La Compostela

21/05/2025

A quiet thought for the road

“It does not matter how slowly you go, so long as you do not stop.”
— Confucius

Picture the Camino—dusty track curling over low hills, each yellow arrow guiding you only far enough to reach the next bend. The pilgrimage isn’t a race, it’s a long conversation between your feet and your heart. In that light, moving slowly but steadily is actually a sign of strength for three big reasons:

Endurance over impulse
Quick bursts of energy are easy; sustaining motion day after day is hard. When you choose a measured pace, you’re proving you can manage your resources—muscle, mood, and hope—so they’ll still be there tomorrow.

Presence instead of pressure
The slower gait leaves space for the little miracles that speed tramples: a poppy waving from a stone wall, a stranger’s “Buen Camino,” the way sunset soaks the path in gold. Strength isn’t just pushing forward; it’s having the confidence to notice.

Resilience through rhythm
Steady steps create a drumbeat the mind can trust: left, right, breath; left, right, breath. That rhythm carries you across tough stretches when willpower alone would crumble. It’s the strength of a tide, not a tidal wave.

When the miles feel heavy
Next time the pack digs into your shoulders—or the project, or the semester, or the grief—try a brief, trail-tested mantra:

“One stone, one breath.”
I only need to reach the next marker.

“Today is enough.”
Yesterday is compost for tomorrow; all I carry is this day’s seed.

“Slow is still forward.”
Every centimeter stretches the horizon.

“Feet, thank you.”
Gratitude turns fatigue into partnership.

“I walk with many.”
Even when the path looks empty, thousands have walked—and are walking—beside you.

Speak any one of those aloud, feel the shoulders drop, and let your feet find their familiar cadence. The Camino’s gift is simple: keep moving, no matter the tempo, and the way will keep unfolding beneath you.

https://lacompostela.com/camino-de-santiago-spiritual-journey/

24/04/2025

☀️ There’s a moment around Day 4.

You're climbing yet another hill. Your shirt is soaked. Your feet feel like overripe tomatoes. And you suddenly think:
“Why the hell did I pack two pairs of hiking pants AND jeans?”

We laugh because we’ve all been there.
Overpacking is almost a rite of passage on the Camino.
But here’s the truth: the Camino will strip you down—not just physically, but spiritually.

And that begins with your backpack.
🎒 Want to walk lighter—inside and out?

Here’s what you actually need (and what you really don’t): https://lacompostela.com/camino-de-santiago-digital-packing-list/

17/04/2025

🎒 “Your backpack is as heavy as your fears.”
That’s something you hear a lot on the Camino. And for good reason.

We’ve all done it—packed for every possible scenario, every imagined emergency, every version of ourselves that might show up.

But a few days in, you’ll start to feel the weight. Not just on your shoulders, but in your bones, in your patience, in your spirit.
And then, you’ll start letting go.

Half a toiletry kit. A second pair of jeans. That book you swore you’d finally finish.

The Camino teaches you, gently but firmly, what really matters.
💡 Tip: Keep your bag under 10% of your body weight. And if in doubt? Leave it out.

➡️ Start with this simple list: https://lacompostela.com/camino-de-santiago-what-you-need/

11/03/2025

Twelve years ago, Loni Bergqvist set out on the Camino de Santiago with a bold and beautiful intention—to walk towards love. Not just any love, but the love of her life. What she found along the way was a journey far greater than she had imagined, filled with challenges, revelations, and the undeniable magic of the Camino.

Now, more than a decade later, she is putting her story into words, writing a book that captures the essence of that transformative walk—one that changed her life forever. In today’s episode, we’ll talk about what led her to the Camino, the unexpected lessons she gathered along the way, and how walking those ancient paths shaped the love and life she has today.

Loni’s story is one of faith, adventure, and the deep, mysterious ways the Camino answers the questions we dare to ask. So whether you’re dreaming of your own pilgrimage, searching for something—or someone—or simply drawn to the power of a journey, this conversation is for you.

