a journey of spiritual discovery, reflection, personal growth and adventure!
It had been 5 years since I last participated in this St. James Day walk, which was a pivotal day in my Camino training before I set off to Spain in September 2019. Returning to this tradition brought back many memories and reminded me of the transformative power of pilgrimage and how far I’ve come in my life since then.
My ego has definitely softened, and I especially noticed that even when things upset me from time to time, I now have a spiritual practice that includes wellness walks in nature, prayer, meditation, crystals, essential oils, journaling, making videos, and talking with my friends that help me get through the rough patches faster.
I’m super grateful that I went on my Camino and I can’t wait to go again when the opportunity presents itself!
If you’re interested, you can read more about St. James Day in my book, “Closer to Indigo,” or watch the “Well • Come” chapter come to life in my TV series, “Saanich: Emerging Land; Emerging People,” on my YouTube channel.
And if you’re at all contemplating the idea of going on your own Camino and want some guidance, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to share my experience and answer any questions you may have.
In the meantime, Buen Camino!
#caminodesantiago #spiritualpractice #wellnesscoaching #pilgrim
