Since I walked the Camino de Santiago back in 2017, I’ve been thinking deeply about connection.
That pilgrimage was the first time I truly questioned my connection to a God I wasn’t sure was there. I had no evidence, no grand epiphany—just a feeling, something I couldn’t fully explain. Even now, I’m still confused about what that something is.
But what I learned during those 500 miles is that connection takes many forms. It’s not always about divine clarity or absolute answers. Sometimes, it’s as simple—and as profound—as connecting with nature, with oneself, and with others.
Connecting with Nature
Walking the Camino, I had no choice but to engage with the natural world. The rhythm of my footsteps matched the sway of the trees. The sunrise marked the start of my day, and the cooling dusk signalled rest. It was the first time in years I felt completely present.
Nature reminds us that we’re part of something bigger. It doesn’t judge or demand. It just is. That simplicity was grounding for me, and it’s something I still turn to when life feels overwhelming.
If you’re feeling disconnected, step outside. Not just to tick the box of “being in nature,” but to be in it. Sit under a tree, let the breeze wrap around you, or feel the ground beneath your feet. Nature has a way of offering connection without saying a word.
Connecting with Yourself
Walking alone for hours each day gave me no choice but to sit with my own thoughts. That was both freeing and unsettling. What did I believe? Who was I becoming? Was I running toward something, or away from it?
That inner dialogue hasn’t stopped since the Camino. I still question myself, still wonder what I’m supposed to make of this life. But I’ve realized that connection with yourself doesn’t mean having all the answers—it means being willing to ask the questions.
Start small. Find five minutes of silence in your day, whether it’s in the morning, before bed, or on a lunch break. No distractions, no noise—just you. You might be surprised at what surfaces.
Connecting with Others
The Camino isn’t just about walking; it’s about the people you meet along the way. Strangers became friends, and fleeting conversations turned into moments of shared humanity. Those connections reminded me how deeply we all crave to be seen and heard.
Back in my daily life, I try to carry that lesson with me. Real connection with others doesn’t require grand gestures—just attention. A question asked with genuine curiosity. A moment of vulnerability. A willingness to truly listen.
Next time you’re with someone, take a moment to tune in fully. Put the phone away. Look them in the eye. Ask how they really are. It might seem small, but those are the moments that stick.
The Mystery of Connection
I still don’t know what I felt on the Camino. Was it a divine presence? The energy of the earth? Or just my own mind searching for meaning? Maybe it’s all of those things. Maybe it’s none.
What I do know is that connection matters. To nature, to yourself, to others. These threads are what ground us, even when the world feels uncertain.
So, how will you connect today? Will you step outside and breathe it in? Will you sit quietly and listen to your thoughts? Or will you reach out to someone who might need to be reminded they’re not alone?
Let me know—I’d love to hear your story.
Buen camino,
Darren