Let’s step into the story of Loni Bergqvist and the Camino that led her to love. https://www.lonibergqvist.com/

25/02/2025

The perfect backpack
Embarking on the Camino de Santiago is a journey that demands thoughtful preparation, and selecting the perfect backpack is one of the most crucial decisions a pilgrim can make. Your backpack is more than just a container for your belongings—it becomes your closest companion, carrying everything you need as you traverse the sacred path. But what makes a backpack ‘perfect’ for the Camino? Let’s explore the key considerations.

1. Size matters: Finding the right capacity
The golden rule for backpack size on the Camino is to keep it between 30 to 45 liters. Anything larger tempts overpacking, and anything smaller may leave you short on essentials. A pack in this range ensures you carry what’s necessary without unnecessary weight dragging you down.

2. Weight: The lighter, the better
A common guideline is that your fully packed backpack should not exceed 10% of your body weight, with an ideal target of around 7-8 kg (15-18 lbs). The Camino is a long journey, and every extra gram adds to your fatigue. Packing light isn’t just about comfort—it’s about endurance.

3. Fit and comfort: The non-negotiables
A good backpack should feel like an extension of your body. Key features to look for:

Adjustable shoulder, hip, and chest straps – These help distribute weight evenly.

Padded hip belt – The majority of your backpack’s weight should rest on your hips, not your shoulders.

Breathable back panel – Helps reduce sweat buildup and improves comfort.

4. Accessibility: easy access to essentials
Your backpack should have multiple compartments and easy-access pockets for frequently used items, such as:

A top-loading main compartment for clothes and bulkier items.

Side pockets for water bottles or snacks.

A front stash pocket for quick access to rain gear or maps.

A hip belt pocket for small essentials like chapstick, energy bars, or a phone.

5. Durability: built to last
The Camino is no walk in the park—it’s a rigorous test for both body and gear. Look for:

Ripstop nylon or polyester fabric for strength and lightweight properties.

Reinforced stitching to withstand long-term use.

Water resistance (or at least a built-in rain cover) to protect against unexpected showers.

6. Ventilation and weather protection
Many camino routes can get hot, especially in the summer months. A well-ventilated back panel with mesh padding can prevent excessive sweating. Additionally, a waterproof rain cover or a pack liner is essential to keep your belongings dry.

7. Minimalism: Packing Smart
A well-packed backpack isn’t just about weight—it’s about efficiency. Stick to the essentials:

Two sets of clothing (one to wear, one to wash)

Lightweight sleeping bag or liner

Basic toiletries

Compact first aid kit

Multipurpose items (e.g., a buff that can be used as a scarf, hat, or sleep mask)

8. Test before you trek
Before setting off on the Camino, take your backpack on a few practice hikes with the full load you plan to carry. This trial run will help you adjust the fit and remove any unnecessary weight.

Top recommended backpacks for the camino
While personal preference plays a role, some highly recommended backpacks for the Camino include:

Osprey Exos/Eja 38-48L – Ultralight and comfortable, with excellent ventilation. https://amzn.to/3QCXZta

Deuter Aircontact Lite 35+10 – Sturdy and adjustable, great for longer routes. https://amzn.to/3Qy5RMJ

Gregory Maven/Paragon 38-45L – Ergonomic and well-ventilated with an adjustable torso. https://amzn.to/43aKh8H

Granite Gear Crown 2 38L – Minimalist and lightweight, perfect for ultralight pilgrims.

Final thoughts
The perfect backpack for the Camino isn’t about brand names or flashy features—it’s about comfort, weight, and practicality. Choose a backpack that fits well, encourages light packing, and can withstand the journey ahead. The Camino teaches pilgrims the beauty of simplicity, and your backpack should reflect that spirit. Buen Camino!

https://lacompostela.com/camino-de-santiago-what-you-need/

This shopping list offers a detailed breakdown of every essential item to include in your backpack, providing all the information necessary for your journey.

