Traveling lighter

      Yesterday I walked into Estella thinking I would stay over there.  But I arrived over 2 hours before the alberque opened, so instead I went to the post office and shipped some thing home.  Not a whole lot, but I can see how every little bit makes a difference.  Last Monday I walked with Cathy from Canada (who, but the way, shares the same birthday as I) as we were both looking for a post office.  We were talking about how it seemed like we were cutting back so much as we decided what to take with us, and how now that we´re on the Camino it seems like we have so much!  I thought I was traveling light since I didn´t have a cell phone... only my camera and the GPS my dear husband gave me.  In Arre I left behind an extra bar of soap and broke my bar of face soap in half.  (Unfortunately, the next day I had the chance to do laundry in a machine and accidently through in the half bar of soap.  It may never be the same). 
    So,  I sent back a very little purse (that worked great for my trip to Spain), a neck pillow (that I probably wouldn´t use again until the plane home), extra packets of laundry detergent and, among other things,  my luxury item, peppermint foot cream.  I´d like to think I´m traveling lighter. 
    As I walk the pack feels fine.  It´s when I stop that I realize the toll the weight has had on my back, my feet, my legs.  I wonder what else I might be carrying that doesn´t feel too heavy, but is actually weighing on other parts of me.  Lots of time to think on the Camino.
   Last night I stayed at an alberque hosted by an ecumenical group from the Netherlands.  There were 3 young people serving as our hosts.  We had a lovely dinner looking out from the mountain top setting as a thunderstorm rolled through.  Afterwards they announced a short meditation service at 8:30.  I went.  It was wonderful.  As I sat there they played some beautiful relaxing quiet music.  I could look out the picture window at the church tower rising from the building just below the alberque.  Every so often the young woman shared a short prayer or read a scripture.  It was a lovely time for centering on the core reason for the walking the Camino.  I slept soundly and headed West at 6:30 this morning.  I should make it to Logroño tomorrow.  Beuno Camino!