Three Parts to the Camino: Physical, Mental, Spiritual

In my book, Quest for the Enlightened Pilgrim, the characters talk about there being three parts to the Camino de Santiago (physical, mental, and spiritual).

Camino de Invierno Route Map

First, they read in The Master Key System about the creative power of thought, then they see the link with the Camino. 

It will be found that the creative power of thought will explain every possible condition or experience, whether physical, mental, or spiritual. — Charles Haanel, The Master Key System 

 Have you ever heard the Camino described in three parts? The first third of the Camino Frances, from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Burgos, is described as the Physical Part, with your body being conditioned and getting stronger. Part two, from Burgos to León, walking across the Meseta, is the Mental Part. That leads most people to do some powerful thinking. And from León to Santiago is the third part, the Spiritual Part. Being strengthened both physically and mentally, you are ready for the Spiritual experience of pilgrimage. Isn’t it great that Haanel brought up that concept of Physical, Mental, and Spiritual? — Arlene Laskey, Quest for the Englightened Pilgrim 

  Usually this concept of ‘three parts to the Camino’ refers to the Camino Frances, but I found it true on my recent Camino as well, even though I only walked for 18 days, and only 14 days in a stretch. For this comparison I am only covering the 14 days after I volunteered at Rabanal del Camino. 

The Physical 

From Rabanal to Puente de Domingo Flores is very physically demanding. The first few stages are difficult, with many dramatic ascents and descents. Some of the descents were over treacherous trails of stone. However, the reward is spectacular views.  

Roman Gold Mine at Las Médulas

My favourite view on this section was of the Roman Gold Mine at Las Médulas. This site was so interesting. It was a Roman gold mine 2,000 years ago, an amazing feat of engineering, yet a devastating ecological ruin. Now it is a Unesco World Heritage Site and stunning scenery. 

The Mental 

From Puente de Domingo Flores to Rodeiro is what I would call the Mental portion of this Camino. The body is now stronger; the trails are no longer as challenging. This section does include a 30 km hike with 2 major climbs and another day with the highest point of the Camino de Invierno—the summit of Mt Faro. But they just didn't seem as strenous as the first few days.

The walking on those days was not as difficult for me as the solitude. I actually like solitude and had expected this Camino to be quieter than other routes; but there were many days I did not see another pilgrim. So, I started to think. 

Just me and the cows

I thought about what it was that I wanted to get out of this Camino. Was there something I wanted to change in my life? Should I set new goals? Should I write other books? (I actually came up with a couple of ideas for that) It was just me and the cows, so I kept thinking. 

The Spiritual 

After leaving Rodeiro, the trails were definitely easier with lush forests and farmland. I began to walk with the intention of having a sensory experience. To kiss the ground with my feet.  

Walk as if you are kissing the earth with your feet. — Thich Nhat Hanh 

And the earth was kissing back. Sometimes with wet, sloppy kisses, lol. As I kept my attention on my senses, I heard sounds all around me.  

Almost always I could hear birds; sometimes village sounds—dogs barking, chickens, people talking, the pan truck; near the roadways there were car sounds; in the forests there were water sounds—rivers, streams, fonts. I heard the wind stirring the leaves, my boots on the gravel, my poles on the pavement.  

I felt the breeze on my face, the weight of my backpack, my feet on the trail. I smelled fresh manure, eucalyptus trees, and fresh air. 

Lush forest

That’s when the Camino really came to life and I fell in love with the Camino de Invierno. That’s when I realized that walking the Camino is good for my soul, and one of the places that I find peace. 

It’s something that is just for me, a gift to myself. I can cut off from all responsibilities at home. I love to walk in nature, but also through the history and culture of Spain. I learn more about myself; that I am strong and resilient. That I can do anything that I set myself to do. 

I wish the same for you. Maybe your “good for the soul” experience is not found on the Camino de Santiago, but there is surely an experience that gives you what you need: physical, mental, and spiritual. 

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