14/02/2025

Today, we have a special guest—Olivier, a Belgian who traded his life in Belgium for Spain, all for love… the love of a woman, the love of the Camino, and, believe it or not, the love of a supermarket. Yes, you heard that right!

Olivier’s journey is one of transformation, adventure, and a few surprises along the way. From his first steps on the Camino to putting down roots in Spain, his story is a perfect example of how the Camino doesn’t just change your perspective—it can change your entire life.

So lace up your boots, grab a cup of coffee, and join us for a conversation about love, destiny, and the roads that lead us home.

06/02/2025

Why should you walk the Camino?
Is it for spiritual reasons, personal transformation, adventure, or historical curiosity?

Check out the full article: https://lacompostela.com/article/why-should-i-walk-the-camino_31deb04a71a4/

06/02/2025

The Camino does not end in Santiago. The final step is not the last. When the road disappears beneath your feet, the true journey begins—the one that asks you to take everything you have learned and live it in a world that often moves too fast to notice.

On the Camino, life was simple. You walked, you ate, you rested. You connected with strangers, shared stories, and found meaning in the smallest of moments. You learned patience, resilience, and trust in the unknown. But now, back in the modern world, the challenge is greater: Can you carry the Camino within you? Can you walk with the same presence, the same gratitude, the same openness?

The real path is not made of stone and dirt. It is the way you choose to live. It is in the kindness you offer, the burdens you release, the faith you carry in yourself and in others.

The world needs more pilgrims—not just on the trail, but in everyday life. People who listen deeply, who walk lightly, who build community instead of competition. People who understand that life itself is a sacred journey, and every step, no matter where it is taken, has the power to transform.

The road never truly ends. It is up to you to keep walking.

04/02/2025

Every pilgrim begins the journey carrying something unseen—a longing, a question, a wound in need of healing. You may think you know what you seek: clarity, strength, an answer to a life decision. But the Camino does not give you what you want—it gives you what your soul truly needs.

Perhaps you wished for direction, but the road gave you patience.
Perhaps you sought freedom, but the journey taught you discipline.
Perhaps you longed for solitude, but the Way placed people in your path who changed you forever.

The Camino strips away expectation. It humbles you, challenges you, and—if you allow it—transforms you. What you receive may not be what you asked for, but it will always be what is most essential.

So walk with an open heart. Trust that the blisters, the fatigue, the unexpected detours are all part of the gift. The Way knows you better than you know yourself. Let it lead you not where you want to go, but where you need to be.

02/02/2025

A great journey is not defined by how far you go, but by how deeply it transforms you. The Camino, like life, is not about checking off kilometers or reaching a finish line—it’s about the moments that challenge you, inspire you, and reshape the way you see the world.

As a coach, I tell you this: stop measuring progress in numbers. The real measure of success is not how many miles you’ve walked, but how much you’ve learned along the way. It’s in the strangers who became friends, the obstacles you overcame, the days you kept walking even when everything in you wanted to stop.

If you focus only on the distance, you will miss the magic. Instead, be present in each step. Celebrate the small victories. Reflect on the lessons. The journey is not about getting to Santiago—it’s about who you become by the time you get there.

So keep going, not just to finish, but to transform. Because in the end, you won’t remember the kilometers—you’ll remember the moments that changed you.

31/01/2025

The road beneath your feet is an illusion. Stone and dust may form its surface, but they do not define the journey. The true path is made of something far less tangible—faith in the unknown and the courage to surrender to what is.

To walk is to accept that you do not control the road ahead. The weather will change, your body will ache, obstacles will arise. You can resist, or you can trust. The wise pilgrim does not fight the wind or curse the rain; they walk on, knowing that struggle is wasted energy.

Surrender is not weakness. It is the highest form of strength. It is choosing to release what you cannot change and mastering what you can—your thoughts, your actions, your endurance.

And faith? Faith is the understanding that the road will always rise to meet you, even when you cannot see its end. It is knowing that every hardship is part of the journey, shaping you into someone who can walk further, stand taller, and carry less.

So step forward—not because the path is certain, but because you have learned that certainty was never the point.