Preparing for Pilgrimage
Walk with me…
In about 3 weeks, my walk along the Camino de Santiago begins. I have only vague idea of what I will be doing over those 8 days of life.
A promise of transformation, of new insights, of slowing WAY down. To gain perspective. To return a new person, one I cannot even imagine or know until then! That may be greater expectation that I want to bring. What will I take with me? What will I leave behind? How do I want to be and who am I becoming?
My involvement with Walking Mentorship as part of a first cohort in their Foundations Program and now accredited experience designer with Transformational Travel Council inspired and invited me to join this May 2026 group for this walk. These are the two organizations hosting our walk.
I am finding my soul come alive in this type of work, walking in nature and mentorship, stewardship of our earth and ourselves, transformative travel. Being with people who are interested in life well lived, and the wonder of it all. Consciousness prevails.
As I walk, awakening to the senses. Letting go of identity of form, into pure consciousness, presence and my true self. A spirit within a body. This body, starting our 62 years ago on this earth and look at all it has and continues to be doing here!
Slowing WAY down. New insights, to begin again with renewed clarity, ready to take action. Breathe.
I was going to do this on my own but realized a couple of months ago that doing this type of a journey without my husband could mean we would have even more separate and parallel lives. He is now joining me – it is good. Sharing in this experience means we both will know it. Our life now, married for almost 35 years, is in transition. What do we want and need it to look like from here, so we are each thriving?
Thriving in a way that invites our best selves and highest purpose. With laughter and simplicity, yet also with service. I am learning still to trust my truest self, to know through the mix of DNA and my heart’s wisdom, what is energizing and calls to bring my attention.
We will be asked to have a focus question.
What is mine, is the question of this day.
To be continued …
Melinda is excited about her role to serve as travel coach, walking mentor, and transformational travel designer. Supporting people to connect the dots, discover your whys and nurture your greatest potential toward human flourishing! Oh, and as a pickleball travel expert, coach, and group leader – let’s play and connect and live this life fully, with grace and love.