I have been asking participants at my workshops to define pilgrimage since 2009, after I first completed the Camino de Santiago. None of the workshop participants were scholars, much less pilgrimage theorists; most had never given pilgrimage or what it means to be a pilgrim much thought. Yet, most all understand the basic premise of pilgrimage. Generally, they defined pilgrimage as a sacred journey with a purpose, one that requires vision, focus, and perseverance to complete.[1] They also generally agree that pilgrims seek and share a common experience: enlightenment through sacrifice, effort, focus, and solitude. They can also often define pilgrimage, by what it is not. It is not a trip for relaxation. It requires effort. Nor is it a journey to “get away” and forget life for a while. It is a mindful journey, one that requires thought, even deep contemplation of what life is, why it matters, what direction it should take, etc.
Crucially, pilgrimage extends beyond a mere physical journey; it encapsulates a mindful exploration that requires profound contemplation of life’s meaning, direction, and significance. A pilgrimage, they assert, is not a leisurely escape; it demands effort, sacrifice, and an intentional engagement with the journey’s spiritual dimensions.
To better determine how pilgrims experience pilgrimage, I conducted a survey between November 5th to 20th, 2023.[2] The results reveal compelling aspects of pilgrims’ experiences and perspectives about pilgrimage. Beyond the surface-level question of whether they perceive their journey as a vacation or pilgrimage, the survey aimed to uncover the motivations propelling them forward. Responses illuminate distinguishing factors, indicating that pilgrims undergo a profound connection with the sacred, characterized by sacrifice, effort, focus, and solitude. These elements collectively shape an enlightening pilgrimage experience, setting it apart from all other forms of conventional travel. It reveals the many essential aspects of pilgrimage spirituality.
The results of the survey are expanded below.
Motives: When asked “What motivated you to participate in the pilgrimage (check all that apply),” 73.09 of the respondents said that personal reflection was their motive; 65.72% said they did it for spiritual growth; and 65.16% did it for the physical challenge. The graph below shows all the responses:
| ANSWERS | RESPONSES |
| Spiritual growth | 65.72% #232 |
| Religious devotion | 16.71% #59 |
| Cultural or historical exploration | 48.44% #171 |
| Personal reflection | 73.09% #258 |
| Physical challenge | 65.16% #230 |
| Healing from trauma, life changes, etc | 28.05% #99 |
| Connect with nature | 41.64% #147 |
| Other (please specify) “Time with family #16 Adventure/challenge/motivation #9 Virtual during pandemic/to help a good cause during pandemic #9 Others #15 | 13.88% #49 |
Spiritual Growth: 67.87% of respondents reported that they had specific expectations, for personal and/or spiritual growth for making their pilgrimage. While responses varied greatly, several common themes, in order of frequency of responses, included:
To grow closer to God or strengthen faith or spirituality.
To find clarity, contemplation, inner peace, mindfulness.
A physical or personal challenge
Healing from a physical or emotional trauma or event.
Seeking a new beginning in life.
To commune with or grow closer to others.
Actions: An even bigger differential than setting goals or expectations prior to their pilgrimage, that distinguishes pilgrimage from a simple trip, was what the individual did to prepare for what they did during the journey to help meet or discover their purpose for going on pilgrimage. 91.38% of respondents reported doing something different, specifically aimed at increasing their positive experience while on pilgrimage. When asked “What actions did you take before and/or during your pilgrimage to meet your personal or spiritual growth goals?” respondents’ top five responses (outside of physical preparation) included:
Prayer for self or others.
Reading scriptures, devotionals, history, blogs, YouTube, etc.
Meditation/mindfulness.
Sharing with others.
Attending religious/worship service or practice.
Mindful Reflection to Find Purpose: Among the many comments made in the survey, two resonated with me, echoing a shared theme expressed by many in the Pilgrimage Experience Survey, and my own personal experience on eight memorable pilgrimages. One respondent beautifully articulated, “It opened my eyes and heart to experience personal growth in other areas of my life.”[3] Another participant offered a unique perspective, sharing, “the realization that silence is necessary for real thinking.”[4]
The complete results of the survey are found below:
Q1 Have you ever participated in a pilgrimage route (actual or virtual)?
Answered: 58 Skipped: 1
| ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES | |
| Yes | 98.28% 57 |
No 1.72%
Q2 If yes, which pilgrimage route did you participated in (check all that apply)?
Answered: 58 Skipped: 1
| ANSWER CHOICES | RESPONSES | |
| Camino de Santiago – Spain, France, Portugal or Other | 81.03% | 47 |
| The Via Francigena – The UK, France, Switzerland, and/or Italy | 39.66% | 23 |
| St. Olof’s Way – Norway | 1.72% | 1 |
| Kumano Kodo or Shikoku – Japan | 3.45% | 2 |
| The Appalacian Trail – USA | 1.72% | 1 |
Other (please specify)
32.76% 19
Q3 What motivated you to participate in the pilgrimage (check all that apply)?
Answered: 58 Skipped: 1
| ANSWER CHOICES | RESPONSES | |
| Spiritual growth | 56.90% | 33 |
| Religious devotion | 24.14% | 14 |
| Cultural or historical exploration | 53.45% | 31 |
| Personal reflection | 74.14% | 43 |
| Physical challenge | 68.97% | 40 |
| Healing from trauma, life changes, etc | 22.41% | 13 |
| Connect with nature | 53.45% | 31 |
Other (please specify)
15.52% 9
Q4 Did you have any specific expectations or personal or spiritual growth goals for your pilgrimage? If so, what were they?
Answered: 305 Skipped: 52
| # | RESPONSES | DATE |
| 1 | Enjoy the nature of the walk. | 11/19/2023 10:13 AM |
| 2 | no | 11/16/2023 2:41 PM |
| 3 | No | 11/16/2023 2:29 AM |
| 4 | To leave a legacy for my family, that an older person can take on a difficult challenge, to be present and see what The Camino has to teach me, and take on a physical challenge. | 11/14/2023 12:55 PM |
| 5 | Search for clarity | 11/13/2023 8:00 AM |
| 6 | Contemplation of life, life events | 11/12/2023 3:17 PM |
| 7 | No | 11/12/2023 10:37 AM |
| 8 | I wanted to find some inner peace | 11/11/2023 7:26 AM |
| 9 | To keep up with my family members, finish on time & enjoy the experience! | 11/10/2023 2:31 PM |
| 10 | To see the pictures of the route as I accomplished the mileage | 11/10/2023 7:42 AM |
| 11 | That I could make a dream of mine become reality rather than just a bucket list item. | 11/10/2023 6:51 AM |
| 12 | To challenge me physically and emotionally in order to improve | 11/10/2023 6:36 AM |
| 13 | To be open to the experience, and to commune with my spiritual guides along the way. | 11/10/2023 6:15 AM |
| 14 | Just wanted to feel at peace and gain confidence i | 11/9/2023 10:43 PM |
| 15 | Both physical Caminos were healing – after cancer and chemo brain injury, then again after DV victimization and traumatic divorce. The virtual ones helped during covid to frame my exercise in spiritual time and reflection. | 11/9/2023 10:24 PM |
| 16 | Just to walk | 11/9/2023 10:16 PM |
| 17 | Reflect deeper on my inner self | 11/9/2023 9:50 PM |
| 18 | It was the time in my life to let go of who I no longer was…the broken pieces that I had carried for decades that no longer fit. | 11/9/2023 8:41 PM |
| 19 | Help in making life-changing decision. | 11/9/2023 6:38 PM |
| 20 | No…just wanted to be open to all experiences and awarenesses. | 11/9/2023 6:15 PM |
| 21 | None | 11/9/2023 4:16 PM |
| 22 | No expectations but blessings and wonders unfolded | 11/9/2023 2:08 PM |
| 23 | Walked to grow closer to God, I had felt disconnected and not praying or reaching for Him in good and bad. | 11/9/2023 12:57 PM |
| 24 | I didn’t have specific expectations but along the way I was able to clearly see what my desire for life was, how I wanted to approach and build my destiny | 11/9/2023 9:21 AM |
| 25 | 1. Deepen my spirituality through intentional contemplation each day; learn more about myself; find my purpose in retirement; be open for moments of joy. | 11/9/2023 8:58 AM |
| 26 | Gain greater solidity and sense of God’s presence in ordinary life patterns and practices | 11/9/2023 8:51 AM |
| 27 | I wanted to see how God would take take of me through every situation and learn never to be afraid. | 11/9/2023 7:44 AM |
| 28 | No, I was opened to the experience | 11/9/2023 6:57 AM |
| 29 | I wanted to have time and space to be with myself and God. | 11/9/2023 5:42 AM |
| 30 | No | 11/9/2023 5:39 AM |
| 31 | none | 11/9/2023 5:03 AM |
| 32 | Only to finish…. | 11/9/2023 12:24 AM |
| 33 | No | 11/8/2023 10:47 PM |
| 34 | I needed time on my own. Hoped to heal from a concusion – to be able to have more focus and concentration after my pilgrimage. | 11/8/2023 10:09 PM |
| 35 | Mid life priorities and reflection | 11/8/2023 9:25 PM |
| 36 | I just felt that there was something there to learn about myself | 11/8/2023 9:23 PM |
| 37 | Not really … just let the Camino come to me | 11/8/2023 7:35 PM |
| 38 | Continue to grow spirituality; let go of the things that no longer serve me. | 11/8/2023 7:08 PM |
| 39 | I expected that walking day after day would be tough, but that I would be able to push through. I wanted to be more open to meeting new people. I’m a loner and often find others irritating. I wanted to be less judgemental of others. | 11/8/2023 6:45 PM |
| 40 | I was praying for a miracle. | 11/8/2023 6:42 PM |
| 41 | Do I have the strength to do this walk? | 11/8/2023 6:26 PM |
| 42 | No expectations but hopes for both personal and spiritual growth. | 11/8/2023 6:20 PM |
| 43 | Find a direction for life | 11/8/2023 6:08 PM |
| 44 | Needing privacy to morn death of family member | 11/8/2023 5:33 PM |
| 45 | To decide what to do with my life next (I had just finished grad school and did not have a job or place to live lined up) | 11/8/2023 4:49 PM |
| 46 | I wanted time and space to consider my direction in an upcoming life transition. | 11/8/2023 4:46 PM |
| 47 | Deepening daily spiritual practice | 11/8/2023 4:37 PM |
| 48 | no goals. aim was to put one foot ahead of the other and live in the present | 11/8/2023 4:13 PM |
| 49 | To build tap into an inner strength and determination that I had lost, and thus find a place of resilience to empower me to move forward. | 11/8/2023 3:56 PM |
| 50 | Connect with other people. | 11/8/2023 3:45 PM |
| 51 | I wanted to slow down and listen to God | 11/8/2023 3:41 PM |
| 52 | Clean my spirit to be able to look inside me, find universal loving | 11/8/2023 3:34 PM |
| 53 | none | 11/8/2023 3:13 PM |
| 54 | Not really. But NEEDED to give thks for the miracle just given. | 11/8/2023 2:46 PM |
| 55 | Something I have always wanted to do! | 11/8/2023 2:45 PM |
| 56 | I wanted to challenge myself and find out if I could do what I set out to do | 11/8/2023 2:45 PM |
| 57 | Openness and trust and gratitude | 11/8/2023 2:38 PM |
| 58 | I was definitely looking to grow in my relationship with Christ. Not so much to learn about the Church, but to come to know Him. | 11/8/2023 2:28 PM |
| 59 | I wanted to leave the parts of myself behind that were holding back my personal growth, spiritual growth and my relationships with others. | 11/8/2023 2:24 PM |
| 60 | Sense of accomplishment, goals met | 11/8/2023 2:23 PM |
61 It was important to remember and reflect on the lives of 2 very close friends who had recently passed away. A personal goal was to be strong enough to complete the physical journey and, at 80, I knew that training .was also necessary to reach that goal
| 62 | No. Just wanted space to think and enjoy nature. Open to see what would happen | 11/8/2023 2:17 PM |
| 63 | I wanted to free me from my relationship | 11/8/2023 1:57 PM |
| 64 | No | 11/8/2023 1:56 PM |
| 65 | To know myself more deeply, to listen to the stirrings of the Spirit | 11/8/2023 1:53 PM |
| 66 | Me encantan la naturaleza, la escucha y el encuentro con otros peregrinos, disfrutar de este tiempo para buscar, escuchar y encontrar a Dios. | 11/8/2023 1:31 PM |
| 67 | I was facing some overwhelming trials in my life. It was taking over every aspect of my life. Even though, I knew God and loved him, I did not completely surrender everything to him. I tried in every way to fix it myself. That was impossible. I needed to growth mentally, physically, and spiritually. The battles I was facing were not for me to fight. I needed to rely and put my trust in Jesus to guide me through the dark valleys. | 11/8/2023 1:23 PM |
| 68 | Originally, with the virtual Caminos, I saw it as an opportunity to nurture body, mind and spirit during the difficult lock-down portion of the pandemic. At that time many people were posting on their progress and their reflections. It was very positive to encourage and be encouraged. I had it in mind that I would like to walk the “real” Camino at some point. That happened this past September when my husband and I walked a “relaxed” version from Sarria to Santiago. I would have liked to have done more, but that is what my husband was willing to do at the time. | 11/8/2023 12:48 PM |
| 69 | To be open to spiritual growth and healing.connected with a small community of like minded walkers who were afire for the camino from past experience. | 11/8/2023 12:47 PM |
| 70 | No goals, just to experience the ‘Way’ | 11/8/2023 12:36 PM |
| 71 | None | 11/8/2023 12:27 PM |
| 72 | no | 11/8/2023 12:21 PM |
| 73 | No | 11/8/2023 12:14 PM |
| 74 | Listen to God, pray for intention | 11/8/2023 12:02 PM |
| 75 | Definitely…and hard to really communicate them all but in general, I realize how similar we are in all religions that I encountered, that judgement and comparison steal personal joy, and that I was mentally and spiritually tougher than I thought. It helped me to reflect on my life with more clarity outside of all the roles I fulfill at home. | 11/8/2023 11:45 AM |
| 76 | No, just to see what God gave to me. | 11/8/2023 11:36 AM |
| 77 | NO | 11/8/2023 11:35 AM |
| 78 | Didn’t know what to expect but was faily sure I would get insights. | 11/8/2023 11:33 AM |
| 79 | I expected to enjoy the presence of God through prayer and reflection. | 11/8/2023 11:28 AM |
| 80 | No | 11/8/2023 11:22 AM |
| 81 | I wanted to leave the hustle and bustle behind and just attune with God and nature | 11/8/2023 11:20 AM |
| 82 | No | 11/8/2023 11:15 AM |
| 83 | Mental health improvement & helping others. The virtual pilgrimage motivated us to walk in our home neighborhood, during a difficult time, & to help support the owners of lodgings along the actual Camino that were closed during that time. | 11/8/2023 11:07 AM |
| 84 | Better connection to soul and answers to what next | 11/8/2023 11:04 AM |
| 85 | No expectations so everything was a plus | 11/8/2023 11:04 AM |
| 86 | Not specifically | 11/8/2023 10:59 AM |
| 87 | Yes I expected to encounter Jesus in a way that’s not available to me in the everyday busy world | 11/8/2023 10:55 AM |
88 For first Camino (Frances) my expectations were for it to be a physical challenge, to provide opportunities for reflection, and learning (from others, a different culture). I was mentally and emotionally open for surprises and insights on the possibilities for the next stage of life, I did not have specific goals.
| 89 | Learning about cultural differences | 11/8/2023 10:47 AM |
| 90 | No | 11/8/2023 10:43 AM |
| 91 | No. | 11/8/2023 10:37 AM |
| 92 | To learn how to slow down after retiring from a highly political stressful and demanding career. | 11/8/2023 10:36 AM |
| 93 | Connect with God and His creation. | 11/8/2023 10:35 AM |
| 94 | Being more present with God and more grounded in my body. I tend to live in my head. | 11/8/2023 10:32 AM |
| 95 | No | 11/8/2023 10:25 AM |
| 96 | Just to have time for self reflection and process some personal issues | 11/8/2023 10:18 AM |
| 97 | sense of life / personnal choices / reckonning | 11/8/2023 10:17 AM |
| 98 | To process my father’s and my husband’s deaths. | 11/8/2023 10:13 AM |
| 99 | Meet St James | 11/8/2023 10:09 AM |
| 100 | Keeping calm and staying fit. | 11/8/2023 10:07 AM |
| 101 | To serve my fellow disabled fellow pelgrims | 11/8/2023 10:05 AM |
| 102 | Yes to devleop a better relationship with God | 11/8/2023 10:04 AM |
| 103 | This was my first solo trip abroad, so I wanted to experience that, and see how far I was able to push my 50yo body. | 11/8/2023 10:02 AM |
| 104 | No | 11/8/2023 9:54 AM |
| 105 | I did the walk as a physical challenge and found it pushed my boundaries almost every day | 11/8/2023 9:51 AM |
| 106 | Consider what to do in the next phase of my life | 11/8/2023 9:50 AM |
| 107 | Life revelations for going forward. | 11/8/2023 9:42 AM |
| 108 | No | 11/8/2023 9:35 AM |
| 109 | to be present, and observe the natural beauty in my own community | 11/8/2023 9:33 AM |
| 110 | Not really…In Ireland, some quiet time | 11/8/2023 9:32 AM |
| 111 | I was hoping to gain some insights about myself and discern a job change. | 11/8/2023 9:31 AM |
| 112 | I was interested in the Camino so during the pandemic I did it twice while reading books and watching films about the Camino. I even ate Spanish style foods and wines for dinner. It was my stay at home pandemic adventure. I live in So Cal so weather was not a problem. | 11/8/2023 9:22 AM |
| 113 | Increased awareness | 11/8/2023 9:18 AM |
| 114 | Camino is a prayer. | 11/8/2023 9:15 AM |
| 115 | On my first Camino, I set up expectations on what and how I would be doing my self introspection, but it all changed when I found that one of my great friends lost his son and from that point on I just decided to do it but in a much more informal way. It happened on the 3rd day while waking up to head to Pamplona. | 11/8/2023 9:13 AM |
| 116 | I had a major worry of ‘would I be able to actually do this walk ! | 11/8/2023 9:11 AM |
| 117 | No | 11/8/2023 9:10 AM |
| 118 | No expectations | 11/8/2023 9:08 AM |
| 119 | No | 11/8/2023 9:07 AM |
120 I expected clarity on the future direction of my career that was just starting out, the communities I was to belong to moving forward, and to simply be more aware of the divinity around us.
