Rest

And on the seventh day God rested. I don’t know if God really needs to rest but it’s a known fact that we do.

When we were in Gubbio I discovered that I had let myself become so fatigued that I caught what we labeled the St. Francis Release. It’s not the same as Montezuma’s Revenge which affects the lower regions. This was all in my head. I was trying to ignore the confusion and deal with the runny nose. But, finally, I came to my senses and opted out for a day.

If I were dealing with another person I would have told them to go to bed and rest. So, what was the problem with taking care of myself? Oh, there were all kinds of internal arguments going on. I’m strong. I can do whatever I set my mind to do. Everyone back home is counting on me walking 116 miles. How can I let them down?

You may have different reasons but they all boil down to the same lump of tar. Have you ever said or thought – I have to; they’re counting on me; I’m expected to; it’s expected of me; it’s the rule; I was told to; I MUST!

None of that is true. Let me repeat that. No part of that last sentence is true. I’m not telling you to slack off or ignore a commitment. What I’m saying is to be reasonable and take care of yourself. You were given a life to live and your job is to live it to the fullest according to the way you want to live your life.

I am willing to wager that you want to live your life in the best condition possible. That translates to taking care of yourself so that you can take care of someone else. If you’re run down, over worked, under stress, you are not doing the best job you can. And you’re not enjoying life to the fullest.

The morning of the seventh day of the walk I had the above chat with myself and decided to stay in the hotel all day. Of course, I first had to go with the group to visit the church dedicated to St. Francis and the wolf. If there had been any doubt in my mind about going back to the hotel or going on the walk it was instantly cleared up. My body needed help.

How do you know what you need? An ideal place to start is learning how to tune into your own body. You may think you’re hungry when you’re really thirsty and need water. Your body may require protein yet you reach for bread or a cookie. Maybe the driver in front of you isn’t an idiot, you just need more sleep.

If a valued friend of yours came to you to ask for something chances are that you would give it to them or see to it that they received their request. Do the same for yourself. You are your own best friend.

When we were walking we all walked at our own pace. We were never told how fast to walk or that we were too slow. There were times when a person simply could not go on, could not take another step.

One time one of our guides flagged down a car, spoke to the driver in Italian and secured a ride for one of the walkers to the point where the bus would meet us to take us to our accommodations for the night. We were always taken care of. ALWAYS. If you believe you will be taken care of you will be taken care of.

This pilgrimage set in stone the adage “live from your heart”. Forget the head. The head is the home of doubt, worry and fear. Besides, thinking is hazardous to your mental health. Love lives in your heart. Trust it. Love yourself truly and you will love everyone. Love everyone as is without condition and you will love yourself. We’re all in the same family!