When I first learned about the Camino de Santiago in 2012, my mind / heart / soul sort of locked on it. “That!” my whole being chorused. (And my whole being isn’t one that usually choruses.)

This, I later learned, is the call of the Camino. It’s an invitation that persistently whispers to us, often for reasons we can’t point to or justify. But if it’s meant for us, it happens exactly how and when it’s supposed to.

That time and way appeared for me 11 years after the initial call. I had just started planning a solo journey when a dear friend introduced me to the divine Rachael Sanborn, owner of Red Monkey Walking Travel, who had been bringing pilgrims on Camino walks for a nearly decade by that point.

There was the chorus again: “let this person guide you.”

I did. And now, 2 years and 3 trips later, following that call has led me to become one of the guides for Red Monkey’s Walking Meditation trip through Basque country, offered each fall.

“Guide” is slightly misleading because pilgrimage, by its nature, is self-guided. As with writing groups, really my role is to hold space for your discovery and growth. Whatever we call it, it’s a privilege and a joy. I hope to walk with you one of these days.