| 121 | Calmness, reduce stress. | 11/8/2023 9:03 AM |
| 122 | The opportunity to slow down and shut up and listen to myself and the world around me | 11/8/2023 9:03 AM |
| 123 | My purpose was to learn, reflect and grow spiritually. But his was not what is defined as a pure, written goal. It was mental only. | 11/8/2023 8:59 AM |
| 124 | Felt I had lost faith or a connection to God and found it again in the walking and the people and the land and the experiences of personal strength and tenacity. | 11/8/2023 8:56 AM |
| 125 | To commit to something. | 11/8/2023 8:55 AM |
| 126 | nOT ON MY FIRST cAMMINO | 11/8/2023 8:54 AM |
| 127 | Not specifically | 11/8/2023 8:54 AM |
| 128 | No, I was open. | 11/8/2023 8:54 AM |
| 129 | No | 11/8/2023 8:53 AM |
| 130 | I just hoped for some kind of insight | 11/8/2023 8:53 AM |
| 131 | No | 11/8/2023 8:52 AM |
| 132 | Connect with God | 11/8/2023 8:52 AM |
| 133 | My husband and I walked together. We sought to bridge the divided that had built up over the years. | 11/8/2023 8:52 AM |
| 134 | none | 11/8/2023 8:50 AM |
| 135 | None | 11/8/2023 8:30 AM |
| 136 | Time away from my intense life | 11/8/2023 8:24 AM |
| 137 | No | 11/8/2023 8:04 AM |
| 138 | XX | 11/8/2023 7:45 AM |
| 139 | To let go and to enjoy God’s creation | 11/8/2023 7:37 AM |
| 140 | Personal reflection for life after retirement | 11/8/2023 7:17 AM |
| 141 | Spiritual healing, surrender to God, forgiveness | 11/8/2023 7:13 AM |
| 142 | No | 11/8/2023 7:07 AM |
| 143 | Continue to grow and explore | 11/8/2023 7:00 AM |
| 144 | Having just retired, I was looking for a time of contemplation, new challenges, and a time to just walk and be | 11/8/2023 6:31 AM |
| 145 | no | 11/8/2023 6:14 AM |
| 146 | 1. emotional healing after Breast cancer and after a burn out 2. Get again into a physical good shape 3. Mindfulness and spirituality: to connect with myself and the body in the here and now. After a few days of walking this was the case. After just 2 weeks I could tell I am getting stronger,physically and emotionally.. | 11/8/2023 6:14 AM |
| 147 | No | 11/8/2023 6:12 AM |
| 148 | No, just to be open | 11/8/2023 6:12 AM |
| 149 | A new beginning | 11/8/2023 5:35 AM |
| 150 | I was seeking interior growth… spirituality | 11/8/2023 4:17 AM |
| 151 | Heal from multiple adverse life experiences and to create a new life | 11/8/2023 3:00 AM |
| 152 | Share together and Learning of other pilgrims about who are St. James and the autentic reasons the people have for this camino. | 11/8/2023 1:58 AM |
153 All the pilgrimages have given me a greater insight into myself,what I understand of my life. The walking has shown me what is important in life especially day to day
| 154 | Reflection | 11/8/2023 1:36 AM |
| 155 | Wanted to do it with my husband, spend time together, suffer together and have fun together. | 11/8/2023 12:57 AM |
| 156 | nothing specific | 11/7/2023 11:08 PM |
| 157 | To learn more about the spiritual background of the route. | 11/7/2023 10:31 PM |
| 158 | Time alone to contemplate the next part of life. | 11/7/2023 10:14 PM |
| 159 | No | 11/7/2023 10:07 PM |
| 160 | I didn’t have specific expectations other than to complete the trip, and to allow the experiences and locations speak to me. | 11/7/2023 10:03 PM |
| 161 | Spend hours in God’s creation and with his folks to SEE Him more clearly | 11/7/2023 9:37 PM |
| 162 | No | 11/7/2023 8:59 PM |
| 163 | To understand my calling in life: What could I do that would bring me alive every day, using my gifts and abilities to make a real difference in the world? | 11/7/2023 8:34 PM |
| 164 | I wanted to go deeper in my faith and self knowledge. | 11/7/2023 8:31 PM |
| 165 | Pray daily, get to mass as often as I could and stop to pray in the churches along the route. We brought other’s prayer requests with us. | 11/7/2023 8:23 PM |
| 166 | To have personal time each day for reflection while walking. | 11/7/2023 8:19 PM |
| 167 | No, I planned my first Camino in three weeks and just went. I had a friend who just come back who gave me a short primer but I had no idea what to expect. | 11/7/2023 8:19 PM |
| 168 | I wanted to be open to the experience so shied away from goals. | 11/7/2023 8:04 PM |
| 169 | No. I like to keep an open mind and see what comes to light. I do like to feel a bit fitter at the end. | 11/7/2023 8:03 PM |
| 170 | Not specific | 11/7/2023 7:38 PM |
| 171 | No, just to be open to what the Camino brought my way. | 11/7/2023 7:31 PM |
| 172 | To see if i could find resolutions to firgive myself. To complete the walk if my knees would let me. Thankfully they just made it. | 11/7/2023 7:26 PM |
| 173 | No | 11/7/2023 7:19 PM |
| 174 | Stay active during a pandemic; plan for future pilgrimage. | 11/7/2023 7:05 PM |
| 175 | To take on a physically and emotionally challenging journey on my own. To grow and deepen my spiritual self. | 11/7/2023 7:04 PM |
| 176 | I expected my plan to play out and have me ready to be home again | 11/7/2023 7:03 PM |
| 177 | To challenge my body and forgive my mother | 11/7/2023 6:57 PM |
| 178 | To memorize 2 chapters in the Bible. | 11/7/2023 6:53 PM |
| 179 | I wanted to honor the grief I carry from my son’s death. I also wanted to complete the Camino in 32 days. | 11/7/2023 6:52 PM |
| 180 | Wanting to explore the spirituality of the camino | 11/7/2023 6:47 PM |
| 181 | Expected it to be physically challenging, wanted to what it would be like to walk so much, interested in the history and pagan roots | 11/7/2023 6:36 PM |
| 182 | No | 11/7/2023 6:29 PM |
| 183 | I wanted to challenge myself to focus on one day at a time with trust and acceptance. | 11/7/2023 6:27 PM |
| 184 | None | 11/7/2023 6:25 PM |
| 185 | Closer relationship with God, Mary, and the saints | 11/7/2023 6:25 PM |
186 Virtual – motivate for future actual. Actual hiking on Appalachian trail was more for physical challenge 11/7/2023 6:08 PM
| 187 | Did a virtual Camino for fitness reasons, to explore a different part of the world, and stay motivated. | 11/7/2023 6:07 PM |
| 188 | Not sure, I expected maybe some ephipany | 11/7/2023 6:06 PM |
| 189 | No, except the hope to hear the voice of God and feel the spiritual energy of those that had walked before me. | 11/7/2023 5:54 PM |
| 190 | Aaron die on June 11, 2022 hiked The Camino. He was 46 years old. One year, I hiked The Camino for memory of Aaron. | 11/7/2023 5:54 PM |
| 191 | Step away from my normal life, allow space in | 11/7/2023 5:52 PM |
| 192 | To reconnect with myself after trauma | 11/7/2023 5:40 PM |
| 193 | No | 11/7/2023 5:34 PM |
| 194 | “Connection” | 11/7/2023 5:31 PM |
| 195 | No | 11/7/2023 5:17 PM |
| 196 | Time for myself, time to relax, time to be away from daily routine life, work, family… | 11/7/2023 5:14 PM |
| 197 | Just to complete it | 11/7/2023 5:12 PM |
| 198 | No, I was just open. | 11/7/2023 5:10 PM |
| 199 | None | 11/7/2023 5:06 PM |
| 200 | To pray for everyone (my world) | 11/7/2023 5:04 PM |
| 201 | My expectations were to successfully complete the pilgrimage without injury and to be able to pray before the relics of St. James in Santiago | 11/7/2023 4:51 PM |
| 202 | Finish the walk | 11/7/2023 4:51 PM |
| 203 | just to enjoy the moment and see what life unfolded | 11/7/2023 4:50 PM |
| 204 | That I would walk it and that I would spend time with God. | 11/7/2023 4:48 PM |
| 205 | Only that I knew I would finish (Camino Frances) | 11/7/2023 4:40 PM |
| 206 | Not goals or expectations as much as an inner knowingness that it would be a boost to my soul. | 11/7/2023 4:31 PM |
| 207 | What to be open to whatever came my way. Spiritual growth, friendships etc. | 11/7/2023 4:30 PM |
| 208 | Freedom from sexual sin | 11/7/2023 4:26 PM |
| 209 | I wanted to come back changed, a better version of myself. I did come back changed, but not I the ways I expected. I came back more authentically myself – who I was created to be. | 11/7/2023 4:25 PM |
| 210 | NO | 11/7/2023 4:25 PM |
| 211 | My first Camino (in 2022), I wanted to have quiet time to reflect. My second Camino (in 2023) I wanted to connect to other people. | 11/7/2023 4:18 PM |
| 212 | I took prayer requests with me | 11/7/2023 4:17 PM |
| 213 | Hoped to resolve my grief after the loss of my husband and find a new perspective on life | 11/7/2023 4:14 PM |
| 214 | to walk every mile | 11/7/2023 4:10 PM |
| 215 | No expectations, I was open to what every the camino had to offer. | 11/7/2023 4:06 PM |
| 216 | No | 11/7/2023 4:04 PM |
| 217 | Get all the way to Santiago | 11/7/2023 3:54 PM |
| 218 | None | 11/7/2023 3:53 PM |
219 To keep moving while at home. 11/7/2023 3:53 PM
| 220 | No specific expectations but felt expectant! | 11/7/2023 3:44 PM |
| 221 | Just to enjoy the peace in nature | 11/7/2023 3:40 PM |
| 222 | No | 11/7/2023 3:39 PM |
| 223 | No | 11/7/2023 3:35 PM |
| 224 | I came with a long list of hopeful expectations and questions! | 11/7/2023 3:34 PM |
| 225 | No | 11/7/2023 3:31 PM |
| 226 | No | 11/7/2023 3:28 PM |
| 227 | No! | 11/7/2023 3:27 PM |
| 228 | I wanted to close the work on a separation from al life long partner | 11/7/2023 3:26 PM |
| 229 | I wanted to leave my anxiety fear and frustration on the path | 11/7/2023 3:24 PM |
| 230 | I wanted to get over some losses relating to aging | 11/7/2023 3:23 PM |
| 231 | No | 11/7/2023 3:23 PM |
| 232 | Openness to the presence of God at work each day. | 11/7/2023 3:23 PM |
| 233 | I had just had cancer surgery and wanted a practice that could help with physical recovery and keep me going through a month of radiation. | 11/7/2023 3:20 PM |
| 234 | Keep a record of my achievements and acknowledge capabilities | 11/7/2023 3:20 PM |
| 235 | A better understanding of religious history | 11/7/2023 3:20 PM |
| 236 | Yes, mindfulness while walking, say “yes” to things, slow down, listen to synchronicities | 11/7/2023 3:19 PM |
| 237 | No | 11/7/2023 3:19 PM |
| 238 | No—I was kind of at a crossroads. | 11/7/2023 3:12 PM |
| 239 | Just to be open to what might present to me. | 11/7/2023 3:12 PM |
| 240 | To grow deeper in my relationship with Gid | 11/7/2023 3:12 PM |
| 241 | Understanding history | 11/7/2023 3:11 PM |
| 242 | No | 11/7/2023 3:10 PM |
| 243 | NO, I just wanted to simply finish. | 11/7/2023 3:09 PM |
| 244 | clarity on goals for the future | 11/7/2023 3:09 PM |
| 245 | No | 11/7/2023 3:07 PM |
| 246 | Personal reflection about life’s meaning and purpose. Challenge myself physically as I approached age 70. | 11/7/2023 3:07 PM |
| 247 | My goals were not particularly related to spiritual growth | 11/7/2023 3:05 PM |
| 248 | I have friends that I did the virtual walk with | 11/7/2023 3:03 PM |
| 249 | No expectations or goals, just open to the experience | 11/7/2023 3:03 PM |
| 250 | No — I’d heard wonderful things, but went in with no real expectations. I was between different things in my life, and wanted to go on an adventure. | 11/7/2023 3:01 PM |
| 251 | Everyone talks about the “journey” but I didn’t experience it as spiritual | 11/7/2023 2:59 PM |
| 252 | Hope to get closer to God | 11/7/2023 2:59 PM |
| 253 | Completing the full route | 11/7/2023 2:58 PM |
| 254 | No | 11/7/2023 12:44 PM |
| 255 | No | 11/7/2023 12:38 PM |
256 To get closer to God 11/7/2023 11:00 AM
| 257 | No specific expectations but I wanted an experience that was different than a normal daily routine. And I wanted to spend time outside experiencing local cultures. | 11/7/2023 10:33 AM |
| 258 | Yes (1) Reconnect with my faith after pulling away from the church, (b) reflect on my many blessings after a major life shift & (c) set a goal & achieve it (personal accomplishment) | 11/7/2023 8:13 AM |
| 259 | To test my resourcefulness | 11/7/2023 8:10 AM |
| 260 | No | 11/7/2023 8:09 AM |
| 261 | I am not a spiritual person, however I was seeking personal transformation, an experience to trigger a change within myself. | 11/7/2023 7:28 AM |
| 262 | Time to reflect on my life and re-calibrate | 11/7/2023 4:22 AM |
| 263 | I just wanted to get what had happened in the past, stay in the past. | 11/7/2023 2:09 AM |
| 264 | Went with a friend who was not spiritual so it was about creating space for her to explore spirituality | 11/7/2023 1:12 AM |
| 265 | Find a solution for the future of my breathwork school. | 11/7/2023 1:11 AM |
| 266 | Living in the moment – spending quality time with my some – meet like minded people – focus on the next 24 hours | 11/6/2023 7:44 PM |
| 267 | Contemplation , bonding with family members | 11/6/2023 7:01 PM |
| 268 | No | 11/6/2023 6:48 PM |
| 269 | Joy … it was our honeymoon | 11/6/2023 6:42 PM |
| 270 | Healing from abusive marriage, time to meditate . | 11/6/2023 6:28 PM |
| 271 | No | 11/6/2023 6:19 PM |
| 272 | None | 11/6/2023 4:01 PM |
| 273 | Greater awareness of God’s presence | 11/6/2023 3:44 PM |
| 274 | I just wanted to feel closer to go. | 11/6/2023 2:34 PM |
| 275 | To create time and space to hear from God, away from distractions and the usual noise of life. To tune into Him, to understand Him more, to align myself with Him | 11/6/2023 2:31 PM |
| 276 | To accept whatever may come | 11/6/2023 2:20 PM |
| 277 | Nothing specific | 11/6/2023 1:56 PM |
| 278 | no | 11/6/2023 1:40 PM |
| 279 | To reconnect to my spirituality | 11/6/2023 1:37 PM |
| 280 | No | 11/6/2023 1:07 PM |
| 281 | No | 11/6/2023 1:07 PM |
| 282 | It is so relaxing and healing to just think of only walking everyday and no other worries! | 11/6/2023 1:03 PM |
| 283 | No. I just let it happen. | 11/6/2023 12:54 PM |
| 284 | No | 11/6/2023 12:50 PM |
| 285 | Just to deepen my spiritual practice. | 11/6/2023 12:45 PM |
| 286 | Time to reflect on life and to be better placed to make future plans. | 11/6/2023 12:41 PM |
| 287 | I just wanted to do it, to see what would change in me. | 11/6/2023 12:29 PM |
| 288 | No | 11/6/2023 12:27 PM |
| 289 | I expected to break down at some point (as in have a good ol cry). My goal was to complete what I set out to do OR be kind to myself if I was not able to physically walk each section. | 11/6/2023 12:24 PM |
| 291 | To find personal direction. | 11/6/2023 12:22 PM |
| 292 | looked forward to quiet contemplative times while walking or while sitting in a chapel or church along the way | 11/6/2023 11:53 AM |
| 293 | No | 11/6/2023 11:47 AM |
| 294 | no | 11/6/2023 11:33 AM |
| 295 | To find joy in the sufferings of life | 11/6/2023 11:33 AM |
| 296 | Yes, I wanted to hear from Creator . Not just about specific things I was wrestling with but just also reconnect deeply and get to a place where the noise has faded and creators voice can be heard as a whisper | 11/6/2023 11:32 AM |
| 297 | No | 11/6/2023 11:31 AM |
| 298 | I was marking the completion of an accomplishment… Completing my MDiv | 11/6/2023 11:23 AM |
| 299 | More solitude and reflection on spiritual and life matters | 11/6/2023 11:16 AM |
| 300 | To become more accepting, more tolerant and less judgmental. | 11/6/2023 11:09 AM |
| 301 | Connection to a Jesus, connection to pioneer heritage | 11/6/2023 10:58 AM |
| 302 | I went without expectations, my motto was no expectations, just intention to live each day the best I could. | 11/6/2023 10:54 AM |
| 303 | Refocusing my spiritual life | 11/6/2023 10:46 AM |
| 304 | To be able to pray for my self and for others | 11/6/2023 10:40 AM |
305 To take a break from the demands of everyday life in order to focus more on the physical and spiritual elements of a pilgrimage
Q5 What actions did you take before and/or during your pilgrimage to meet your personal or spiritual growth goals?
