From the Camino: I love music, and generally work with music playing in the background. I find that I work longer and harder with baroque music. I first noticed this back in college days, that when I put on Bach, that I had fewer distractions, and would get caught up in satisfying study or research . I later read a study that suggested that the multiple, intertwining melodies in Baroque music worked like a mantric prayer, such as the rosary, to block off the subconscious where distractions arise.
Because I enjoyed that music so very much, I presumed the same would apply to walking the Camino.
Part of my preparation for the Camino was to put together song lists and pod casts that I knew I would enjoy, filling in the empty places, the wind swept plains, the grueling climbs, and the heel burning descents. It was a real surprise to me that I never resorted to music while walking…ever. It wasn’t a thing of merit or accomplishment. It simply was.
I found myself content with the emptiness, the sound of birds, the distraction of traffic sounds in the towns, the blessed accompaniment of waves in the Basque country and Cantabrica. My thoughts were sufficient for the moment, and the beautiful scenery of far northern Spain was more than enough to fill me.
The present moment was usually more than enough…and somehow the overshadowing presence of Jesus became so clear whenever my thoughts turned in that direction.
Palam 46:11-12: 11 “Be still and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.” 12 The LORD of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob.
For Reflection: There is a lot to be said for wordiness in prayer: forgiveness can be sought before the throne of mercy, the needs of family raised up, thanksgivings offered, and praises sung.
I have noted, though, that some of the richest time with people are when we are content in the silent presence of one another. In the passion of romance, a glance is sufficient. After years of talking, the holding of hands can be enough. A fierce smile in the glorious shared experience of a roller-coaster can say everything. Presence and awareness can be enough. Nothing need be said. Words might even get in the way.
It’s hard to get into the mood for such silent communication when the great issues of life remain unresolved. On the Camino, though, where we have had the opportunity to grapple with, and perhaps resolve our great questions, we might actually move to a place of contentment, and even peace. It’s at such times, when we wrestled with all the words, that silence might be the better portion, and words superfluous.
It can be held as certain that God is aware of us. In our best moments, we are aware of God. The awareness of God, like the passing glance, can be enough. In the midst of beauty, such an awareness can lead to transcendence. In the stiff, exhausting uphill climb, mindfulness of the holy presence of God, can keep us going, footstep following footstep. In the aloneness of a crowd of friendly, noisey Spaniards with whom one cannot communicate, an alertness to the affection of God can fill that empty place. Nothing need be said at all.
“Be still, and know that I am God!”
