What is an Intention?
This passage taken from the teachings of Joseph Campbell explains it quite well.
“Determine what it is that you need to focus on. It is this intent that will be mirrored back to you, through your experience, interactions with others and the land as well as your engagement with the process. The Journey begins and the gifts received can then be seen in this context, challenges also can be met in this context.”
Why set an Intention.
Living with intention deepens and enriches your experience of life, supporting you to see and hear what comes to you. Walking Camino is a great place to start seeing, feeling, and understanding the effects of setting an intention while away from your usual schedules and distractions of day-to-day life.
How to set an Intention for your Camino
Ask yourself before going on your Camino what can I gain, learn, or understand about my life.
When on Camino develop a ritual, perhaps while you are preparing your feet for example. Take this time to be mindful of why you are there and thank the spiritual energy (Gods, Angels, Ancestors whatever sits with your beliefs) for supporting you along the way. Then pay attention to conversations, thoughts, and feelings. See what ideas or memories bubble to the surface… carry a journal and pen with you to jot down any aha moments that come to you. Perhaps a different story for your life will unfold or maybe a new understanding of where you are in your life, and how you might want to move forward will become clear.
Before sleep each night give thanks for the day and all that was in it for you.
Keep your insights safe, they may not all make sense immediately. It may make sense in days, weeks, or months. The trick is to practice staying present.
When you get to your final Camino destination and turn around to go home, if you are not clear on your intention, please be patient and keep listening.
“It is not the end, yet the beginning, of an opportunity to be more authentic and true to you”
So you see, aside from the fresh air, breathtaking landscape, witnessing great historical monuments, villages, and cities, meeting the locals with their warm hospitality in a way that only a walking trip opens you to… you will also connect with Pilgrims from every corner of the planet. On top of all that you have a chance to open yourself to live differently and take the Camino home!
Buen Camino!
PS If you need any support around this topic please contact me here, I am only too happy to have a conversation with you!