Answered: 313 Skipped: 44
| # | RESPONSES | DATE |
| 1 | Kept a journal | 11/19/2023 10:13 AM |
| 2 | committed with a friend | 11/17/2023 5:33 PM |
| 3 | The pilgrimage motivated me to continue my mediation practice | 11/16/2023 2:41 PM |
| 4 | A lot of life shifts in previous three years | 11/16/2023 2:29 AM |
| 5 | Daily meditation, working out | 11/14/2023 12:55 PM |
| 6 | Tried to keep a journal, but failed. The camaraderie sustained me and broadened my awarenessme | 11/13/2023 8:00 AM |
| 7 | I was intentional to set a mileage goal each week and designate days and my intended mileage I would walk that day. I also joined the FB community which kept me encouraged and accountable. | 11/13/2023 7:55 AM |
| 8 | Journaled every day. Started each day with a prayer. | 11/12/2023 3:17 PM |
| 9 | Pray that I could do the walk | 11/11/2023 7:26 AM |
| 10 | None. I am not particularly religious. | 11/11/2023 3:12 AM |
| 11 | met with pastor | 11/10/2023 9:37 PM |
| 12 | Attend mass daily and take the time to talk with the priest and the nuns | 11/10/2023 4:57 PM |
| 13 | Training & careful packing | 11/10/2023 2:31 PM |
| 14 | Set a goal for at least 10 miles per day | 11/10/2023 7:42 AM |
| 15 | Journaling, reading about the Camino, mindfulness during hiking the year leading up to my Camino. | 11/10/2023 6:51 AM |
| 16 | Training walking and mentally preoaring for the experience | 11/10/2023 6:36 AM |
| 17 | Physical training, and regular communication with my spiritual guides, some might call it prayer. I regularly asked for guidance and support, I listened to my intuition or messages I’d hear, and I thanked God for these experiences. I utilized the Gratitude guide provided by Camino for Good. In addition, I kept a log of my progress (the Camino for Good app or a paper checklist depending on if the pilgrimage was virtual or at the site). I reflected on the photos provided by the Camino for Good app, and I took a few photos which are wonderful to remind me of the lessons I learned along my journeys. | 11/10/2023 6:15 AM |
| 18 | I visited churches and lit candles | 11/9/2023 10:43 PM |
| 19 | I’ve always sought God in nature, hiking and quiet time out in the woods. The pilgrimage gave me weeks to just walk with God and experience the miles. | 11/9/2023 10:24 PM |
| 20 | Trying to stay connected | 11/9/2023 10:16 PM |
| 21 | Prayer and meditation | 11/9/2023 9:50 PM |
| 22 | I made a solo Camino which provided lots of time for reflection. | 11/9/2023 8:41 PM |
| 23 | tried to stay “present” in the moment | 11/9/2023 6:15 PM |
| 24 | Journalled | 11/9/2023 4:16 PM |
| 25 | Deep thoughts about it | 11/9/2023 2:08 PM |
26 I set an intention and prayed and talked daily, did a gratitude journal, had daily Bible verses. 11/9/2023 12:57 PM
| 27 | I read several books, and did some hiking to get fit | 11/9/2023 9:40 AM |
| 28 | I became more patient, more thoughtful, more trusting and I was able to see the power of providence | 11/9/2023 9:21 AM |
| 29 | Each day I started with meditation, intentional prayer throughout the day, giving thanks for each experience. | 11/9/2023 8:58 AM |
| 30 | Journaling, private prayer, liturgical participation | 11/9/2023 8:51 AM |
| 31 | Memorized scriptures, learned a few songs to sing along the way, watched YouTube videos of the Camino and increased my walking and did a virtual Camino. | 11/9/2023 7:44 AM |
| 32 | clearing the mind, walking | 11/9/2023 6:57 AM |
| 33 | Kept my packing light and trusted that there would be food and a bed when I needed them. | 11/9/2023 5:42 AM |
| 34 | Some training walking 10+ miles in a day | 11/9/2023 5:39 AM |
| 35 | nothing. things just happened | 11/9/2023 5:03 AM |
| 36 | Logged my miles…. | 11/9/2023 12:24 AM |
| 37 | Travel very light/simply .. minimal luggage/possessions | 11/8/2023 10:47 PM |
| 38 | I planned to have plenty of time to do my pilgrimage. So I vould take al the breaks I needed – during the day – or stay extra days if I found places I would like to spend time in. | 11/8/2023 10:09 PM |
| 39 | Calm the mind and focus on steps and environment | 11/8/2023 9:25 PM |
| 40 | Hiked longer days before the Camino. Woke early while on the Camino so not leaving with the crowd (and heat) | 11/8/2023 9:23 PM |
| 41 | Thoughtfulness, forgiveness | 11/8/2023 7:35 PM |
| 42 | Meditation, prayer, living in the present. | 11/8/2023 7:08 PM |
| 43 | The months leading up to my walk I trained for the physical challenge. During the walk I took it easy, didn’t walk too many big daily distances and took rest days. I engaged with everyone who wanted to chat, even being the first to approach someone on occasions. I made friends with people I would not normally have in my life back home. | 11/8/2023 6:45 PM |
| 44 | My group met regularly to pray and also to get in shape for the actual walk. I tried to eat well and walk as much as I could on my own. | 11/8/2023 6:42 PM |
| 45 | Prayer and walking consistently | 11/8/2023 6:26 PM |
| 46 | I spent a year walking an increasing number of miles per week; read about pilgrimage; prayed the rosary. | 11/8/2023 6:20 PM |
| 47 | Prayer, spiritual reading, meditation | 11/8/2023 6:08 PM |
| 48 | Cried a lot on trail | 11/8/2023 5:33 PM |
| 49 | I talked with people I knew who had done the pilgrimage about their experiences, and watched “The Way” (for the first time) right before leaving for Spain | 11/8/2023 4:49 PM |
| 50 | I physically trained prior so my body would be ready and I could focus on the experience and the people. I journaled. I spent time at the Pilgrim House in Santiago at the end and wrote a long letter to myself. I read returning from Camino by Alexander John Schaia before and during my Camino. | 11/8/2023 4:46 PM |
| 51 | Attended online workshops and in person retreats. Trained as SoulCollage and Labyrinth Facillitator | 11/8/2023 4:37 PM |
| 52 | YouTube about experiences of other people. read a few books, best packing advice and walking | 11/8/2023 4:13 PM |
| 53 | Meditation after walking, evolving a network of virtual walkers to support ongoing strength building both physically and emotionally | 11/8/2023 3:56 PM |
54 Went out of my comfort zone to talk to others. 11/8/2023 3:45 PM
| 55 | I walked with a pack to physically train for the pilgrimage and I spent more time in contemplative prayer to spiritually train. | 11/8/2023 3:41 PM |
| 56 | exactly just walking | 11/8/2023 3:34 PM |
| 57 | none | 11/8/2023 3:13 PM |
| 58 | Prayed ALOT and trained and read.. a lot. | 11/8/2023 2:46 PM |
| 59 | Read several book about people’s experiences on the actual Camino. To be clear — I have only started the virtual. Nowhere close to completion. | 11/8/2023 2:45 PM |
| 60 | I reflected a lot prior to walking on what my reasons were for undertaking the pilgrimage, I knew that although I was only walking from St Jean to Pamplona I would find it difficult to accomplish this if I wasn’t clear on why I was walking | 11/8/2023 2:45 PM |
| 61 | I took a lot of time to set a personally meaningful intention. | 11/8/2023 2:38 PM |
| 62 | I was attending counseling at the time due to personal struggles. I was also determined to regain my physical health so I began participating in more physical activity through classes, trainers, and personal goals. While all of that helped my physical and mental health significantly, I realized my heart wanted more. My heart was looking for God so I thought a virtual challenge, at least, may fulfil that longing. I figured I could incorporate my heart’s desire of God with my physical commitments doing a virtual pilgrimage. | 11/8/2023 2:28 PM |
| 63 | Daily prayer and mass, experiencing the trail and the Camino itself as well as helping others. | 11/8/2023 2:24 PM |
| 64 | the walk itself was the way to meet my goals | 11/8/2023 2:23 PM |
| 65 | I gathered written notes and messages from friends and family about the impact our friends’ lives had had on them. I carried these with on the Camino and left them at the Cathedral in Santiago. Also, I completed each of the Camino for Good virtual Caminos and trained, wearing my pack, on local routes that were the same average distances as each day’s feel on the Portuguese Coastal Camino that I walked in October 2022. | 11/8/2023 2:18 PM |
| 66 | None | 11/8/2023 2:17 PM |
| 67 | Just walking alone | 11/8/2023 1:57 PM |
| 68 | Trained; walked; read; did it! | 11/8/2023 1:56 PM |
| 69 | Prayer, journalling, praying the Examen | 11/8/2023 1:53 PM |
| 70 | Intento caminar a solas… disfrutar del silencio, de los cantos de pájaros, abrir grandes mis ojos, mis oídos y mi corazón | 11/8/2023 1:31 PM |
| 71 | Lift up my prayers and praise him!!!! The whole pilgrimage was drawing closer to him. We went in every cathedral on our route. I just wanted to feel as close as possible to him and be surrounded by holy presence. | 11/8/2023 1:23 PM |
| 72 | physical training, some reading. | 11/8/2023 12:54 PM |
| 73 | I spent a fair bit of reflection time on pilgrimage and life as pilgrimage. One of my little prayers was “From you I have come and to you I journey this day.” We had also asked friends and relatives before we left for prayer requests which we would offer at the various churches and chapels where we took a pause. Wherever it was offered, we attended Pilgrim masses to receive food for the journey. | 11/8/2023 12:48 PM |
| 74 | Physically prepared myself by walking regularly and with other walking groups – a combination of personal and social preparation, supported by my daily prayer and devotion. | 11/8/2023 12:47 PM |
| 75 | Reflected on my life to date | 11/8/2023 12:36 PM |
| 76 | Left behind all doubter’s negativity.i think | 11/8/2023 12:27 PM |
| 77 | Apprendre la langue du pays. Préparer les étapes. Me préparer physiquement. | 11/8/2023 12:22 PM |
| 78 | nothing | 11/8/2023 12:21 PM |
| 79 | spiritual furector | 11/8/2023 12:14 PM |
80 Practice walking for a year 11/8/2023 12:02 PM
| 81 | I read a great deal about the Camino before leaving and participated in a Facebook group for women in daily devotions. I wrote hymns and verses in a notebook to meditate on while I was walking. | 11/8/2023 11:45 AM |
| 82 | Prayer. Reflection. | 11/8/2023 11:36 AM |
| 83 | JUST PARTICIPATED | 11/8/2023 11:35 AM |
| 84 | I went alone. Stayed by myself and often meditated and reflected. | 11/8/2023 11:33 AM |
| 85 | Prayer, reflection, paced so I didn’t get too tired, ate well | 11/8/2023 11:28 AM |
| 86 | Trained amd read quite a few books | 11/8/2023 11:22 AM |
| 87 | Physical planning and reflection | 11/8/2023 11:15 AM |
| 88 | We read books, watched films, discussed what an actual pilgrimage might involve, & looked at the photos & journal excerpts of the sections of Camino for Good that we completed each day. | 11/8/2023 11:07 AM |
| 89 | just to be present | 11/8/2023 11:04 AM |
| 90 | None for personal/spiritual growth but increased exercise program prior to starting | 11/8/2023 11:04 AM |
| 91 | Purchased a notebook, set up a blogging site | 11/8/2023 10:59 AM |
| 92 | camino for good provided weekly themes that helped focus during preparation | 11/8/2023 10:59 AM |
| 93 | Read a lot about pilgrimages ahead of time. During – daily mass defections shared between the members in my group | 11/8/2023 10:55 AM |
| 94 | Many conversations with my two Camino walking friends and compiling a collection of readings and reflections to guide at least some of our daily discussions. | 11/8/2023 10:50 AM |
| 95 | Interactions with people | 11/8/2023 10:47 AM |
| 96 | I tried to do one kind thing a day for a person. And continue to try in everyday life. | 11/8/2023 10:37 AM |
| 97 | Bubble baths | 11/8/2023 10:36 AM |
| 98 | Physical training and spiritual research. | 11/8/2023 10:35 AM |
| 99 | I tried to schedule a time each day that I would walk. I am participating virtually. | 11/8/2023 10:32 AM |
| 100 | As much reading as I could, communication with others | 11/8/2023 10:25 AM |
| 101 | Training and tons of research | 11/8/2023 10:18 AM |
| 102 | nothing | 11/8/2023 10:17 AM |
| 103 | Visited churches & prayed | 11/8/2023 10:13 AM |
| 104 | Trained … set an intention | 11/8/2023 10:09 AM |
| 105 | Read lots of books about the AT and/or Camino. | 11/8/2023 10:07 AM |
| 106 | Pushed disabled pelgrims for 440 km | 11/8/2023 10:05 AM |
| 107 | Spent more time with reflection and thanks for my blessings | 11/8/2023 10:04 AM |
| 108 | Read some related books, blogs. Connected with other pilgrims via Facebook | 11/8/2023 10:02 AM |
| 109 | None | 11/8/2023 9:54 AM |
| 110 | I trained for the walk for 3 months prior and even walked a couple of 20km+ days in training | 11/8/2023 9:51 AM |
| 111 | Quiet time to think without talking. Mostly no digital input. | 11/8/2023 9:50 AM |
| 112 | Moderate training for the 499k from SJPDP to Santiago. Good equipment planning. Consulted Camino for good and completed one virtual Frances. Read books on the Camino. | 11/8/2023 9:42 AM |
| 113 | I trained by walking more and more rigorously. | 11/8/2023 9:40 AM |
| 114 | Physical activity | 11/8/2023 9:38 AM |
| 115 | I trained for physical fitness before the hike. | 11/8/2023 9:35 AM |
| 116 | Practicing the presence | 11/8/2023 9:33 AM |
| 117 | During Ireland trip, spiritual director led intro to holy sites ; in Israel & Portugal, parish trips so priest said some masses | 11/8/2023 9:32 AM |
| 118 | I read several books about the Camino. I also let family and friends to not expect communication during my walk so that I owuld not have that distraction. | 11/8/2023 9:31 AM |
| 119 | I am a trained spiritual director from Biola University so appreciate walking in solitude and nature | 11/8/2023 9:22 AM |
| 120 | Continue to question, read, discuss | 11/8/2023 9:18 AM |
| 121 | Prepared physically for challenge. | 11/8/2023 9:15 AM |
| 122 | Some beyond basic physical prep to endure the entire pilgrimage. In a similar way I prepared my belongings very methodically to avoid wasting time with those items while there. Last but not least I am a big planner and I could not go on that journey without a basic itinerary which I canged a few times but still kept the main dates. | 11/8/2023 9:13 AM |
| 123 | My sister and I did all the little recommendations of bringing items from home ( a stone from our parents Gravesite) | 11/8/2023 9:11 AM |
| 124 | None | 11/8/2023 9:10 AM |
| 125 | Prayers and reflection…research of the history | 11/8/2023 9:08 AM |
| 126 | None | 11/8/2023 9:07 AM |
| 127 | I planned logistically as much as I could to free my head while traveling, I read books on pilgrimmage, and I tried finding closure in the chapter of life I was leaving. | 11/8/2023 9:04 AM |
| 128 | Centered thinking. Be in the moment. | 11/8/2023 9:03 AM |
| 129 | Physical training. Packing and repacking. Tried to do some reflections, but mostly was too busy | 11/8/2023 9:03 AM |
| 130 | Research before and during the event. | 11/8/2023 8:59 AM |
| 131 | None specifically, but the critical piece that led to growth was LISTENING. The practice of listening to myself, my physical/emotional/spiritual needs in the moment and then honoring them was critical to the unfolding of growth along the Way. | 11/8/2023 8:56 AM |
| 132 | Committed to walking with a friend in need. | 11/8/2023 8:55 AM |
| 133 | These change with each Camino, I have done 4 | 11/8/2023 8:54 AM |
| 134 | Lots of walking to prepare | 11/8/2023 8:54 AM |
| 135 | Meditation practice, journaling, self reflection | 11/8/2023 8:54 AM |
| 136 | None | 11/8/2023 8:53 AM |
| 137 | Opening myself up to receive | 11/8/2023 8:53 AM |
| 138 | I made a list of people who were important in my life. Each day on the Camino was devoted to reflection, meditation, and prayer for a specific person. | 11/8/2023 8:52 AM |
| 139 | Walked alone in silence and prayer | 11/8/2023 8:52 AM |
| 140 | We walked and prepared together. We identified our shared goal. | 11/8/2023 8:52 AM |
| 141 | walking, praying | 11/8/2023 8:50 AM |
| 142 | Train read YouTube | 11/8/2023 8:49 AM |
| 143 | Just walked | 11/8/2023 8:30 AM |
| 144 | Asked my people what they would want me to pray for. | 11/8/2023 8:24 AM |
| 145 | Journaling | 11/8/2023 8:04 AM |
146 Physical preparation through practice hiking; packing; mental readiness; talking with others about my pilgrimage and my goals. 11/8/2023 7:47 AM
| 147 | XX | 11/8/2023 7:45 AM |
| 148 | Some physical training but mostly mental and spiritual | 11/8/2023 7:37 AM |
| 149 | Physical training to prepare for Camino | 11/8/2023 7:17 AM |
| 150 | Spent the year before I left researching, journaling, praying, connecting with other pilgrims. I attended a “sending ceremony” the month before I left at my local APOC chapter where I got my shell. I also asked our pastor and several friends to circle around me, and lay hands on me in prayer and petition for a healing pilgrimage. During the Camino, I continued to journal, mostly walk alone where I could pray out loud or sing. I attended pilgrim blessing services as often as I could. | 11/8/2023 7:13 AM |
| 151 | Practice, stay in present moment and remind myself that I can do more then I think. | 11/8/2023 7:07 AM |
| 152 | Assessing proper equipment and some mild training in our area | 11/8/2023 7:00 AM |
| 153 | Lots of walking in preparation and during the pilgrimage, notes of reflection and time to walk alone each day to contemplate | 11/8/2023 6:31 AM |
| 154 | none | 11/8/2023 6:14 AM |
| 155 | I prepared by practicing long walks at first, then going up hills and at the last weeks prior my first leg of the VF I walked with my back pack. During the walk I kept my journal and prayed to connect with the higher source, GOD. At each church or cross I kept a dialogue or you can say I had reflected in Maria, Jesus, God or some angles. | 11/8/2023 6:14 AM |
| 156 | None | 11/8/2023 6:12 AM |
| 157 | Too long to put here | 11/8/2023 6:12 AM |
| 158 | Talk with myself during de walks. | 11/8/2023 5:35 AM |
| 159 | I prepared spiritually physically and mental for the Camino for 6/7 months. I journaled daily during my pilgrimage. | 11/8/2023 4:17 AM |
| 160 | Trained very hard for the physical challenge | 11/8/2023 3:55 AM |
| 161 | Intense Therapy, asking friends for help and support | 11/8/2023 3:00 AM |
| 162 | Personal and spiritual Growing | 11/8/2023 1:58 AM |
| 163 | I gave myself a lot of time for contemplation.I attended Mass etc as often as I could find one tried to stay in communal monasteries, etc and made an effort to talk to as many people as I could in genuine friendship | 11/8/2023 1:46 AM |
| 164 | Walk alone | 11/8/2023 1:36 AM |
| 165 | Trained together for the physical challenge. We are devoted Christians in everyday life – no change needed there, but it was good to grow together in this aspect also on the road as well. | 11/8/2023 12:57 AM |
| 166 | prepare for the walk (things to bring,where to stay,number of kilometres to walk during the day, number of days to walk,research on places to walk and backup plans | 11/7/2023 11:08 PM |
| 167 | Reflecting on scripture. | 11/7/2023 10:31 PM |
| 168 | Read books about the Camino. Physical preparation. Travel plans were made. | 11/7/2023 10:14 PM |
| 169 | Walked lots. Bought good walking boots | 11/7/2023 10:07 PM |
| 170 | I read books about the pilgrimage, histories, as well as other nonfiction books. Margery Kempe’s book about the pilgrimage is the book that first gave me the idea to go on the trip. I wanted to know the stories and histories of the locations I was going to and wanted to have my understanding opened to new ways of seeing God through being in places where people had worshiped God for centuries. | 11/7/2023 10:03 PM |
| 171 | Trained, read, prayed, asked for graces, asked for intentions | 11/7/2023 9:37 PM |
172 I had just completed a round of therapy working on childhood trauma. I had been taking spiritual development workshops for several years. During my pilgrimage, I walked with the intention of listening to the deeper voice within and asking the universe for inspiration.
