The aphorism goes, “the pilgrimage only begins in Compostela,” or something to that effect, suggesting that the changes initiated by our walk have only just taken root and still have far to go. The latest episode of the Camino Podcast focuses on the challenge of bringing it home:
Episode 34 – How Strange It Will Be To Come Home: While walking the Camino de Santiago is demanding in and of itself, the completion of pilgrimage poses a special challenge. The mixed emotions a pilgrim often feels when arriving in Santiago are often a precursor to the prolonged slump that can occur at home. This episode focuses on the process of return, and the steps a pilgrim can take to make their pilgrimage a genuinely transformative experience–should they so desire it! Alexander John Shaia, author of Returning from Camino, offers practical advice alongside of his own story, to help guide pilgrims through each part of the process. He is followed by Ginny Bartolone, whose own story of facing anxiety and depression on pilgrimage lends further insight into the healing journey.
Check out the additional links below for more information:
Alexander John Shaia: You can find Alexander’s work at Quadratos. The site includes a number of videos, in which Alexander lays out his insights, and a series of other podcast interviews. His book, Returning from Camino, is available on his site and also from Amazon.
Ginny Bartolone: Ginny’s homepage is Maybe There Will Be Cupcakes, where you can read about her most recent pilgrimage on the Camino Portugués. You can find the xojane article that we discussed here.
Other Thoughts on Re-Entry: The topic of returning home from pilgrimage is much-discussed. If you’re struggling, you aren’t alone. Check out these threads in the Camino Forum to see how other pilgrims have discussed this. And here are a few more perspectives, for good measure!
