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Reflecting on my Camino experience, I was struck by how I could hold both the heartbreak of world events and the beauty of the path before me. I followed the news, limited myself to just a few minutes each day, and also found myself immersed in laughter, connection, and awe. There was room for both. I didn’t need to deny one to hold the other.
That’s what mindfulness offers us: inner space and steadiness. The ability to stay grounded through global turmoil or personal challenges. To manage the small, immediate things—like blister care, group dynamics, and leadership—in ways that anchor us to the present. And in taking care of each step, the miles truly did take care of themselves.
I share this because I believe we all have the capacity to hold complexity—both the pain of the world and the wonder of life. With mindfulness, we can tune into the sacredness of a quiet moment, even as we face uncertainty or unrest.
You don’t need to be walking a trail in France.
Simple things that bring us into the present moment can act as the glue to hold us together when we feel as if we might unravel.
You can breathe deeply during a difficult meeting, pause to notice the light in the leaves, or smile thinking about someone you love. You can feel what’s hard and still choose to witness beauty, extend kindness, or take a moment to stretch your legs and reset. These small, conscious choices help keep us steady through the challenges.
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