| 173 | Prayer and thinking. | 11/7/2023 8:31 PM |
| 174 | We carried stones on our workouts and then brought them with to place at Cruz de Ferro | 11/7/2023 8:23 PM |
| 175 | I have been walking camino for good routes for over 3 years – i started during the pandemic and have simply continued to walk one of the routes each day to help raise money for the inns. When the sponsors send out suggested mediations, i usually work on those during my walks. | 11/7/2023 8:19 PM |
| 176 | Divorce. 😉 second time- prayer, meditation and more training in advance | 11/7/2023 8:19 PM |
| 177 | During my pilgrimage I reflected on my experiences and feelings. | 11/7/2023 8:04 PM |
| 178 | Going for long training walks helps make space in my mind. I prepare a playlist of songs to a theme for each of the Caminos I do. That usually reflects where my life is at or where I want it to be at. | 11/7/2023 8:03 PM |
| 179 | Let go of negativity and unbelief | 11/7/2023 7:38 PM |
| 180 | I decided to travel alone to have time to reflect. | 11/7/2023 7:31 PM |
| 181 | Exercise plan for 12mths with help of 7 practisioners to keep me going .Had lots of previous counselling but it hadn’t worked. | 11/7/2023 7:26 PM |
| 182 | Regular training. Much reading, watching of videos, attendance at regional chapter of APOC activities | 11/7/2023 7:19 PM |
| 183 | Schedule time to walk on a treadmill with laptop to see photos and listen to testimonials on Camino for Good. | 11/7/2023 7:05 PM |
| 184 | Exercise and lengthy hikes. | 11/7/2023 7:04 PM |
| 185 | I over planned | 11/7/2023 7:03 PM |
| 186 | Training and spiritual reading and direction | 11/7/2023 6:57 PM |
| 187 | Walked a lot to get ready. | 11/7/2023 6:53 PM |
| 188 | I read a lot of books on grief and loss. I walked a lot of miles around my town. | 11/7/2023 6:52 PM |
| 189 | Read books, talk with others (esp Austn Friends of the camino group) train for walking. | 11/7/2023 6:47 PM |
| 190 | Reading and physical training | 11/7/2023 6:36 PM |
| 191 | Lived in the moment | 11/7/2023 6:29 PM |
| 192 | I walked 10 miles a day for 2 months. | 11/7/2023 6:27 PM |
| 193 | Trained physically for 3 months walking 10 miles a day 5 days a week, and 15 miles on saturdays | 11/7/2023 6:25 PM |
| 194 | Research into spiritual locations, prayer, visits to churches and shrines | 11/7/2023 6:25 PM |
| 195 | Ignatian Spiritual exercises, spiritual communtiy, prayer | 11/7/2023 6:08 PM |
| 196 | Walked regularly | 11/7/2023 6:07 PM |
| 197 | Not too many. Before I planned the route. During I was busy doing it | 11/7/2023 6:06 PM |
| 198 | I deliberately walked solo, wanted no Camino family. I wanted empty spaces of time in the churches and along the path to feel and hear God. | 11/7/2023 5:54 PM |
| 199 | First, Aaron. Second Spiritual | 11/7/2023 5:54 PM |
| 200 | Upped my at home medication practice | 11/7/2023 5:52 PM |
| 201 | I wanted to find peace and prove to myself that I could do it! | 11/7/2023 5:46 PM |
| 202 | I tried to walk as many data as I could. I did virtual, so it’s easy to skip out some days. | 11/7/2023 5:40 PM |
| 203 | Reading about the Camino, meditation, training for the hike, talking with others who have done it | 11/7/2023 5:34 PM |
204 Read lots and lots of Camino books 11/7/2023 5:31 PM
| 205 | Trained to run a 5K | 11/7/2023 5:17 PM |
| 206 | Read a few articles, experiences and recommendations. Bought flight tickets and a good pair of shoes, managed my husband to take a full time care of children. On the Camino, had a great time without stress and no need to think about anything. | 11/7/2023 5:14 PM |
| 207 | Lecio divina | 11/7/2023 5:12 PM |
| 208 | some training in walking distances with a pack. | 11/7/2023 5:10 PM |
| 209 | Meeting with pilgrims that went with me. Exercise, exercise | 11/7/2023 5:06 PM |
| 210 | Reading a lot before the walk, praying, writing myself a daily quote/inspiration/Bible verse to read for each day of walking. Plus, getting a list of people to pray for each day of walking | 11/7/2023 5:04 PM |
| 211 | I engaged in intensive physical training as well as well as my prayer rule | 11/7/2023 4:51 PM |
| 212 | Physical training & route planning | 11/7/2023 4:51 PM |
| 213 | tried to attend as many pilgrim Masses as available | 11/7/2023 4:50 PM |
| 214 | I was open to whatever God had in store for me. Got injured on 5th day, so wasn’t able to walk it all but did 225/500 miles. | 11/7/2023 4:48 PM |
| 215 | Some training | 11/7/2023 4:40 PM |
| 216 | I kept my heart, mind and soul open and expectant. | 11/7/2023 4:31 PM |
| 217 | Visited many church… spent time on self reflection. Prayed. | 11/7/2023 4:30 PM |
| 218 | Read Scripture regularly, meditated during the day | 11/7/2023 4:26 PM |
| 219 | The practice of walking quieted the noise inside me, making it easier for deep reflection. Plus each hardship along the way was later transformed into blessing. | 11/7/2023 4:25 PM |
| 220 | I reflected on the journey and read the weekly newsletters. | 11/7/2023 4:25 PM |
| 221 | On my first camino, I found time each day to write in my journal and reflect. On my 2nd Camino, I made sure that I was open to talking to, and listening to, other pilgrims. | 11/7/2023 4:18 PM |
| 222 | Visit churches for quiet prayer time | 11/7/2023 4:17 PM |
| 223 | I lit candles in as many churches as possible and prayed. I walked silently for a lot of the time during the day. | 11/7/2023 4:14 PM |
| 224 | trained walking hills; while on the pilgrimage I took at least one mile a day to pray and meditate as I walked. | 11/7/2023 4:10 PM |
| 225 | Read about pilgriomages and various philosophies I wanted to meditate on. I also read about the life of Saint Francis. | 11/7/2023 4:06 PM |
| 226 | I did choose some scripture verses as a theme for my walk | 11/7/2023 4:04 PM |
| 227 | Lots of hiking preparation | 11/7/2023 3:54 PM |
| 228 | Journaling and sharing the experience with my sister | 11/7/2023 3:53 PM |
| 229 | Rode the Camino at least five times to stay fit. | 11/7/2023 3:53 PM |
| 230 | Planned for a more traditional pilgrimage. Had a list of things/people to pray for | 11/7/2023 3:44 PM |
| 231 | I trained physically | 11/7/2023 3:40 PM |
| 232 | Training and reflection | 11/7/2023 3:39 PM |
| 233 | Walking/prepping for the mileage | 11/7/2023 3:35 PM |
| 234 | Years of meditation, workshops, yoga, classes, etc. | 11/7/2023 3:34 PM |
| 235 | Exercise and walking | 11/7/2023 3:31 PM |
| 236 | Quiet time for ten minutes at least. | 11/7/2023 3:31 PM |
| 238 | None. I just walked and enjoyed. And thought a lot. And was happy. | 11/7/2023 3:26 PM |
| 239 | Nothing new or different- | 11/7/2023 3:24 PM |
| 240 | Before the pilgrimage, I watched the movie the Way, I read blogs related to the Camino, and I read the book I’ll push you. During the pilgrimage, I made sure that I engaged in a spiritual practice of prayer every day, either reading the Bible or reading a devotional, or both | 11/7/2023 3:23 PM |
| 241 | I used their weekly emailed prompts and quotes to prompt me in daily journaling | 11/7/2023 3:23 PM |
| 242 | Read the work of Hildegard of Bingen | 11/7/2023 3:23 PM |
| 243 | Using my Fitbit to record daily miles walked. Committing to using treadmill on bad weather days. | 11/7/2023 3:20 PM |
| 244 | Camino for Good, virtual camino, as training walks, building habits, walking daily regardless of weather | 11/7/2023 3:20 PM |
| 245 | much research and preparation | 11/7/2023 3:20 PM |
| 246 | Meditation, journaling, less technology | 11/7/2023 3:19 PM |
| 247 | We had devotions and said the rosary every morning before setting off | 11/7/2023 3:19 PM |
| 248 | I tried to sort through my feelings. Alas, some personal issues came up right before I left which kind of messed with my outlook. | 11/7/2023 3:12 PM |
| 249 | Reflection, meditation, yoga | 11/7/2023 3:12 PM |
| 250 | Prayer, study, time spent in church/adoration | 11/7/2023 3:12 PM |
| 251 | Reading | 11/7/2023 3:11 PM |
| 252 | Nothing really. It was just going with the flow instead of planning so much that made it so different from many of our travels. | 11/7/2023 3:10 PM |
| 253 | None | 11/7/2023 3:09 PM |
| 254 | None | 11/7/2023 3:07 PM |
| 255 | Trained physically. Read about Camino esp. one person’s bay by day blog. | 11/7/2023 3:07 PM |
| 256 | got together with friend and we shared the experience. | 11/7/2023 3:03 PM |
| 257 | Journaling while walking the Camino | 11/7/2023 3:03 PM |
| 258 | I didn’t do much — I didn’t train, physically or emotionally. | 11/7/2023 3:01 PM |
| 259 | Prayer, study, music | 11/7/2023 2:59 PM |
| 260 | Prayed (before and after), attended Church services | 11/7/2023 2:59 PM |
| 261 | Walking and Prayer | 11/7/2023 2:58 PM |
| 262 | Ongoing reflection | 11/7/2023 2:58 PM |
| 263 | No | 11/7/2023 12:44 PM |
| 264 | None | 11/7/2023 12:38 PM |
| 265 | Daily gospel reading. Visiting and praying in churches along the way. Participation in worship when possible | 11/7/2023 11:00 AM |
| 266 | Since my goals were primarily to walk the pilgrimage route and to be able to finish it, the actions I took had to do with training for the long distance and being sure we built in extra time to be flexible. | 11/7/2023 10:33 AM |
| 267 | Before: Set specific goals (mainly for the physical aspect) & train. During: Attend pilgrim masses, receive sacrament of reconciliation at the conclusion of each pilgrimage, being mindful & present during my journey (reflecting on blessings & journaling…staying “unplugged”) | 11/7/2023 8:13 AM |
| 268 | Periods of quiet contemplation | 11/7/2023 8:10 AM |
| 270 | Setting an intention for the journey and walking with that purpose in mind. | 11/7/2023 7:28 AM |
| 271 | Walked alone for the majority of the day, meeting up with my friends every evening | 11/7/2023 4:22 AM |
| 272 | Not much, I just wanted a lot of time by myself on the hike. | 11/7/2023 2:09 AM |
| 273 | Prayer, route planning, accommodation secured | 11/7/2023 1:12 AM |
| 274 | The pilgrimage preparation. I needed a space and time of solitude to let new perspectives seep in. It did the trick. | 11/7/2023 1:11 AM |
| 275 | Great coverage at work so I could really be away | 11/6/2023 7:44 PM |
| 276 | Constant communication with family members participating | 11/6/2023 7:01 PM |
| 277 | Researched the history and cultural sites. | 11/6/2023 6:48 PM |
| 278 | Got married at the age of 66 me and 68 spouse | 11/6/2023 6:42 PM |
| 279 | Working full-time so nothing more than my usual regular attendance at Mass and daily prayers. During the pilgrimages I walk along for the first few hours to say my Rosary and to meditate. | 11/6/2023 6:28 PM |
| 280 | Train for the strenuous activity. | 11/6/2023 6:19 PM |
| 281 | NA | 11/6/2023 4:01 PM |
| 282 | Daily prayer, church services where possible, journalling | 11/6/2023 3:44 PM |
| 283 | Prayer. Understanding how Catholics was/ a way of life for the Spainish people which made their building the churches and cathedral a bit easier to understand. | 11/6/2023 2:34 PM |
| 284 | Constant prayer and reflection. I blogged each day to record my thoughts, and how God had revealed himself to me on that day. www.ridetorome.blog | 11/6/2023 2:31 PM |
| 285 | Be physically at least a little prepared to be able to focus on mind and soul | 11/6/2023 2:20 PM |
| 286 | Lots of hiking to get in shape | 11/6/2023 1:56 PM |
| 287 | none | 11/6/2023 1:40 PM |
| 288 | Regular prayer | 11/6/2023 1:37 PM |
| 289 | None | 11/6/2023 1:07 PM |
| 290 | Rosary, prayer, journal | 11/6/2023 1:07 PM |
| 291 | Just trying to pack light and put a devotional on my phone. | 11/6/2023 1:03 PM |
| 292 | I ramped up my devotional life to get, and be, in the right frame of mind. | 11/6/2023 12:54 PM |
| 293 | Reading books and listening to podcasts about the Camino. | 11/6/2023 12:45 PM |
| 294 | I kept a journal. | 11/6/2023 12:41 PM |
| 295 | I didn’t give up. | 11/6/2023 12:29 PM |
| 296 | A year of training | 11/6/2023 12:27 PM |
| 297 | Before- I prepared physically by hiking and studied the guidebooks books. I allowed myself to be nervous and spoke to friends about the self limiting beliefs that were trying to creep in, they supported me and gave me the confidence to go for it. During – mentally I allowed myself to feel all the feelings when grief came out as anger, frustration, sadness, I walked through it and told myself I can do it, I am okay. | 11/6/2023 12:24 PM |
| 298 | Just training and reflecting about how it would be especially as I was going alone | 11/6/2023 12:23 PM |
| 299 | For some reason in the first day I started to have a urge to pray, which I did for the rest of the days. I would reflect on life. . | 11/6/2023 12:23 PM |
| 300 | Kept fit. | 11/6/2023 12:22 PM |
| 301 | Attended masses (even though I’m a Unitarian & not Catholic) whenever possible | 11/6/2023 11:53 AM |
| 303 | Study of the Biblical scriptures, self reflection | 11/6/2023 11:33 AM |
| 304 | Not much, I trained physically more | 11/6/2023 11:32 AM |
| 305 | None | 11/6/2023 11:31 AM |
| 306 | Asked folks for prayer requests that I could pray for as I walked | 11/6/2023 11:23 AM |
| 307 | Reading and contemplative prayers (meditation) | 11/6/2023 11:16 AM |
| 308 | Meditation, reflection, exercising, long distance walking and a lot of time to reflect inwardly. | 11/6/2023 11:09 AM |
| 309 | Prepared physically and reading scriptures | 11/6/2023 10:58 AM |
| 310 | Before going, I tried to have a mindset of open mind, to be humble, to hear my body. During thebpuligrimage, when I struggled with some attachment to people that I needed to let go, I went fewntimes inside a church and made a meditation to help myself detach from my desire to keep up with other’s pace. | 11/6/2023 10:54 AM |
| 311 | Bible study, prayer, reading history | 11/6/2023 10:46 AM |
| 312 | I was blessed at church. I gathered the names and intentions of all who wanted prayers. | 11/6/2023 10:40 AM |
313 Planned the journey to the start and home, then planned the itinerary (which changed as I walked)
Q6 Did the pilgrimage meet your expectations? Why or why not?
Answered: 336 Skipped: 22
| # | RESPONSES | DATE |
| 1 | Yes…but then I lost the link so did not finish the event. | 11/19/2023 10:13 AM |
| 2 | yes | 11/17/2023 5:33 PM |
| 3 | More then met my expectations. I was a reluctant pilgrim. did not want to do this pilgrimage for various reasons. I am so glad I did. It was a wonderful experience to get up each day and only have to go from Point A to Point B. | 11/16/2023 2:41 PM |
| 4 | Yes | 11/16/2023 2:29 AM |
| 5 | YES. It was a beautiful experience. I felt challenged, supported, and met so many wonderful people along the way. | 11/14/2023 12:55 PM |
| 6 | Yes. I didn’t expect to much, but it certainly broadened my world view. | 11/13/2023 8:00 AM |
| 7 | Yes. As I walked I became more observant of the God sightings along my path. The quiet, personal reflection as I walked, deepened my connection to God and to myself.d | 11/13/2023 7:55 AM |
| 8 | Yes | 11/12/2023 3:17 PM |
| 9 | Still on it. Virtual participant | 11/12/2023 10:37 AM |
| 10 | Yes, it was very rewarding | 11/11/2023 7:26 AM |
| 11 | Of course, and met some amazing friends | 11/11/2023 3:12 AM |
| 12 | more than met, it exceeded | 11/10/2023 9:37 PM |
| 13 | Absolutely yes! I’ll never forget the great times. I’m so glad that I could walk with my brother, sister in law & 2 nieces | 11/10/2023 2:31 PM |
| 14 | Yes. I was able to gather a “virtual” stamp for each destination reached and see the photos of that area. | 11/10/2023 7:42 AM |
| 15 | Exceeded. I gained so much self-confidence (I was 60 when I did this. Had never been out of the country let alone by myself) I learned to trust God in my heart not head. I have lived an internal Camino for 12 years noe—one foot in front of the other. | 11/10/2023 6:51 AM |
| 16 | Yes | 11/10/2023 6:36 AM |
| 17 | Yes. I completed the journeys I set out to do, and I was rewarded with a variety of rich experiences. | 11/10/2023 6:15 AM |
| 18 | I was very happy that i succeeded and felt calmer and more empowered. The Camino exceeded my expectations.I | 11/9/2023 10:43 PM |
| 19 | Very much. I met myself on the road, over and over. | 11/9/2023 10:24 PM |
| 20 | Exceeded as it chamged my life | 11/9/2023 10:16 PM |
| 21 | The journey was life changing. | 11/9/2023 9:50 PM |
| 22 | 100% It was the most amazing indescribable experience of my 65 years. | 11/9/2023 8:41 PM |
| 23 | Yes, great time to clear a cluttered mind and return to basics. | 11/9/2023 6:38 PM |
| 24 | yes…but want to do another one to get more personal reflection time | 11/9/2023 6:15 PM |
