I know that many pilgrims feel nervous about traveling to the Camino alone and starting out alone. That’s how my guest this week, Jan, was feeling when she reached out to inquire about joining one of my groups.

As it turns out, she had a giant plot twist that nearly threw her Camino plans in the trash bin, and she ended up revising her plans to go on her own. But not without some trepidation.

It’s when these plot twists happen that we find out just how badly we want our Camino dream to become a reality. For Jan, there’s nothing she wants more. This is one determined pilgrim, and she suspects that this is going to be a hugely transformational journey for her.

If starting the Camino alone feels like a no-go for you, I can help. And your pilgrimage can start today, just by reaching out to let me know you want 2027 to be your Camino year.

There is space available in all 2027 Camino Experience groups. Dates and details available here.

I have the pleasure of leading two groups of first-time pilgrims from Saint Jean Pied de Port this year in September. If you'd like to see what starting your pilgrimage with the Camino Experience is all about or simply reminisce about your own Camino memories, please follow along.

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In this week's pilgrim conversation, Maura is in the process of writing her Camino story. I had the pleasure of speaking with her back in June, as she was getting ready for her pilgrimage.

Maura has had her share of nerves, mostly around how physically rigorous the pilgrimage is and whether she would be able to complete it, given the physical challenges she has experienced in the past five years. She has literally gone from the couch to the Camino in an inspiring story filled with determination, resilience, and family support.

Watch Nancy's message of walking with her shadow, setting intentions on the Camino, and slowing down to the pace of walking. Don't miss the songs before and after the message!

In the August 30 Sunday service at the Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa in California.

If you prefer not to watch the entire service, jump ahead to the 14:15 mark for the songs and the message.

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One of the trickiest descents on the Camino Francés comes on the first day or two, when you have to decide which route to take down the mountain into Roncesvalles. This video shows you how to choose the path that's right for you.

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Your pilgrimage can start today, just by saying yes and putting the dates on the calendar. Walk with me in May or September next year and let's get you off to a great start.

There is space available in all 2027 Camino Experience groups. Dates and details available here.

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

In my experience, plot twists are all part of the Camino experience. You make a plan, and then you leave home, board a flight to Europe, and see what happens. Then, inevitably, not everything goes according to plan.

Some plot twists we like, some we don’t. But it turns out that they are all part of the Camino experience.

This week on the podcast I am talking with Christine who had, shall we say, a pre-Camino plot twist. That’s a plot twist that happens long before you ever board your flight. It’s the one that takes your Camino dream on hold until . . . whenever.

The important part of this story is that Christine didn’t give up. And she even has a word to identify what’s happening as she counts down to her start date, makes her way to Europe, and takes on this potentially life-changing pilgrimage.

The word is my new favorite word. It’s a word you’ll use when you need to make a big change in your life and you discover that walking the Camino is the way to bridge the gap between the old and the new.

For many people, the hardest part isn't walking the Camino - it's taking that first step. And the idea of doing that alone can be daunting.

That's why I created the Camino Experience. We do this together, from the very first planning steps to our first steps out of Saint Jean Pied de Port and on to Pamplona.

Learn what it means to start your pilgrimage with the Camino Experience and to let me know you are interested here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/2027

Or you can email me here: nancy@thecaminoexperience.com

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast