Today's prompt is:
Today you will walk along the Río Arga on your way to Pamplona. In classical times writers developed the idea of vita flumens, that is, life is like a flowing river. Heraclitus referred to history as a river. Fifteenth-century Spanish poet Jorge Manrique wrote "nuestras vidas son los ríos /que van a dar a la mar, / que es el morir" (see "Coplas por la muerte de su padre"). Antonio Machado asks, "¿qué es esta gota en el viento / que grita al mar, soy el mar? (see "Hacia un ocaso radiante"). As you walk along the river, pay atention to its sounds, its colors, its textures, it bridges, and how all of this relates to your Camino.
This segment of the camino was a little flatter but equally exhausting. It was a particularly interesting walk since we followed the River Arga for a good portion of the time. The sound of the river and the birds was a pleasant respite. However. at times we came near the road with its loud traffic. I was reminded of the pilgrims mass in Roncesvalles when they priest present the sacrament of the Host and the Wine. With each presentation a small bell was rung. It was so quiet that you had to pause to hear it. Perhaps the same is true regarding my walk today. I had to pause and listen more carefully to the sounds of nature when they were at times overwhelmed by the busy traffic below. So it is with the Spirit. It is essential that we pause to listen and to listen intently if we hope to hear the whisperings of the Spirit. There is a great deal of clutter and clatter in the world that distracts us from the truly essential things in life. My goal is pause more frequently and just listen; and listen quietly.
Here are pics from our walk today:
Leaving Zubiri, crossing the Puente de la Rabia.
No comments:
Post a Comment