| 25 | Didn’t know what to expect. It was very fulfilling. | 11/9/2023 4:16 PM |
| 26 | Yes it was amazing on all 6 occasions | 11/9/2023 2:08 PM |
27 Yes, because I found my way back to Him. I follwed His path, not mine. Prayed, talked, did a gratitude journal.
| 28 | Yes, absolutly! | 11/9/2023 9:40 AM |
| 29 | I learned a lot about myself, about relationships with others, about love, about the importance of living in the moment. | 11/9/2023 9:21 AM |
| 30 | Yes. It was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. People were so willing to help if one needed it. There were physical, emotional and spiritual challenges that I met serving to improve my feelings of self worth | 11/9/2023 8:58 AM |
| 31 | Yes, the Via Frances travels the path followed by countless thousands over so many years. You have a sense of people’s lives, aspirations and petitions lingering in so many “holy” places. | 11/9/2023 8:51 AM |
| 32 | Oh it was every bit rewarding as I had hoped for and more. I love being immersed in another culture and enjoy each day with its unknowns. | 11/9/2023 7:44 AM |
| 33 | over-met | 11/9/2023 6:57 AM |
| 34 | Definitely. Walked Camino Portugues over 11 days, no booking, minimum in my back pack and traveled alone or with people as desired. | 11/9/2023 5:42 AM |
| 35 | Yes | 11/9/2023 5:39 AM |
| 36 | very much so | 11/9/2023 5:03 AM |
| 37 | Yes…. | 11/9/2023 12:24 AM |
| 38 | I didn’t meet any pilgrims | 11/8/2023 10:47 PM |
| 39 | It sure did! It was such a good experience. My body could do more than I had expected and I felt the changes in my mind when I arrived home. | 11/8/2023 10:09 PM |
| 40 | Yes, physical achievement and quieting active mind | 11/8/2023 9:25 PM |
| 41 | Yes. Went with my 14 yr old daughter and bonded even more. I learned many life lessons. | 11/8/2023 9:23 PM |
| 42 | Yes – it opened up a sprlirit within me that I had buried | 11/8/2023 7:35 PM |
| 43 | Yes, exceed my expectations. | 11/8/2023 7:08 PM |
| 44 | Yes! I expected it to be tough going at times and it was and I knew I would be proud of myself for pushing through those tough times. I expected to feel part of a community and I did. | 11/8/2023 6:45 PM |
| 45 | The pilgrimage exceeded my expectations. The path presented many physical and spiritual challenges but also rewards. My feet ached at the end of each day, but I experience nature at its best. In addition, I delighted in the shops, albergues and eateries along the way. There was something to marvel at every turn. | 11/8/2023 6:42 PM |
| 46 | Yes I learned about the villages and the qualities that I needed to continue. | 11/8/2023 6:26 PM |
| 47 | Yes! It was better than I could have expected and yet had all the elements of a pilgrimage, including a challenge to overcome. | 11/8/2023 6:20 PM |
| 48 | Yes. It gave me hours of time to reflect on my life and which direction to go in now that my children are grown | 11/8/2023 6:08 PM |
| 49 | Yes | 11/8/2023 5:33 PM |
| 50 | Yes and no. It was much harder physically than I would’ve expected, and I did not find one group to travel with the whole thing (as another friend who had previously walked the Camino did), but I still wouldn’t change anything about it. The challenges helped me grow as a person, and I’m glad I got to meet a greater variety of people than I would have if I’d been traveling with the same group the whole time. | 11/8/2023 4:49 PM |
| 51 | Yes. | 11/8/2023 4:46 PM |
| 52 | More than | 11/8/2023 4:37 PM |
53 yes it did. I had only plan one section of the camino finishing in 2024. I did I’ve in the he present. it was busy with lots of pilgrims but i met so.many interesting people and i enjoyed the slow.pace of life while doing a physical achievment i. particzlar o5
| 54 | Yes. I was able to push myself physically which ultimately lead to increased emotional strength. | 11/8/2023 3:56 PM |
| 55 | Yes. I’ve made lifelong friends that I have maintained contact with now for over 5 years. | 11/8/2023 3:45 PM |
| 56 | The pilgrimage exceeded my expectations. I felt like I was in God’s hands the whole time. I felt at peace even when the way was strenuous or blisters were bothering me. | 11/8/2023 3:41 PM |
| 57 | time will say | 11/8/2023 3:34 PM |
| 58 | yes | 11/8/2023 3:13 PM |
| 59 | Totally. Felt at peace. | 11/8/2023 2:46 PM |
| 60 | So far wonderful. I use steps from a stepper and I have been derailed from that and need to get back to it. | 11/8/2023 2:45 PM |
| 61 | Yes, very much so. The camaraderie on the Camino is amazing, meeting like minded people and getting to walk with them is a wonderful experience. I would also recommend the Pilgrim Mass in Roncesvalles – it was so moving | 11/8/2023 2:45 PM |
| 62 | Yes. I felt accepting of everyone and every event that came my way—including the challenges. | 11/8/2023 2:38 PM |
| 63 | The virtual pilgrimage, while very well organized, very visual, and wonderfully accessible did not meet my expectations. I was still in the real world, still living life as needed: going to work, fulfilling social commitments, filling my time with worldly things. The virtual pilgrimage became just another thing I added to my “to do” list. | 11/8/2023 2:28 PM |
| 64 | In so many ways, I can’t put it into words. | 11/8/2023 2:24 PM |
| 65 | Yes | 11/8/2023 2:23 PM |
| 66 | Yes, it was everything I hoped for – and more! The welcoming words of encouragement in along the Way in Portugal and Spain have support and guidance and helped underscore that we are all connected as caring beings. There were some moments that were difficult, but looking back, these were mostly because we were occasionally in urban areas with too much traffic and too many people. | 11/8/2023 2:18 PM |
| 67 | No expectations | 11/8/2023 2:17 PM |
| 68 | Yes | 11/8/2023 1:57 PM |
| 69 | Yes, more than that | 11/8/2023 1:57 PM |
| 70 | Yes | 11/8/2023 1:56 PM |
| 71 | Most of my pilgrimages have met my expectations. When they haven’t it has been because I didn’t stick to my spiritual practices | 11/8/2023 1:53 PM |
| 72 | Sí, conseguí mis objetivos… | 11/8/2023 1:31 PM |
| 73 | The pilgrimage did impact my personal and spiritual growth. It prepared me for one of the hardest times in my life. Four months after I returned my son was in a car accident and left in a coma , paralyzed , and traumatic brain injury. Then covid decided to make its appearance to the world and the hospital sent my son home and I had to care for him all on my own. My faith and trust in Jesus has pulled me through. | 11/8/2023 1:23 PM |
| 74 | It was wonderful.. would do it again but for bad knees | 11/8/2023 12:54 PM |
| 75 | Absolutely, although 10 days was nowhere near enough. I had tried not to have too many expectations because my desire was to be fully present in the moment. I continually felt so blessed by the beauty surrounding us and God’s care for the little details. By the way, we have already booked the month of May 2024 to walk the Camino Portuguese from Porto to Santiago. | 11/8/2023 12:48 PM |
| 76 | It was cut short when I contracted covid and had to return home. The part I particularly wanted to walk – the Meseta – never occurred, so it still is an unfulfilled dream. Maybe one day! | 11/8/2023 12:47 PM |
| 77 | Physically it met my expectations, not sure on the spiritual level as i was learning as i walked | 11/8/2023 12:37 PM |
78 I think it was all I expected. 11/8/2023 12:27 PM
| 79 | Oui. Le pèlerinage permet de m’imprégner de la nature, me laisser transformer par les rencontres. Une source de vie. | 11/8/2023 12:22 PM |
| 80 | yes, contact with people, nature, the walk by it self | 11/8/2023 12:21 PM |
| 81 | Yes | 11/8/2023 12:14 PM |
| 82 | Glorious experience passing slowly through vineyards and villages of Portugal. It was an opportunity to slow down, reflect step by step. | 11/8/2023 12:10 PM |
| 83 | YES! | 11/8/2023 12:02 PM |
| 84 | It was that and SO much more. I came back changed and felt I had connected to people of the world outside of my small sphere of influence. It reaffirmed my way of spiritual and religious devotion (I am not Catholic). | 11/8/2023 11:45 AM |
| 85 | Yes. It was amazing. We met so many people and got to know some quite well. | 11/8/2023 11:36 AM |
| 86 | YES | 11/8/2023 11:35 AM |
| 87 | exceeded it | 11/8/2023 11:33 AM |
| 88 | Yes. I enjoyed the presence of God and the physical effort/pace/process of walking was good and enjoyable. | 11/8/2023 11:28 AM |
| 89 | Yes – life changing from meeting people to things i experienced duringit | 11/8/2023 11:22 AM |
| 90 | Definitely. I felt empowered and fulfilled | 11/8/2023 11:20 AM |
| 91 | Yes | 11/8/2023 11:15 AM |
| 92 | Yes! Well-organized, with beautiful photos of the routes, & we trusted that the fees we paid were helping people along the actual Camino route. The physical challenges were very minor, I’m sure, compared to going on an actual pilgrimage there. But we increased the number of miles we walked, and it really lifted our spirits and gave us a wellness focus during the pandemic. | 11/8/2023 11:07 AM |
| 93 | In other ways than initial expectation. | 11/8/2023 11:04 AM |
| 94 | Hard to say because I had no set expectations | 11/8/2023 11:04 AM |
| 95 | Yes. | 11/8/2023 10:59 AM |
| 96 | Although I did encounter Christ it was more subtle- I guess I was looking for a lightning bolt | 11/8/2023 10:55 AM |
| 97 | My expectations were met and there were surprises. For example, the hospitality of the Spanish people we encountered was extremely warm and welcoming. The challenge of walking 20+ km for over 30 days was somewhat more demanding than anticipated. However, it also demonstrated the resiliency of the human body. The richness and intimacy of many conversations with my two friends exceeded my expectations in a highly positive way. The topics of conversations were wide ranging and often sprinkled with humour and laughter. | 11/8/2023 10:50 AM |
| 98 | Yes | 11/8/2023 10:47 AM |
| 99 | Yes, it was amazing | 11/8/2023 10:43 AM |
| 100 | I didn’t really have any expectations, as I didn’t really know what to expect. | 11/8/2023 10:37 AM |
| 101 | Yes… Physical and mental test of character. | 11/8/2023 10:36 AM |
| 102 | Yes. More so. The daily pattern that full of joyful surprises was so fulfilling. | 11/8/2023 10:35 AM |
| 103 | I am still working through the pilgramage. Life challenges have slowed me down. I enjoy the app and how it connects me to what I would see on the in person Camino. | 11/8/2023 10:32 AM |
| 104 | Yes, very much so. | 11/8/2023 10:25 AM |
| 105 | Leaving in 14 days | 11/8/2023 10:18 AM |
| 106 | yes, it does. How and why, it’s hard to explain. | 11/8/2023 10:17 AM |
107 Almost! The friend who came with me was not spiritually oriented 11/8/2023 10:13 AM
| 108 | Yes | 11/8/2023 10:09 AM |
| 109 | Yes. I loved the experience and meeting people from all over the world. | 11/8/2023 10:07 AM |
| 110 | Yes was the most deepest and life changing experiens of my life. | 11/8/2023 10:05 AM |
| 111 | I was able to find an easier way to settle my mind and connect | 11/8/2023 10:04 AM |
| 112 | Yes – and more! I was able to meet my goal of completing the Portuguese route, while better understanding what my boundaries were, and being able to engage those boundaries without guilt or shame. And also explore a fantastic area of the world! | 11/8/2023 10:02 AM |
| 113 | Yes – as a virtual pilgrim I didn’t have high expectations. I was grateful to be able to see pictures of the different towns along the route and to feel as if I was making progress, even if it was cirtual | 11/8/2023 9:54 AM |
| 114 | Yes for sure. It was more difficult than I expected | 11/8/2023 9:51 AM |
| 115 | Absolutely | 11/8/2023 9:50 AM |
| 116 | Yes. Much reflection time interspersed with connection with other pilgrims. The trails was quite busy. I did the walk Sept 9 to Oct 12, 2023. Still found pockets of quiet and the chance to walk alone. The last 120 k were very noticeably busy and kind of a disappointment. | 11/8/2023 9:42 AM |
| 117 | Mostly. I met the physical challenges, and I met with good fellowship from other pilgrims. Spiritually, less so. Not sure why, though attending pilgrim Mass at the cathedral was moving. | 11/8/2023 9:40 AM |
| 118 | Yes changed my worldview | 11/8/2023 9:38 AM |
| 119 | Exceeded my expectations | 11/8/2023 9:35 AM |
| 120 | Met my expectations, but it was hard to see the pictures on my phone, so I didn’t connect that well with the images that were presented | 11/8/2023 9:33 AM |
| 121 | Yes…was good to feel cxn to History and many people who have struggled with life challenges before | 11/8/2023 9:32 AM |
| 122 | Yes! I loved it! “The Camino provides” is true! That was an amazing experience. | 11/8/2023 9:31 AM |
| 123 | I had no expectations but to do this with God | 11/8/2023 9:22 AM |
| 124 | Yes and no. I was with a small group and wanted more time for reflection but needed the logistics support | 11/8/2023 9:18 AM |
| 125 | Yes. Meeting new people and their burdens. | 11/8/2023 9:15 AM |
| 126 | It surpassed beyond expectations. It became a therapy and that is why I did my 2nd Camino as soon as Covid vaccines where available. I intend to do a new one in 2024 and continue to do it once a year. | 11/8/2023 9:13 AM |
| 127 | Yes, more than I could have imagined! | 11/8/2023 9:11 AM |
| 128 | It surpassed my rxpectstiond | 11/8/2023 9:10 AM |
| 129 | Yes | 11/8/2023 9:08 AM |
| 130 | Yes. Quiet, reflective. | 11/8/2023 9:07 AM |
| 131 | In some ways yes, in others, no. I was more anxious and stressed than I thought going into it – the walking did not clear my head and heart at first, it brought all the things making me anxious more to the surface. All that time walking – many times feeling isolated and missing people from home – made it hard to be present. It magnified the experiences and emotions of being in a transitional phase of life. | 11/8/2023 9:04 AM |
| 132 | Absolutely. | 11/8/2023 9:03 AM |
| 133 | Yes! It was physically and mentally hard. And slowed way down and was present | 11/8/2023 9:03 AM |
| 134 | Yes, definitely. | 11/8/2023 8:59 AM |
| 135 | Yes! | 11/8/2023 8:57 AM |
136 Yes, absolutely! And exceeded the few expectations I had. I could have never imagined the richness of the beauty, the people and the holy surprises.
11/8/2023 8:56 AM
| 137 | Yes | 11/8/2023 8:55 AM |
| 138 | yes | 11/8/2023 8:54 AM |
| 139 | Yes.. I made it! I connected with a group of people! I felt spiritual connection to the Way | 11/8/2023 8:54 AM |
| 140 | Exceeded them. It provided so much I hadn’t even expected. | 11/8/2023 8:54 AM |
| 141 | I had no expectations. | 11/8/2023 8:53 AM |
| 142 | Yes. I always seem to have a big life lesson as a result of walking Camino | 11/8/2023 8:53 AM |
| 143 | Yes. It provided the opportunity to focus | 11/8/2023 8:52 AM |
| 144 | Some what | 11/8/2023 8:52 AM |
| 145 | The pilgrimage exceeded expectations. We believe because it was a purposeful break from the cares of home, allowing us to be much more in the moment, and therefore, much more centred. | 11/8/2023 8:52 AM |
| 146 | yes | 11/8/2023 8:50 AM |
| 147 | Yes exceed | 11/8/2023 8:49 AM |
| 148 | Yes, i found myself it made me stronger | 11/8/2023 8:30 AM |
| 149 | I didn’t have many expectations. I knew I needed time alone. I got it. | 11/8/2023 8:24 AM |
| 150 | Yes – I expected that the walking would support my self-reflection and it idid | 11/8/2023 8:04 AM |
| 151 | Yes. Everything about it was amazing. | 11/8/2023 7:47 AM |
| 152 | I haven’t finish it yet, last spring I ended in Siena. Next year to Rome. | 11/8/2023 7:45 AM |
| 153 | Yes it did. | 11/8/2023 7:37 AM |
| 154 | Yes and no, I did not find myself thinking about life after retirement. However I learned the value of living in the moment. | 11/8/2023 7:17 AM |
| 155 | 1000%. Best experience of my life (next to having my kids) | 11/8/2023 7:13 AM |
| 156 | Yes in every way | 11/8/2023 7:07 AM |
| 157 | Yes, it exceeded my expectations. It was one of the best experiences of my life. The people, the places, the solitude all made it worthwhile | 11/8/2023 7:00 AM |
| 158 | Yes – I felt that I met physical, mental, and spiritual challenges. I became physically stronger, lost a few pounds!, simplified my life for 5 weeks, and felt recentered and hopeful | 11/8/2023 6:31 AM |
| 159 | I walked both the Camino de Santiago and The Inca Trail physically and they both offered experiences I had not expected. | 11/8/2023 6:14 AM |
| 160 | Honestly, I had no expectations. I just had a longing to be on a journey. I also did not make many friends on the Via Francigena as especially in the UK and through France, you don’t meet a lot of pilgrims yet. But those people I met will be always in my heart forever. And … See the above 👆 | 11/8/2023 6:14 AM |
| 161 | Yes. Beautiful nature, warm welcome in hostels | 11/8/2023 6:12 AM |
| 162 | Yes, always | 11/8/2023 6:12 AM |
| 163 | Yes. | 11/8/2023 5:35 AM |
| 164 | Yes… my journey was filled with spiritual gifts and discovery. It was beyond my expectations!!!! | 11/8/2023 4:17 AM |
| 165 | Yes. Time just for me – walk eat sleep repeat. | 11/8/2023 3:55 AM |
| 166 | Yes. Changed my life. I experienced the most joy, happiness and freedom in my whole life on my pilgrimage. | 11/8/2023 3:00 AM |
167 Of course 11/8/2023 1:58 AM
| 168 | More so than I expected | 11/8/2023 1:46 AM |
| 169 | It worked out different, but instead of imposing my needs I adapted to the way things are when walking with many. It exceeded my expectation. | 11/8/2023 1:36 AM |
| 170 | Yes. We spend hours walking, enjoying scenery, met other pilgrims, experienced the camino and were able to do it with my partner | 11/8/2023 12:57 AM |
| 171 | More than exceeded expectations. | 11/8/2023 12:46 AM |
| 172 | yes | 11/8/2023 12:02 AM |
| 173 | yes | 11/7/2023 11:08 PM |
| 174 | Yes. I learned more about the background of the pilgrimage route. | 11/7/2023 10:31 PM |
| 175 | The Camino was an amazing experience that exceeded my expectations | 11/7/2023 10:14 PM |
| 176 | Yes. Found calm. Inspired by those I met | 11/7/2023 10:07 PM |
| 177 | It definitely met my expectations. I was carried back in time, joining with the myriad others who had walked this path through time. It was phenomenally beautiful and I felt connected to nature and to the thread of history. I was inspired by those walking the trail who were decades older than me, and was able to complete the trail, something physically challenging. I was thrilled to be able to see the Botafumeiro three times, a reminder of all who entered the cathedral throughout history and witnessed a similar ceremony. | 11/7/2023 10:03 PM |
| 178 | Yes!! | 11/7/2023 9:37 PM |
| 179 | I didn’t have expectations. I walked becayse I felt called to and hoped I could make it all the way. It was a challenging but incredible experience | 11/7/2023 8:34 PM |
| 180 | Yes, but i could not continue as I got foot surgery | 11/7/2023 8:31 PM |
| 181 | Yes I am a woman of prayer and felt like Jesus was with me as soon as I got off the plane. I had prepared myself with huge time in prayer before arriving and felt really close to Jesus. | 11/7/2023 8:23 PM |
| 182 | I cannot honestly call it a pilgrimage since i keep doing the 3 routes. | 11/7/2023 8:19 PM |
| 183 | Yea and so beyond what I’d imagined | 11/7/2023 8:19 PM |
| 184 | Physically, I was pleased to meet my goals. Otherwise, I had no real expectations. | 11/7/2023 8:04 PM |
| 185 | Always does. Because on a camino, the only thing you have to get done that day is walk to your destination. It strips back all the noise from life and lets other things appear. | 11/7/2023 8:03 PM |
| 186 | Absolutely. Exceeded all expectations | 11/7/2023 7:38 PM |
| 187 | Yes | 11/7/2023 7:36 PM |
| 188 | Somewhat. Very crowded, so lots of people complained about that. Another example: people complaining about rain and drizzle. Weather happens. One day when met with a bunch of complaints from fellow pilgrims, I pointed to the distance and asked: “What about that rainbow?” And they looked up and said, “oh, a rainbow. I didn’t even see that.” A few un exemplary albergue owners who treated certain people badly, etc. but on the other hand there were very sweet people as well. | 11/7/2023 7:31 PM |
| 189 | Yes and no. I went with 2 friends, I had to leave. I was left with a person I would never travel alone with. Unfortunately I didn’t get to walk my own camino | 11/7/2023 7:26 PM |
| 190 | Yes. It was unknown; my expectations were not too specific. My pilgrimage was more that I expected, personally and physically. | 11/7/2023 7:19 PM |
| 191 | Wanted more photos with interpretation. | 11/7/2023 7:05 PM |
| 192 | Yes. It was one of the peak experiences of my lifetime. | 11/7/2023 7:04 PM |
| 193 | It did for the amount of time I spent there. It took about a month to understand my experience | 11/7/2023 7:03 PM |
| 194 | Yes, I feel like I found a way to forgive and grow | 11/7/2023 6:57 PM |
195 Yes. Learned a lot about the culture; completed my memorization project. 11/7/2023 6:53 PM
| 196 | Yes, but not in ways that I expected. | 11/7/2023 6:52 PM |
| 197 | Yes but we found it was better to be in a small group rather than a larger group. | 11/7/2023 6:47 PM |
| 198 | Addictive. I loved the equality of everyone whilst walking. No one asked about your income/lifestyle/politics.you were a pilgrim | 11/7/2023 6:44 PM |
| 199 | Exceeded. Loved the quiet and connection to nature. Loved the simple life and physicality enjoyed the Camino spirit | 11/7/2023 6:36 PM |
| 200 | yes, I was open to anything | 11/7/2023 6:29 PM |
| 201 | Yes. It was a beautiful experience with many new friendships that sustained me. | 11/7/2023 6:27 PM |
| 202 | Yes. Most definitely | 11/7/2023 6:25 PM |
| 203 | Yes | 11/7/2023 6:25 PM |
| 204 | Yes, an incredible experience. | 11/7/2023 6:13 PM |
| 205 | Virtual still in progress – yes is interesting me in future actual Camino | 11/7/2023 6:08 PM |
| 206 | Yes. Completed the virtual walk and learned about the route and history | 11/7/2023 6:07 PM |
| 207 | Yes, no, maybe. I learned more about my own foibles than I expected. The walking and daily unpacking packing was tiresome, and the things I do , rituals I do at home were interrupted. So I felt out of kelter | 11/7/2023 6:06 PM |
| 208 | Very very much | 11/7/2023 5:54 PM |
| 209 | So sad for Aaron, but The Camino is awesome. | 11/7/2023 5:54 PM |
| 210 | Yes,, I feel I have more clarity, a better sense of what’s important and what’s noise | 11/7/2023 5:52 PM |
| 211 | Yes | 11/7/2023 5:46 PM |
| 212 | Yes, but I’d get more out of going in person. | 11/7/2023 5:40 PM |
| 213 | Loved it but can’t say that it met expectations for spiritual experience | 11/7/2023 5:34 PM |
| 214 | It was virtual so not quite like “being there” | 11/7/2023 5:33 PM |
| 215 | Yes!!! And more! | 11/7/2023 5:31 PM |
| 216 | Yes. Learned a lot about Spain. Went back to Spain several times. One bike pilgrimage and several walking ones. | 11/7/2023 5:17 PM |
| 217 | Yes, I want to repeat. I did not have any opportunity to “switch off” since the children were born. I have narcolepsy and I am exhausted of daily life. I felt great and full of energy on the Camino. | 11/7/2023 5:14 PM |
| 218 | Virtual was great | 11/7/2023 5:12 PM |
| 219 | Yes, I was surprised with my strength and endurance. I went with a few friends and I was the oldest and also the only one who had no foot problems. | 11/7/2023 5:10 PM |
| 220 | Yes. I finished! | 11/7/2023 5:06 PM |
| 221 | Yes. Lots of time to contemplate and pray. A lot of struggles (language, physical ailments), that enabled me to identify with the suffering in thus world. Also, the beautiful, helpful people we met along The Way that helped to restore my belief in humanity. | 11/7/2023 5:04 PM |
| 222 | Absolutely! | 11/7/2023 4:51 PM |
| 223 | Yes. Life changing experience – fellowship with other pilgrims. | 11/7/2023 4:51 PM |
| 224 | most definitely | 11/7/2023 4:50 PM |
| 225 | Since I was open to whatever God had in store for me, yes, although I wished I could have walked it all. | 11/7/2023 4:48 PM |
226 Yes and no… loved every minute I was able to walk, but got VERY sick just over half way through, was in bed for 5 days and had to come home early
| 227 | Absolutely, yes! The Lord was ever-present in every moment and scenario | 11/7/2023 4:31 PM |
| 228 | Yes, it was a wonderful experiences…difficult at times both physically (walking 20-30 Kms per day, walking alone some of the time) | 11/7/2023 4:30 PM |
| 229 | No, my goals were not realistic and I did not prepare | 11/7/2023 4:26 PM |
| 230 | It was everything I imagined and nothing like I imagined. | 11/7/2023 4:25 PM |
| 231 | Yes (I did the virtual Camino Frances) in 2022 and am doing the real Camino Frances in Sept 2024. On the app, I was very happy to see the pictures of the landscape and towns where I received a stamp. I look forward to seeing them in person. | 11/7/2023 4:25 PM |
| 232 | YES!! I found the time to reflect AND I found the time to connect to others. | 11/7/2023 4:18 PM |
| 233 | Yes. Simple life! | 11/7/2023 4:17 PM |
| 234 | I didn’t have an epiphany but I returned home centred and at peace. I was strengthened to face life alone after 39 years as a couple. I gained confidence and joy in life again. | 11/7/2023 4:14 PM |
| 235 | yes | 11/7/2023 4:10 PM |
| 236 | Yes, I did grow as a result | 11/7/2023 4:06 PM |
| 237 | Yes | 11/7/2023 4:04 PM |
| 238 | Even better than expected | 11/7/2023 3:54 PM |
| 239 | Yes | 11/7/2023 3:53 PM |
| 240 | I enjoyed the exercise and felt good helping the Hostels stay solvent. | 11/7/2023 3:53 PM |
| 241 | Exceeded! The entire experience was amazing! | 11/7/2023 3:44 PM |
| 242 | I had no expectations so I was open to everything. | 11/7/2023 3:40 PM |
| 243 | Yes | 11/7/2023 3:39 PM |
| 244 | Yes | 11/7/2023 3:35 PM |
| 245 | Nope–because it wasn’t a pilgrimage for me–I’m not “churchy” and I don’t give a hoot for St. Somebody’s little toe– and I asked the wrong questions. It was a Vision Quest and the question I should have been asking was: Who are my Spirit Helpers? Once that was straightened out (3-4 weeks in), I could make progress. stions. | 11/7/2023 3:34 PM |
| 246 | No huge crowds of bicycles and people seemed to be destination oriented | 11/7/2023 3:31 PM |
| 247 | Yes. I was motivated to finish. | 11/7/2023 3:31 PM |
| 248 | God meets me everywhere I go, i did not do this for spiritual reasons, i got to ride horses in Spain for two weeks. | 11/7/2023 3:27 PM |
| 249 | Yes. I will do it again. Why? Walking in this beautiful Northern Spain is just amazing. Having nothing to do for some weeks than thinking about where you will eat your breakfast and where you will sleep was wonderful. Having everything I needed with me (and so few things) was great. | 11/7/2023 3:26 PM |
| 250 | Exceeded expectations- i felt liberated and found the child in me : child of God | 11/7/2023 3:24 PM |
| 251 | I’m not really sure. I think it helped. I think prayer always helps. | 11/7/2023 3:23 PM |
| 252 | It exceeded my expectations. I thought I’d just be recording mileage (I did it virtually), and the weekly postings were an unexpected delight | 11/7/2023 3:23 PM |
| 253 | Yes | 11/7/2023 3:23 PM |
| 254 | The photos and maps and frequent extras helped keep my interest up. The whole virtual Camino experience far exceeded my expectations. | 11/7/2023 3:20 PM |
| 255 | Yes, enjoyed the app for the virtual camino. | 11/7/2023 3:20 PM |
256 yes 11/7/2023 3:20 PM
| 257 | Yes, it was a life-changing experience. I really put my heart into making it meaningful and the results followed. | 11/7/2023 3:19 PM |
| 258 | More than meet my expectations. Words cannot really describe the fulfillment, but we will wak again | 11/7/2023 3:19 PM |
| 259 | Yea. I found the virtual pilgrimage very interesting and loved seeing and reading about the little towns. | 11/7/2023 3:15 PM |
| 260 | The physical pilgrimage was hard mentally and spiritually. I’m still trying to decide if I made a buen camino. | 11/7/2023 3:12 PM |
| 261 | Yes, but I would have rather done the actual Camino but mine was virtual. I was able to explore my spirituality and become calmer and more confident. | 11/7/2023 3:12 PM |
| 262 | YesI felt Gid was with me every stel if the way | 11/7/2023 3:12 PM |
| 263 | Yes excellent experience | 11/7/2023 3:11 PM |
| 264 | More than met because we didn’t plan ahead for long or have many expectations. There were many delightful surprises in the scenery and the friendships, the lovely churches and chapels | 11/7/2023 3:10 PM |
| 265 | Yes | 11/7/2023 3:09 PM |
| 266 | yes, but I was sick and harder to focus on enlightening thoughts | 11/7/2023 3:09 PM |
| 267 | Yes. My fitness level improved, lost weight and loved the journey on both Camino walks | 11/7/2023 3:07 PM |
| 268 | Absolutely! I did the virtual Camino about 5 times over an 18 month period as a training exercise, but nothing could prepare me for the fulfillment of walking the Camino. | 11/7/2023 3:05 PM |
| 269 | yes, very fun and informative | 11/7/2023 3:03 PM |
| 270 | Yes, exceeded. I met and connected with many wonderful people and I gained several personal insights | 11/7/2023 3:03 PM |
| 271 | Far exceeded it — it’s been ten years this year since I walked the Camino, and I still reflect on it as a pillar experience in my life. | 11/7/2023 3:01 PM |
| 272 | In some ways, yes. Surprised by my own endurance and capacity to do things. Expected more spirituality in the walking – found more at the end in Santiago | 11/7/2023 2:59 PM |
| 273 | Yes and no – it was physically what I imagined and did meet some spiritual expectations but not other (eg had not thought of the connections I would make with other Pilgrims) | 11/7/2023 2:59 PM |
| 274 | Yes, it was a life changing. | 11/7/2023 2:58 PM |
| 275 | Yes and no | 11/7/2023 2:58 PM |
| 276 | Yes. Mentally rewarding | 11/7/2023 12:44 PM |
| 277 | Yes, spiritual simplification of life. | 11/7/2023 12:38 PM |
| 278 | Yes | 11/7/2023 11:00 AM |
| 279 | I didn’t have specific expectations except to finish, since I had never walked a long-distance pilgrimage before. Much of the experience was new and unexpected. | 11/7/2023 10:33 AM |
| 280 | Yes, it was life changing | 11/7/2023 8:13 AM |
| 281 | Yes | 11/7/2023 8:10 AM |
| 282 | Yes | 11/7/2023 8:09 AM |
| 283 | Some of the routes more than others. I found logistical challenges of accommodation along the route meant I gave more headspace to organising the pilgrimage than actually being a pilgrim. | 11/7/2023 7:28 AM |
| 284 | Yes. I found myself again and remembered who I was – my core values. | 11/7/2023 4:22 AM |
285 Yes, in hindsight. There were a lot of new, fascinating experiences that got me to reflect on life. Also I found myself physically underprepared, so the hiking took a lot more energy than expected. Also the planning along for accomodation took a lot of mental energy, because the infrastructure on the Via Francigena in northern France is not well developed. I was just exhausted by the end of the day most days.
| 286 | Exceeded, to be separated from the rest of the world for that short time was restorative | 11/7/2023 1:12 AM |
| 287 | Yes, I’m selling my school this months to extraordinary people with a genius arrangement. | 11/7/2023 1:11 AM |
| 288 | Yes! | 11/7/2023 12:58 AM |
| 289 | yes, physical challenge | 11/7/2023 12:25 AM |
| 290 | Was surprised that there were so many tourists using taxis to carry packs and not using albergues. | 11/6/2023 8:19 PM |
| 291 | Yes! It was challenging at times but absolutely worth the accomplished feeling each and every day | 11/6/2023 7:44 PM |
| 292 | Yes it did. Three sisters all walking together creating family memories, getting over losses | 11/6/2023 7:01 PM |
| 293 | Yes. I continue to walk pilgrimages several times a yesr. | 11/6/2023 6:48 PM |
| 294 | Yes and more | 11/6/2023 6:42 PM |
| 295 | Yes, very much. I felt much more comfortable with myself and felt on top of the world when I got home. I have walked several times now and have experienced healing each time. | 11/6/2023 6:28 PM |
| 296 | Yes, it was more fulfilling than I expected. | 11/6/2023 6:19 PM |
| 297 | Via Podiensis certainly did the churches and chapels were particularly moving – Kumano Kodo was the same with the temples and shrines and nature being close to the spiritual world. Portuguese not al all except bring in Santiago de Compostela | 11/6/2023 4:01 PM |
| 298 | Partly but I still have a long way to go | 11/6/2023 3:44 PM |
| 299 | And more. The people, the beauty, my 74 year body held up just fine. | 11/6/2023 2:34 PM |
| 300 | More than I expected. | 11/6/2023 2:31 PM |
| 301 | Exceeded my expectations because it is not comparable with any other way of traveling and no book or other media can prepare you for this extraordinary experience. | 11/6/2023 2:20 PM |
| 302 | Yes! Connecting with nature and meeting wonderful people gives you faith that good still exists in our world | 11/6/2023 1:56 PM |
| 303 | exceeded. I did not expect transformation but experience some anyway. | 11/6/2023 1:40 PM |
| 304 | Yes | 11/6/2023 1:37 PM |
| 305 | Yes | 11/6/2023 1:22 PM |
| 306 | Yes. It was a daily meditation | 11/6/2023 1:07 PM |
| 307 | Yes, harder than I expected but so fulfilling | 11/6/2023 1:07 PM |
| 308 | Yes! Time to reflect, challenge of walki g so far, meeting amazing people from all cultures! | 11/6/2023 1:03 PM |
| 309 | Yes. I lived fully in the moment and met people that renewed my faith in human kindness. | 11/6/2023 12:54 PM |
| 310 | It tested the limits of my physical endurance. I have many health issues for to injuries and genetic deformity. | 11/6/2023 12:53 PM |
| 311 | Yes | 11/6/2023 12:50 PM |
| 312 | Exceeded. A lot of grief relating to my father’s death surfaced. | 11/6/2023 12:45 PM |
| 313 | Yes. I had useful thoughts. | 11/6/2023 12:41 PM |
| 314 | Yes. I learned every day seems the same, but every day is so different. The same activity (walking) and vastly different experiences (people I met, food I ate, the scenery, the history of the villages.) | 11/6/2023 12:29 PM |
| 315 | Exceeded | 11/6/2023 12:27 PM |
316 Each one has been different. Via Francigena (not the whole thing) & Francesco definitely met my expectations. I did them solo, most parts were rural, beautiful, remote, confidence building, it gave me space to think and breathe. I think the nature helped. But Camino De Santiago (from Leon) I did after these and was disappointed with the amount of concrete, walking next to big highways, then the huge amount of people from Sarria was horrible.
| 317 | Yes. It Met more than my expectations as I had company sometimes and at others was alone as I had wished. | 11/6/2023 12:23 PM |
| 318 | Yes, it overcome all expectations | 11/6/2023 12:23 PM |
| 319 | Yes | 11/6/2023 12:22 PM |
| 320 | Yes, especially landscape and people I met | 11/6/2023 12:20 PM |
| 321 | Our first Camino (from Le Puy to Santiago) was in 2011 and have continued to return on other Caminos, plus walked half the Camino Frances a second time with my daughter. My Camino experiences are highlights in my life–love the community, the introspective times, the kinship that develops with fellow walkers, the physical challenges that leaves me feeling both exhilerated and wishing I’d chosen Hawaii as our holiday. | 11/6/2023 11:53 AM |
| 322 | Yes- as it in any way what expected. | 11/6/2023 11:47 AM |
| 323 | exceeded | 11/6/2023 11:33 AM |
| 324 | Yes, it met my expectations by giving me the freedom to let go of my burdens. | 11/6/2023 11:33 AM |
| 325 | Yes | 11/6/2023 11:32 AM |
| 326 | Yes – 3 months to recover | 11/6/2023 11:31 AM |
| 327 | Oh yes. I would go again tomorrow | 11/6/2023 11:23 AM |
| 328 | Yes, that’s why I keep going back for more. | 11/6/2023 11:16 AM |
| 329 | ABSOLUTELY! Too many to explain here – also many subtle, live changing experiences! | 11/6/2023 11:09 AM |
| 330 | Yes. Did feel more connected. | 11/6/2023 10:58 AM |
| 331 | Yes, as I reminded my self of not expect anythong at all, I witnessed a lot of little miracles and joy that came through fellow piligrims and local people. | 11/6/2023 10:54 AM |
| 332 | More than! Addicted to thru hiking now | 11/6/2023 10:51 AM |
| 333 | Yes, the primitivo route gave me solitude to pray | 11/6/2023 10:46 AM |
| 334 | Yes but it’s hard to articulate. It is a long process rather than a thing gained or achieved. I did pray and that was my intention. | 11/6/2023 10:40 AM |
| 335 | Yes. Beautiful synergy and places to visit and the company of other pilgrims | 11/6/2023 10:38 AM |
336 Yes. Each pilgrimage was even better than I expected 11/6/2023 10:37 AM
Q7 What impact did the pilgrimage have on your personal growth or spiritual journey? What type of personal or spiritual awakening did you experience?
Answered: 312 Skipped: 46
| # | RESPONSES | DATE |
| 1 | I thought it was inventive to help the people who support the walk during the pandemic. | 11/19/2023 10:13 AM |
| 2 | accomplishment | 11/17/2023 5:33 PM |
| 3 | I have been meditating and practicing yoga for many years so I didn’t have any specific spiritual awakening. More a confirmation I was on the right spiritual path for me | 11/16/2023 2:41 PM |
| 4 | It relaxed me in self-acceptance and being at ease with myself | 11/16/2023 2:29 AM |
| 5 | It would take a whole book to describe it, but suffice it to say that I came home with a better sense of self in every way. I found a place in myself where I could be all I am, and not leave anything out. | 11/14/2023 12:55 PM |
| 6 | I feel I gained a degree of humility. | 11/13/2023 8:00 AM |
| 7 | If I believe I can accomplish my goals, I can. But it takes intention. I grew in my ability to break down goals into small daily bites. . | 11/13/2023 7:55 AM |
| 8 | Less anxiety since coming home. Not to take life too seriously. | 11/12/2023 3:17 PM |
| 9 | Not finished yet. | 11/12/2023 10:37 AM |
| 10 | Self worth and strength | 11/11/2023 7:26 AM |
| 11 | I made it! | 11/11/2023 3:12 AM |
| 12 | I look at the world differently and more kindly | 11/10/2023 9:37 PM |
| 13 | Helped my self confidence & faith in God | 11/10/2023 2:31 PM |
| 14 | I loved being able to post my route accomplishment on the FB community page. | 11/10/2023 7:42 AM |
| 15 | Trust God and myself. | 11/10/2023 6:51 AM |
| 16 | Show me that I am stronger that what I think I am physically and spiritually | 11/10/2023 6:36 AM |
| 17 | The pilgrimages taught me to be okay with uncertainty, such as how I’d get to a certain walk point, how I’d feel on the walk or cycle, or what would happen when I met obstacles such as needing to unexpectedly climb over felled trees, or seek assistance when my bike malfunctioned. My ability to trust that things will work out one way or another developed. | 11/10/2023 6:15 AM |
| 18 | I felt very connected to nature and universal love. It restored my faith in humankind. | 11/9/2023 10:43 PM |
| 19 | More a reset / reanimation than awakening. | 11/9/2023 10:24 PM |
| 20 | Became a different person, a person o like | 11/9/2023 10:16 PM |
| 21 | I learned more about myself and the human condition. | 11/9/2023 9:50 PM |
| 22 | I am not an athlete, so the confidence that I feel having done something so challenging and succeeded at age 65 is quite impactful. | 11/9/2023 8:41 PM |
| 23 | Decided to volunteer as hospitalero to give back to the Camino. | 11/9/2023 6:38 PM |
| 24 | stronger belief that the “Camino Provides”…always believe | 11/9/2023 6:15 PM |
25 It gave me the opportunity to disconnect from the busyness of my life, to let go and to let God. I arrived with a sore foot that lingered through the whole walk. I would wake in the middle of the night with much pain in my foot and leg and prepared myself to have to quit but each morning God gave me a new day. I made it through despite the pain and I felt that God was with me through it all.
