The Ways of the Heart

Several years ago I walked the Camino de Santiago, 500 miles across Spain.  It was a Spirit Guided choice.  But believe me, I fought the suggestion valiantly.

I can be as resistant and stubborn as the best of you out there.  I mean, I had just left my marriage, moved from my house, seen my dog die, my family and friendships dissolve ... surely there were more pressing things to do than walk for a month.   

Somewhere in the course of the preceding years, my spirit and I had made an agreement.  My spirit agreed to speak and I agreed to listen.  I park this accord squarely at the turning point of my life.  

From that moment on, my spirit has been boldly encouraged to speak often and loudly and I have learned, that even as irrational as the suggestions are, ... they are always "heaven sent."  

The Ways of the Heart are Never Straight

Following the birds, 
the trees, 
the sun…
following your heart…
there will be no map,
no sign with an arrow guiding the way.

One day you may head west;
And one day north.
Some times it is confusing
this way to be.

The heart does not speak the shortest distance between two points
or the easiest path.
You may need to clear a trail that is overgrown
or ford a stream that has flooded
or even worse! retrace your steps a second time.

But in the end …
the journey is so much more beautiful. 

The ways of the heart are never straight
But they are well worth it. 

- Lorraine Carroll, Camino, October 2014