Well, so the actual words attributed to Socrates in his Apologia were “not worth living.”  Nevertheless, I think it’s an apt saying.  I have busied myself with many doings since returning from Santiago, and have not engaged in much reflection. 

One of the greatest luxuries of the Camino was the utter simplicity of life.  There were no distractions.  Consciousness, prayer, morning ablutions, breakfast, walk.  (Or perhaps walk for an hour or two before finding breakfast.)  Some conversation with people encountered on the Way, or maybe complete isolation until arriving at the night’s lodging.

Stillness.  Simplicity.  And yes, serendipity.  The timely meetings on the Camino de
Santiago are blessings for those with eyes to see and ears to hear.

But I’m back in Toronto now.  Back to school, working part time, paying off debts.  Life is good, but it is so very easy to distract myself from what is truly essential.  And so, I have not been blogging or writing in my journal, or even taking many photos.  My consciousness has been almost entirely submerged in the flow of twenty-first century life.  Even the “bright sadness” of Great Lent is easily relegated to a ritualistic abstention from foods and attending church services.

It was much easier to pray on the road, with no home or possessions or agenda or distractions.  (cf. Matt. 16:25)