| 26 | Greater sympathy with people | 11/9/2023 2:08 PM |
| 27 | It was not a spiritual awakening, it was a reunion. | 11/9/2023 12:57 PM |
| 28 | To keep on walking and never give up, attitudes that also work in my daily life | 11/9/2023 9:40 AM |
| 29 | giving myself the importance I deserve, being rightly selfish. Feeling good also reflects positively on others. | 11/9/2023 9:21 AM |
| 30 | That kindness is so easy to give and has a positive impact on the person receiving the kindness as well as the one offering the kindness. | 11/9/2023 8:58 AM |
| 31 | An explicit experience of God’s presence and ways for accessing that spiritual connection. | 11/9/2023 8:51 AM |
| 32 | I feel closer to God and know Him as my friend in who I can trust. Learned that kindness is huge in life and we all need that. | 11/9/2023 7:44 AM |
| 33 | The closeness of God that is seemingly distant in the “real world.” The “real world” is a fake. | 11/9/2023 6:57 AM |
| 34 | Felt very alive and connected with nature, creation and God. Trust in God increased with many miracles and “coincidences” witnessed | 11/9/2023 5:42 AM |
| 35 | No spiritual impact. | 11/9/2023 5:39 AM |
| 36 | renewed my flagging catholic religion | 11/9/2023 5:03 AM |
| 37 | Deep connection to nature…. | 11/9/2023 12:24 AM |
| 38 | That I am able to cope on my own with very little | 11/8/2023 10:47 PM |
| 39 | See answer 6. | 11/8/2023 10:09 PM |
| 40 | Recognizing blessings and priorities | 11/8/2023 9:25 PM |
| 41 | I learned I did not need material things or to have the perfect house to have connection with ithers and to be happy. I learned to savor my present. | 11/8/2023 9:23 PM |
| 42 | Same | 11/8/2023 7:35 PM |
| 43 | Grow in my faith. Helped me to better manage a stressful event in my life. | 11/8/2023 7:08 PM |
| 44 | For me it was the sense of knowing I can do anything if I put in the hard work and don’t give up. | 11/8/2023 6:45 PM |
| 45 | When I returned, I realized how ungrateful I had been for the little things. | 11/8/2023 6:42 PM |
| 46 | Sense of accomplishment and faith | 11/8/2023 6:26 PM |
| 47 | It helped me to grow back into church life and to see the echoes of pilgrimage in other parts of life. | 11/8/2023 6:20 PM |
| 48 | I became calmer, slower to anger, more reflective. | 11/8/2023 6:08 PM |
| 49 | I didn’t have any major epiphanies on the Camino that immediately translated into deciding what my next steps in life were, but spending a month walking definitely ease the stresses of life and give greater overall clarity. It was a meaningful experience that I will always look back on with joy, even if not immediately quantifiable. | 11/8/2023 4:49 PM |
| 50 | I recognized that I no longer am catholic. I experienced deep gratitude for nature and the people I encountered. I recognized talents in myself and responsibilities that go with them. | 11/8/2023 4:46 PM |
| 51 | Now meditate daily. Teach/facilitate SoulCollage. Vitally involved in personal and community spiritual growth/development work. | 11/8/2023 4:37 PM |
| 52 | it was a time to reflect on my life and people in my life which are no longer here. just having time to oneself after a life of work and raising children is a privilege | 11/8/2023 4:13 PM |
| 53 | I developed a sense of confidence and developed a relationship with myself. Learned to take care of myself to better take care of those in my life. This was a spiritual awakening of self awareness and self confidence. | 11/8/2023 3:56 PM |
54 I feel more confident and find it easier to talk to others. 11/8/2023 3:45 PM
| 55 | It was not exactly an awakening but it is now a priority. I want to do more and advice everyone to do it. | 11/8/2023 3:41 PM |
| 56 | i do not know yet | 11/8/2023 3:34 PM |
| 57 | none | 11/8/2023 3:13 PM |
| 58 | The perspectives of soooo many different people and heating of their life stories, was SOOO enriching. | 11/8/2023 2:46 PM |
| 59 | email me if you want to know: writerpam215@gmail.com | 11/8/2023 2:45 PM |
| 60 | It’s had a very positive impact on my life as a whole – I didn’t really experience an awakening at the time but I feel like the sense of camaraderie and companionship that I experienced on the Camino is something that I look for in my everyday life now – I value authentic connection in a way that I didn’t before having my Camino experience | 11/8/2023 2:45 PM |
| 61 | Greater peace within myself, Greater appreciation and love for others and their own personal journey. | 11/8/2023 2:38 PM |
| 62 | The intent was well worth it. I did gain lots of resources from the virtual pilgrimage. In that sense, it did help my personal growth and spiritual journey because I have been able to learn, reflect, and grow in my relationship with God using some of the tools I’ve discovered along this journey. | 11/8/2023 2:28 PM |
| 63 | Clarification, a lightness about me and purpose. | 11/8/2023 2:24 PM |
| 64 | I feel more confident in my ability to complete/follow through on hard tasks. | 11/8/2023 2:23 PM |
| 65 | I became more accepting of the loss of my two dear friends and I felt their presence and their legacies as I walked each day. They were truly with me on this journey. Although I am not religious, I experienced an appreciation of the power of faith and the immense sense of being part of history, part of something much larger than just myself on the Camino | 11/8/2023 2:18 PM |
| 66 | Huge impact. Changed my life. spiritual awakening? Yes but not enough room here to tell you | 11/8/2023 2:17 PM |
| 67 | That I can get rid of people in my life who are not good for my health | 11/8/2023 1:57 PM |
| 68 | Realization that I could do things that brought me joy and did not have to continue with friendships that did not bring joy. | 11/8/2023 1:56 PM |
| 69 | It emodies a sense of community and hospitality in a very powerful way. It allowed me to simplify my life. It gave me a time of consolation to draw from. | 11/8/2023 1:53 PM |
| 70 | Me encanta poder entrar en las iglesias, participar de las misas y bendiciones de peregrinos. | 11/8/2023 1:31 PM |
| 71 | The pilgrimage impacted my life strongly. Every day was a new challenge. There was days I wanted to quit, especially the first few days hiking through the Pyrenees with a drastically over packed backpack. I was awaken to all the graces that he bestowed upon me daily. He is my strength and my surrender. I can do all things through Christ. It is not about me it is all about him. | 11/8/2023 1:23 PM |
| 72 | broadened my knowledge of Spain’s history and the time period when the Way was developing as a pilgrimage. | 11/8/2023 12:54 PM |
| 73 | I loved the relaxed version. It gave us the time to linger and appreciate the special moments and connections. There were a few lessons on trust, courage and stepping out in faith. I am realizing more and more that who I am is important and that my Christianity needs to flow outwards, and I don’t mean proselytizing , but in “being.” | 11/8/2023 12:48 PM |
| 74 | Because it was cut short after 9 days walking maybe some of the spiritual insights never really occurred. There was disappointment about what was unfulfilled as I had planned this for a number of years. Recognised strongly the place of “home” when the chips were down | 11/8/2023 12:47 PM |
| 75 | A realisation that seemingly unconnected choices can result in unexpected coincidences | 11/8/2023 12:37 PM |
| 76 | A huge impact, I learned that I was capable of looking after myself. | 11/8/2023 12:27 PM |
77 Des préjugés tombent. Je prends conscience davantage de mes limites et de la force. Je m’ouvre davantage aux autres. A la beauté du monde. Cela me parle de Dieu qui est amour, qui est le chemin.
| 78 | not much | 11/8/2023 12:21 PM |
| 79 | I want to do it in person | 11/8/2023 12:14 PM |
| 80 | Reawakened the joy of taking life slowly and connecting with nature. I will finish the second half of the Portuguese Camino next year. The journey was more important than the destination. | 11/8/2023 12:10 PM |
| 81 | Listen more to God | 11/8/2023 12:02 PM |
| 82 | I came back knowing that my place is what I make of it…I am responsible for my steps, literally and metaphorically. I found out that I love to journal and gather snippets of wisdom from everyone I meet…there is value in our collective thoughts. I ended up continuing to journal and seek ways to deepen my understanding and commitment to my church community at home. | 11/8/2023 11:45 AM |
| 83 | Loads. Community and fellowship. | 11/8/2023 11:36 AM |
| 84 | OPENED MY MIND | 11/8/2023 11:35 AM |
| 85 | Every step I took on the journey was a step in my unconscious mind. That’s where I travelled, the outside lansdscape, villages and cities was just where I put my feet. | 11/8/2023 11:33 AM |
| 86 | No awakening, I integrated and processed a number of intense spiritual experiences that had happened in the weeks prior (ie a vision/experience of God at St. Peter;s basilica, another at the Acropolis) | 11/8/2023 11:28 AM |
| 87 | Big ongoing evolvong impact – decided to get a divorce | 11/8/2023 11:22 AM |
| 88 | I learned that I need to be more intentional about my spiritual growth and to feed my mind spiritual thought from scriptures and hymns | 11/8/2023 11:20 AM |
| 89 | The overwhelming awareness that God is in control. When we succumb to His plan the result is AWESOME | 11/8/2023 11:15 AM |
| 90 | Appreciating the seasons with more attention to detail in our neighborhood. Appreciating the ability to walk and to stay healthy during the first year of covid. Feeling connected with people who have walked the actual Camino routes, through the photos, journal entries, passport stamps & maps. Still wondering whether we would go there in person someday. The pandemic is still spiritually challenging for me: seeing my privileges (to work at home, & to decide to retire in 2023), feeling heavy grief at the number of people who died or who have “long covid”, seeing the toll this took and is still taking on health care workers, experiencing the tremendous divisions of opinions in the U.S. about how to stay healthy, realizing more of the inter- connections & inter-dependence of my life: relying on countless other people to provide essential services: electric power, running water, foods that I can buy in grocery stores, keeping the roads paved & plowed, providing health care. All these folks had to keep working as best they can while having to show up in person for those jobs during the pandemic. I’ve really cut back on international travel at this time in my life, so am very grateful for the virtual “Camino”. | 11/8/2023 11:07 AM |
| 91 | the same | 11/8/2023 11:04 AM |
| 92 | An inner peace and acceptance | 11/8/2023 11:04 AM |
| 93 | It opened my eyes and heart to experience personal growth in other areas of my life. | 11/8/2023 10:59 AM |
| 94 | more aware of my surroundings and the people in my life | 11/8/2023 10:59 AM |
| 95 | I actively participate in my spiritual journey- mainly through the use of Ignatian tools, multiple retreats, the examen. My Camino experience was significant as this was a year I spent a lot of time contemplating the road to Emaus | 11/8/2023 10:55 AM |
| 96 | The principal personal and spiritual growth was awakening to expanding my responsibilities of caring more broadly for humanity. | 11/8/2023 10:50 AM |
| 97 | Patience | 11/8/2023 10:47 AM |
98 My nighest take away is we have too much stuff, things in our life. Junk. I call it. You realize how little you need to make you happy. Things don’t make me happy. Houses. Cars. Crap you have to dust. Travel makes me happy.
| 99 | It made me realize that is the daily journey of interactions with both people and nature that are important, not material goods or in the case of pilgrimage, the destination. | 11/8/2023 10:36 AM |
| 100 | I feel that I grew immensely during the experience. | 11/8/2023 10:35 AM |
| 101 | When I was more consistent with walking, I would be more present. | 11/8/2023 10:32 AM |
| 102 | To much to answer here. | 11/8/2023 10:25 AM |
| 103 | Na | 11/8/2023 10:18 AM |
| 104 | feeling to be at the good place at the good time | 11/8/2023 10:17 AM |
| 105 | I met lots of people from all over the world. I realized how many people took the pilgrimage seriously | 11/8/2023 10:13 AM |
| 106 | Continued ability to listen and hear from other people and from God | 11/8/2023 10:09 AM |
| 107 | After hiking the Appalachian Trail, I felt I could meet any challenges that came my way. It was transformative. I also felt I could do without many trappings. When hiking, you have very few needs and it is comforting to have all you need in your pack. | 11/8/2023 10:07 AM |
| 108 | Felt the joy serving people that could only give love and gratitude back | 11/8/2023 10:05 AM |
| 109 | 1. Understanding my spiritual needs and then thanking the Lord for the awareness | 11/8/2023 10:04 AM |
| 110 | The Camino taught me that I really don’t need a lot of material things to live day to day with joy and fulfillment. It also prepared me for what was to come with the pandemic, in that I got used to being comfortable in my own company, and embrace a slower life. | 11/8/2023 10:02 AM |
| 111 | A sense of connection with others who were completing the virtual Camino as well during the pandemic | 11/8/2023 9:54 AM |
| 112 | The walked proved that mind over matter is real and was achieved almost every walk day lol | 11/8/2023 9:51 AM |
| 113 | More personal peace. Also had an amazing experience with a halo around me at the top of the mountains on the Hospitalero Route on the Camino Primitivo that walked with me. Mind- blowing. | 11/8/2023 9:50 AM |
| 114 | I think my ego was the part of me that was most challenged. I started off very strong over the Pyrenees. But after some days, blisters started to appear and my Achilles tendon started to act up. I had to slow down, take care of myself. Usually I am the fastest walker in the group. Now I was slower. That irritated me. My competitive ego didn’t like that. Also, later in the hike, when it got busier, I resented the crowds. I had to work with my ego there telling myself that everyone had the right to pilgrimage, that I didn’t own the Camino and to find a way to embrace the humanity of the Camino. Working on this type of thinking really helped me enjoy the end of the walk more. | 11/8/2023 9:42 AM |
| 115 | Not that much. I was a cradle Roman Catholic, left the church 20 years ago, am now an observant Episcopalian. I may feel differently on my next pilgrimage–a short one ending with a stay in Santiago, so I may meet up with the Anglican Centre there. It was meaningful to me to obtain the Compostela, but more as a sense of personal accomplishment than a spiritual marker. | 11/8/2023 9:40 AM |
| 116 | I had more compassion for my fellow humans | 11/8/2023 9:38 AM |
| 117 | It had a huge impact. It gave me clarity on personal issues I was grappling with. | 11/8/2023 9:35 AM |
| 118 | I realize how much being in nature deepens my connection to the divine | 11/8/2023 9:33 AM |
| 119 | Ireland was a great cxn btwn nature and religion… made me more interested in Celtic spirituality; Israel made Biblical stories seem more human and more radical | 11/8/2023 9:32 AM |
| 120 | I learned the importance of slowing down and paying attention – the pace of walking allowed me to observe so many details in my surroundings – even microclimates! Feeling God’s provision in difficult situations was very comforting. I loved the simplicity and the quiet and the walking and wanted to incorporate those things in my daily life post-pilgrimage. | 11/8/2023 9:31 AM |
| 121 | Same as Q 6. It was a practice to keep and find renewal every day | 11/8/2023 9:22 AM |
122 No ‘aha’ moments, but slow, gradual openings 11/8/2023 9:18 AM
| 123 | Everyone is a pilgrim on the journey of life. Some just don’t recognize it as such. | 11/8/2023 9:15 AM |
| 124 | Became way more frugal, more attentive to my real needs, once again I fight to keep a perspective on simple is life. | 11/8/2023 9:13 AM |
| 125 | Positive | 11/8/2023 9:10 AM |
| 126 | Closer to God | 11/8/2023 9:08 AM |
| 127 | It allowed me to ‘let go’ of some issues. | 11/8/2023 9:07 AM |
| 128 | I think I am more inclined to engage in spiritual practices that invite our whole being into it – not just ideology. Walking everyday was a practice in itself – becoming embodied. I feel my spiritual life has more wholeness to it, as I consider how my spirituality is present in my movements, daily interactions with others, and reactions to unexpected things in life. The most profound experience of the pilgrimage was seeing God’s provision for us. In a world that attributes success to having a plan, control, and results, I felt lost at first in what “my purpose” was. So much of our “how to be a full human” is simply being attuned to the movement that is beyond us, but includes us in its loving motion (God). | 11/8/2023 9:04 AM |
| 129 | Live life to the fullest. I try to live a calmer life. | 11/8/2023 9:03 AM |
| 130 | 20 years later, I still reflect on what I felt and learned. | 11/8/2023 8:59 AM |
| 131 | It has defined my spirituality for the last 10 years. It enabled me to heal from grief and let go of burdens, enabling me to reenter work as an ordained person. | 11/8/2023 8:56 AM |
| 132 | Just became closer to my friend, in sharing thoughts while walking. | 11/8/2023 8:55 AM |
| 133 | I felt connected to all those who had walked this way before me.. and I had a connection to some particular biblical passages that struck me along the way. .. but not really an awakening.. but felt very proud of myself for completing the physical challenge | 11/8/2023 8:54 AM |
| 134 | Profound. I see myself (and others)completely different | 11/8/2023 8:54 AM |
| 135 | Great impact. You know when The Holy comes, and stays. | 11/8/2023 8:53 AM |
| 136 | Each time with the insight I receive it causes me to look at life differently and to implement changes in my own behaviour and the way I look at things | 11/8/2023 8:53 AM |
| 137 | Peace with myself and moving toward a more quiet simpler life making God my focus | 11/8/2023 8:52 AM |
| 138 | We were able to discuss hard topics, and develop strategies for managing joint challenges. | 11/8/2023 8:52 AM |
| 139 | learned more about my self | 11/8/2023 8:50 AM |
| 140 | I wanted to change my life | 11/8/2023 8:30 AM |
| 141 | The routine of walking, praying, walking, praying reminded me that I could do this in my regular life. | 11/8/2023 8:24 AM |
| 142 | Not an awakening per se but the process of walking each day helped ground me | 11/8/2023 8:04 AM |
| 143 | Time alone and with others to reflect. Beautiful conversations. I felt like I met people along the way that I was meant to meet and connect with. | 11/8/2023 7:47 AM |
| 144 | xx | 11/8/2023 7:45 AM |
| 145 | You come across extreme physical challenges and once you get through those challenges and continue on you realize just how mentally and physically strong we can be with a lot of prayer and determination anything is possible | 11/8/2023 7:37 AM |
| 146 | I learned the value of living in the moment and not worrying about the past or the future. | 11/8/2023 7:17 AM |
| 147 | I was able to establish healthy boundaries in some relationships. God healed me of some serious trauma, and I have never felt closer to my savior. Each day I experienced conversations or situations that were exactly what I needed to learn, grow and heal. | 11/8/2023 7:13 AM |
| 148 | Self -esteam, compassion, thankfulness, | 11/8/2023 7:07 AM |
149 I really considered the journey along the way (really taking into account the smaller, incremental steps to a larger goal)
| 150 | My biggest connection was with nature – being outside every day for 8-9 hours or more made me feel more connected to life and more able to see what is important – I stripped away a lot of old feelings and became more content in my own shoes | 11/8/2023 6:31 AM |
| 151 | The Inca Trail experience offered a “spiritual” experience that I had never felt before. My Peru guide called it the “Energy of the Mountain”. | 11/8/2023 6:14 AM |
| 152 | I gained self-confidence. I started to take on bigger challenges again after my burn out. I got more and more awake while being more and more aware, and mindful about the world around me, about the way I was walking on and also about my thoughts and emotions. In my last short leg this year in Italian, I had the first time experienced the guidance of angels. | 11/8/2023 6:14 AM |
| 153 | None | 11/8/2023 6:12 AM |
| 154 | Too long to write here | 11/8/2023 6:12 AM |
| 155 | More serenity and mature. | 11/8/2023 5:35 AM |
| 156 | My pilgrimage allowed me to walk with Jesus… every day! I had so many enlightening moments and found such peace and harmony and growth during my journey! | 11/8/2023 4:17 AM |
| 157 | Realising you don’t need much on a daily basis | 11/8/2023 3:55 AM |
| 158 | The pilgrimsge showed me how I can be in the world, whsts important and what is not. | 11/8/2023 3:00 AM |
| 159 | A lot and deferents ways in my life | 11/8/2023 1:58 AM |
| 160 | A huge impact.After my first experience I walk yearly -Covid and am always planning my next. It is I’d my daily thought. | 11/8/2023 1:46 AM |
| 161 | You realize who you are, and learn to deal with it. | 11/8/2023 1:36 AM |
| 162 | We grew closer as a couple | 11/8/2023 12:57 AM |
| 163 | none | 11/8/2023 12:46 AM |
| 164 | spiritual growth | 11/8/2023 12:02 AM |
| 165 | that life is so much simpler and it is great to reconnect with nature | 11/7/2023 11:08 PM |
