à la carte spirit by ilona fried
Spiritual Practice
What Will You Say “No” To In 2013?
In our culture, no is sometimes considered a dirty word, synonymous with negativity, rudeness or abruptness, especially if it’s not followed by a disclaimer, plausible excuse or explanation uttered in a dulcet tone. Yes is often considered positive, supportive, agreeable, embracing. On the level of soul, however, no might be the most affirmative word a … Continue reading
Are There “Accidents”?
“Were you in an accident?” asked the chunky, spiky haired masseuse at my physical therapist’s office as I lay on a table. She was working on my left foot and leg, per her boss’ instructions. “No,” I said. “I walked more than 500 miles.” And maybe trekking that distance, in my case, created physical effects … Continue reading
To the Camino, with Gratitude
The last few nights I have dreamed that I was walking long distances outdoors; I guess the Camino is still rooted in my subconscious and in my body, which has been conditioned to keep moving. With no more yellow arrows to follow, will I take up sleepwalking?! Since it’s Thanksgiving, here are some appreciations, from … Continue reading
Endings as Beginnings
I´m nearing the end of my walk; in less than two days, I´ll arrive at Finisterre (the end of the earth). In some ways, it is much like the beginning. Then, I started up a mountain in the midst of the Basque country, a region straddling France and Spain that, thanks to its remote location, … Continue reading
Almost there…but who is counting?
Santiago is 790 kilometers from St. Jean Pied de Port (France), where I started the Camino. Signs along the way proclaim the kilometers remaining. When the numbers were in the high triple digits, I ignored them, unlike other Pilgrims who photographed some if not all of these markers. Frankly, it was too depressing to contemplate … Continue reading
à la carte spirit by ilona fried 
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