| 166 | Everything one does has an impact. There was a sense of accomplishment, and gratitude that the opportunity was there to do this virtually. We are given the desires of our hearts, sometimes in ways we might not anticipate. | 11/7/2023 10:31 PM |
| 167 | I became less materialistic and more contemplative, eventually leaving the church community that I had been a part of and started towards a more open spiritual life that is more focused on love and less focused on the in group/out group emphasis of my previous church community. | 11/7/2023 10:14 PM |
| 168 | I was surprised at how moving it was to arrive in Santiago, and to stand behind the high altar of St.James and look out into the sanctuary. I became more aware of the importance of the journey. It makes the arrival have more meaning. It’s how we journey every day in our lives that gives life its meaning. | 11/7/2023 10:03 PM |
| 169 | Recognized in Him I have all I need—Ps 23 | 11/7/2023 9:37 PM |
| 170 | This question requires an essay to answer it. The pilgrimage increased my resilience and courage. I walked almost the entire way along. It taught me there are no mistakes even taking a wrong turn. It tuned me into the earth and nature. It made me get outside my comfort zone physically and relationally. I heard the whispers of my soul and acted on them. Returning home to write my book about my journey to help others and study counselling. | 11/7/2023 8:34 PM |
| 171 | live in the present moment | 11/7/2023 8:31 PM |
| 172 | I’m have continued to pray for others and their intentions. If I am hiking I grab a stone and pray for that person and Jesus intentions while hiking. Then I save that rock and will bring on my next pilgrimage. | 11/7/2023 8:23 PM |
| 173 | I have experienced better health for walking 2-2.6 miles per day and appreciate the calming that comes from silent walking. | 11/7/2023 8:19 PM |
174 I could write a book about my two Caminos. The first, after a divorce and a marriage with an alcoholic, was healing, helped me work out my anger, resentment and fear. The second was with a new love, was a celebration of the shortness of life, and gratitude for every breath- every moment- every experience…. I felt in my body, my heart, my soul and mind for both. Being alone, being silent, walking as meditation- all part of an incredible spiritual journey for me. 11/7/2023 8:19 PM
| 175 | Having been home only a month, I am still processing. | 11/7/2023 8:04 PM |
| 176 | It calms me and keeps me focused. It reminds me of the importance of being connected to people and not judging them at the same time. What you put in is what you get back. | 11/7/2023 8:03 PM |
| 177 | I walk all the time now! I found God while walking and within the other pilgrims | 11/7/2023 7:38 PM |
| 178 | Live with less | 11/7/2023 7:36 PM |
| 179 | I confirmed that I am very lucky, that I love my family and my life. | 11/7/2023 7:31 PM |
| 180 | I was very flat for mths when I returned. I think it is still revealing its self. I have decluttered to the Max and had a knee replacement in the 12mths since returning. In hospital pastoral care came to visit. I told him about my journey and all the light and dark associated with it. It was quiet an enlightening session. I felt very light after our long discuss. I think im still search for something however. . | 11/7/2023 7:26 PM |
| 181 | I think i became more aware of some negative behaviors of mine that I began working on during my camino. | 11/7/2023 7:19 PM |
| 182 | Convinced me that I want to walk the Camino. | 11/7/2023 7:05 PM |
| 183 | A feeling of oneness with nature and connection with Spirit. An openness to and renewed awareness to a need for and appreciation of human connections. An appreciation of what I am capable of doing as an individual. | 11/7/2023 7:04 PM |
| 184 | Still working on that | 11/7/2023 7:03 PM |
| 185 | Learning my spiritual/social gift of patience and tolerance. Realized I could do something very hard on my own and seek help when needed | 11/7/2023 6:57 PM |
| 186 | I learned that I’m stronger than I ever imagined | 11/7/2023 6:52 PM |
| 187 | The sense of walking in the footsteps of pilgrims, importance of community, simple lifestyle. | 11/7/2023 6:47 PM |
| 188 | Realised minimalism is a perfect philosophy | 11/7/2023 6:44 PM |
| 189 | I just want to go back, so I am still growing | 11/7/2023 6:29 PM |
| 190 | I met so many kind people from around the world that my faith in humanity was restored. | 11/7/2023 6:27 PM |
| 191 | Was able to manage life happenings better, inter personal relationships were better | 11/7/2023 6:25 PM |
| 192 | cant answer yet | 11/7/2023 6:08 PM |
| 193 | None really, except for satisfaction of completing the camino | 11/7/2023 6:07 PM |
| 194 | I learned I like routine and ritual. And constant movement interfered with my rythmmn | 11/7/2023 6:06 PM |
| 195 | Healing, forgiveness of myself and others. Orientation of my life to it’s place in the physical and spiritual world. I found peace. | 11/7/2023 5:54 PM |
| 196 | Spiritual and personal | 11/7/2023 5:54 PM |
| 197 | See above answer | 11/7/2023 5:52 PM |
| 198 | I accepted my situation | 11/7/2023 5:46 PM |
| 199 | That movement, such as this, is something I really need to do for myself. | 11/7/2023 5:40 PM |
| 200 | I did not feel that I had a personal or spiritual awakening | 11/7/2023 5:34 PM |
| 201 | Not sure. It was more a motivator to walk daily and to still see some of the countryside of the real camino | 11/7/2023 5:33 PM |
| 202 | Walking has become meditative both there and now home. | 11/7/2023 5:31 PM |
203 Started doing triathlons 11/7/2023 5:17 PM
| 204 | No special expectations. I felt already awakened and only confirmed that. | 11/7/2023 5:14 PM |
| 205 | Not much but I did it virtually. Want to do the actual walk. | 11/7/2023 5:12 PM |
| 206 | No real awakening, sadly. But I loved the stories I heard from fellow travellers. I loved the beauty of the trail and the kindness of others. | 11/7/2023 5:10 PM |
| 207 | Gave me the strength to take on hard challenges. My faith was enhanced! | 11/7/2023 5:06 PM |
| 208 | Be careful what you pray for! Since returning from our walk, we have had spiritual difficulties (readjusting to our place in society; relating to others ) as well as the strong desire to “return” to the walk -again! (As difficult as it was !) | 11/7/2023 5:04 PM |
| 209 | I especially found that silent prayer in the many little churches along the way strengthened me, both physically and spiritually. | 11/7/2023 4:51 PM |
| 210 | Found what I came to call a “Camino Serenity” | 11/7/2023 4:51 PM |
| 211 | I learned that there are many people who show kindness and generosity | 11/7/2023 4:50 PM |
| 212 | Just good to spend time with God. | 11/7/2023 4:48 PM |
| 213 | Trusting in self, the Camino, that all would work out, and that getting sick was part of my Camino journey | 11/7/2023 4:40 PM |
| 214 | The pilgrimage was a kinesthetic working out of the transformational work the Holy Spirit has been doing in my soul. There were no big “A-ha moments” but a continuing stream of the gentle reminder of the kindness of humans and my belovedness of God. | 11/7/2023 4:31 PM |
| 215 | Holy Spirit (dove/light beams) presented themselves to me on numerous occasions over the tone I was on the trail. | 11/7/2023 4:30 PM |
| 216 | I found a sort of deep peace and happiness from the simplicity of life I experienced | 11/7/2023 4:26 PM |
| 217 | First – gratitude. For everything. Second, the realization that I sell myself short and tell myself I can’t do things, but the reality is that I have been equipped for and am so much more capable than I believe. | 11/7/2023 4:25 PM |
| 218 | It helped me reflect on my Catholic religion and led me back to church. | 11/7/2023 4:25 PM |
| 219 | I realized that I loved connecting with people from all over the world. I loved hearing about their journeys. | 11/7/2023 4:18 PM |
| 220 | I felt more confident in myself and connected to the universe. Being in nature became very important for my equilibrium. | 11/7/2023 4:14 PM |
| 221 | felt very connected with the people on the pilgrimage, with nature, and with God. | 11/7/2023 4:10 PM |
| 222 | I became more midful. I also started to practice Stoicism in a disciplined way. | 11/7/2023 4:06 PM |
| 223 | I didn’t have a spiritual awakening but I did realize my physical strength and stamina which really surprised me | 11/7/2023 4:04 PM |
| 224 | Increase self-confidence and spirituality | 11/7/2023 3:54 PM |
| 225 | Recognition that spiritual work is done with the body, not just the brain. Learned perseverance | 11/7/2023 3:53 PM |
| 226 | I talked with God a lot on my ride. | 11/7/2023 3:53 PM |
| 227 | Not being catholic, I think my learning and spending time with others who were helped me understand some things better. But for me, it cemented that I am not about religion but rather relationship with God. | 11/7/2023 3:44 PM |
| 228 | I was astounded at the kindness of strangers which hopefully I’ve carried through to my home situation. | 11/7/2023 3:40 PM |
| 229 | A great sense of achievement and connection to other pilgrims. | 11/7/2023 3:39 PM |
| 230 | Closer to sisters and mom | 11/7/2023 3:35 PM |
231 I came back knowing 3 things: 1)There are angels EVERYWHERE. 2)The Universe really does take better care of me than I can ever imagine. 3)Even with my little legs and my slow pace, I can get past any mountain (figuratively as well as physically).
| 232 | None | 11/7/2023 3:31 PM |
| 233 | Sitting in a saddle 6-8 hours a day allows for introspection and many hours in prayer. I think my prayers kept the people i traveled with safe and the horses safe. Our journey was amazingly peaceful. | 11/7/2023 3:27 PM |
| 234 | It was clear afterwards that I had to get out of the apartment where I still lived with my partner after a separation that was already two years. Corona then made it last longer, but I knew from that point that I had to get away. | 11/7/2023 3:26 PM |
| 235 | Transformation | 11/7/2023 3:24 PM |
| 236 | See previous answer. | 11/7/2023 3:23 PM |
| 237 | I was coming out of a fairly traumatic “work ending experience” and it helped me … a lot … to process and move on | 11/7/2023 3:23 PM |
| 238 | Deepening of sense of God’s work. | 11/7/2023 3:23 PM |
| 239 | I gained a new appreciation for steady progress rather than perfection. It wasn’t about winning the race so much as simply finishing in my own way and in my own time. It helped me run with patience the gamut of cancer treatments. | 11/7/2023 3:20 PM |
| 240 | Would have liked to have been able to print off some pages as a souvenir | 11/7/2023 3:20 PM |
| 241 | the realization that silence is necessary for real thinking | 11/7/2023 3:20 PM |
| 242 | Trusting myself and following my intuition. Being okay to be alone. I’m stronger than I ever knew. | 11/7/2023 3:19 PM |
| 243 | I felt very connected to the church, I felt history alive when we discussed those that came before us | 11/7/2023 3:19 PM |
| 244 | It was a floor for me to start on, not the mountaintop or roof. It made me realize how insular I am. | 11/7/2023 3:12 PM |
| 245 | I became calmer, more confident. I appreciated nature and spirituality more. | 11/7/2023 3:12 PM |
| 246 | Huge !! I feel forever changed. I feel a deepwr relationship with God. I know i am nothing without God | 11/7/2023 3:12 PM |
| 247 | Better understanding | 11/7/2023 3:11 PM |
| 248 | Confidence because I completed something that was very physically hard. Such a reduction in anxiety which had been very high during the pandemic. A connection to God through friendship, nature, beauty, overcoming hardships. I did the pilgrimage with my husband after we were new empty nesters and it was also a time of real reconnection for us. | 11/7/2023 3:10 PM |
| 249 | No impact | 11/7/2023 3:09 PM |
| 250 | I guess just realising you don’t need all the personal possessions to survive. I loved the way you are able to live with what you carry and how the walk clears your mind | 11/7/2023 3:07 PM |
| 251 | Yes. Felt rejuvenated physically. Still pondering life questions but Camino helped me realize importance of doing so. | 11/7/2023 3:07 PM |
| 252 | The level of love and friendship offered along the way. Openness, lack of judgement. In times of trouble, mankind could benefit from more experiences like this! | 11/7/2023 3:05 PM |
| 253 | the time walking and reflecting | 11/7/2023 3:03 PM |
| 254 | I realized I want to go on weekend retreats occasionally to re-center myself | 11/7/2023 3:03 PM |
| 255 | I experienced a deeper level of connection with my fellow pilgrims than I’d ever let myself experience with others in my day-to-day life. It opened me up to a new experience of camaraderie and connection. | 11/7/2023 3:01 PM |
| 256 | Learned about what I’m capable of | 11/7/2023 2:59 PM |
257 Did feel closer to God and desire to walk more Pilgrim routes 11/7/2023 2:59 PM
| 258 | Self-forgiveness | 11/7/2023 2:58 PM |
| 259 | Peace. Calming the mind | 11/7/2023 12:44 PM |
| 260 | See above answer. | 11/7/2023 12:38 PM |
| 261 | I gained a clearer view of what God might want of me. I gained a great sense of gratitude to God | 11/7/2023 11:00 AM |
| 262 | I am not a strongly religious person but I do have a Catholic faith that I practice. I didn’t think much about the spiritual aspect beforehand as I didn’t undertake the pilgrimage for religious reasons. However, we did a lot of thinking, reading, and talking about the past and present pilgrimage experience. Thinking of myself as a pilgrim gave the journey a spiritual aspect, as the religious aspects were all around. I found myself feeling surrounded by Catholic saints, mostly from visiting so many chapels and reading about various saints. I felt a closer connection to them than I had in the past. | 11/7/2023 10:33 AM |
| 263 | All of the above ^^^!! I reconnected with my strong Catholic faith after not going to church for two years during the pandemic. I reflected on my personal relationship with God & what my faith means to me. I always was tremendously proud of the physical accomplishments & the example I set for my children abt goal setting. I marveled at how little I needed to be truly happy & refreshed & how many blessings I have in life: an amazing supportive husband & wonderful loving children. In real life, we often compare ourselves to others but out there no one cares what you do for a profession, what car you drive, how big your house it. In fact, these things are never discussed. It’s so refreshing to connect with others on such a pure level. | 11/7/2023 8:13 AM |
| 264 | I learned a lot about myself the most important being things are not always what I think they are | 11/7/2023 8:10 AM |
| 265 | I am processing some past trauma as well as facing up to my mother’s terminal illness. These journeys have helped me form new perspectives or discover resonance through connecting with people and nature. | 11/7/2023 7:28 AM |
| 266 | Regained my feeling of self-worth. | 11/7/2023 4:22 AM |
| 267 | I saw different ways of life, but was also able to connect with the people I met. That was inspiring. Also overcoming the challenge of actually doing it even though it was hard made me grow as a person. | 11/7/2023 2:09 AM |
| 268 | Being separate from the world was like resetting myself | 11/7/2023 1:12 AM |
| 269 | It increased my connection to the numinous and my intuition. | 11/7/2023 1:11 AM |
| 270 | better motivation, sense of acomplishment | 11/7/2023 12:25 AM |
| 271 | Simplify my life – I thought I would want to listen to books or would get bored but have very much enjoyed the meditative aspect and the silence | 11/6/2023 7:44 PM |
| 272 | Awakens inner contemplation, make the most of your life as it can be taken away too quickly, excess baggage of life is unnecessary, make life easier on yourself and stop rushing | 11/6/2023 7:01 PM |
| 273 | I am more confident, competent, mentally and physically fit. I am the best version of me when walking. | 11/6/2023 6:48 PM |
| 274 | None | 11/6/2023 6:42 PM |
| 275 | I finally had healing and was able to move forward. Spiritually, I was able to return to the Spiritual state that had been whittled away during my marriage. | 11/6/2023 6:28 PM |
| 276 | I decided to retire after my first Camino. | 11/6/2023 6:19 PM |
| 277 | Peace and fulfilment | 11/6/2023 4:01 PM |
| 278 | Appreciation of silence | 11/6/2023 3:44 PM |
| 279 | Thinking about promises I made to myself on the Camino… everyday. | 11/6/2023 2:34 PM |
| 280 | I became closer to God, more aware of His voice, challenged and encouraged by Him | 11/6/2023 2:31 PM |
281 Oneness with everything. It turned my belief into knowing. 11/6/2023 2:20 PM
| 282 | Learning to deal with anxiety… on the trail you can let it go | 11/6/2023 1:56 PM |
| 283 | I felt much more satisfaction with life. And had more self confidence. | 11/6/2023 1:40 PM |
| 284 | Felt closer to God | 11/6/2023 1:37 PM |
| 285 | It was a lovely experience | 11/6/2023 1:22 PM |
| 286 | I had several “realizations” years ago. The Caminos are just a continuation of that ongoing process. | 11/6/2023 1:07 PM |
| 287 | No | 11/6/2023 1:07 PM |
| 288 | I learned to live with much less ( 6 weeks with 2 stretch pants) hou realuze life is less stressful with less things. I learned that I could do hard things and they were fun! | 11/6/2023 1:03 PM |
| 289 | I have enjoyed sharing the experience with others, and taking them on pilgrimage as well. | 11/6/2023 12:54 PM |
| 290 | Closer to my family members who accompanied me. | 11/6/2023 12:53 PM |
| 291 | Several moving spiritual experiences, usually in religious settings. | 11/6/2023 12:45 PM |
| 292 | It helped me make good decisions. | 11/6/2023 12:41 PM |
| 293 | Absolutely humbled. I didn’t expect it to be so hard and I didn’t think I would want to quit every day for the first two weeks. | 11/6/2023 12:29 PM |
| 294 | Better sense of self | 11/6/2023 12:27 PM |
| 295 | Confidence in my abilities and recognising how little confidence I had in myself was eye opening. It definitely gave me an inner strength I didn’t have before, and also to trust my inner guidance. I definitely spoke to my spiritual guides each day, it was lovely having that constant connection that I forget in my daily life. I do try to pause more, sit for 5 mins in the garden and have that connection again | 11/6/2023 12:24 PM |
| 296 | I realised that God sends help when it is needed and that it was for me to accept it. | 11/6/2023 12:23 PM |
| 297 | The urge to pray, motivation to work on myself | 11/6/2023 12:23 PM |
| 298 | Gave me confidence in being alone. | 11/6/2023 12:22 PM |
| 299 | I was introduced to a number of new religious books–many written by people who have walked the Camino. It did not change my own spiritual path but it did expand what I read and who I talked to. I never hang out with priests or Catholics, or at least we never talk about religious issues (hmmm…interesting) but on the Camino, religious questions and discussions are often part of the evening meal time. | 11/6/2023 11:53 AM |
| 300 | Perception clearer and feel more ‘spritual’ | 11/6/2023 11:47 AM |
| 301 | give me patience, self-confidence, love of walking | 11/6/2023 11:33 AM |
| 302 | I realized just how few things one needs to find true joy. | 11/6/2023 11:33 AM |
| 303 | I was able to lay down a very specific burden that was eating me away with worry about one of my sons. | 11/6/2023 11:32 AM |
| 304 | Showed me I could cope alone | 11/6/2023 11:31 AM |
| 305 | Perspective | 11/6/2023 11:23 AM |
| 306 | I enjoyed meditation in motion and connecting with other spiritual seekers. | 11/6/2023 11:16 AM |
| 307 | My connection with nature and in turn my heart was profound! My openness to connect and communicate with others in an authentic way was noticeable. I was able to trust more, Be in the flow and not so controlling about situations. My levels of acceptance and joy grew and in turn I experienced connection, happiness and a sense of fulfilment in life in general! | 11/6/2023 11:09 AM |
| 308 | Helped me visualize these places and utilized all my senses to create a physical memory. | 11/6/2023 10:58 AM |
309 I experienced lots of joy and happiness even though the constant blisters, the bad sleep, the incomoditirs in general, one can experience happiness even though though times, but you meed to have a clear objective or motive to wake up and continue no matter what.
| 310 | Remembering the wonderful grace of God | 11/6/2023 10:46 AM |
| 311 | I’m going to continue walking and praying. I hope to follow God more closely. | 11/6/2023 10:40 AM |
312 It taught me to let go of so much ‘stuff’ in my life and choose a simpler way of life 11/6/2023 10:37 AM
[1] Most participants identify pilgrimage as a sacred, religious, or spiritual journey even when they themselves are not religious. In discussions, most respondents recognize a spiritual element of self-reflection and awakening that comes with pilgrimage, even when they do not personally identify with an organized religion.
[2] The Pilgrimage Experience Survey was emailed to 5,813 individuals who had previous connection with the virtual pilgrimage website, http://www.caminoforgood.com . It was posted to various Facebook pilgrimage groups, including: Gehrke Pilgrims, Camino for Good, Via Francigena – Road to Rome, Via Francigena, Pilgrimage, Way of St. Francis, Slow Strollers, Camino de Santiago, Camino de Santiago – Frances. In total 357 individuals completed the survey. The full survey, including questions and responses can be found in Appendix A.
[3] Appendix A: Pilgrimage Experience Survey, Question 7, response #93.
[4] Appendix A: Pilgrimage Experience Survey, Question 7, response #241.
