What is this call to wilderness? I find myself seeking open or green spaces to rest in at some point in my day. My body still aches less than my soul does for the benefits of retreat.
A fundamental concept that serves to motivate or demotivate direction is the fact that money, a necessary tool, is a limited factor in the world, no matter how the treasuries or financing entities like to skew things. There is only a certain amount of money of inherent value, which is enough to go around and clothe and feed everyone on this planet. So when there are people sick and starving while others are buying yachts and mansions, there is a moral problem. Inspired by Rich Mullins, I try to live on what the average American makes (which, at the time of this writing is about $50,000/year). Rather than hoarding, I’ve tried to give work to people who are honest, willing and needing. I try to find charities to get involved with that are not simply a tax deduction, but actually make a concrete difference in people’s lives and require something more of me that simply writing a check. Food and shelter need not be superfluous in my life, particularly to the detriment of others. I don’t see these as sacrifices, they are simply a matter of conscience.
So with the opportunity and ability to withdraw with several options, my first priority is to de-condition myself from the culture of habitual and excessive cell phone, computer and TV dependency that serve primarily to propagate the greater corporate machines that run the world. For a few weeks, I want to check out, be off the grid and meet people on the same grounds as I used to before it all turned into a huge addiction, with the hopes of entertaining perhaps fewer, but realer relationships. This is why the Camino is ideal in time and place to set the pace for a life with fewer material needs and attachments, furthering ambitions and abilities for other adventures. I also like it for the space it will hopefully provide to come out of single-parent survival mode. Wilderness, manna and mercy, rest, nature - they are what I crave to heal the parts of me that have atrophied as a result of these years of productivity.
Political disclaimer: I am a citizen of countries other than America, and without a vote. From infancy I travelled and lived abroad and speak from all my enocunters. I am grateful for the opportunities here and that the American Dream can be a reality for people as long as they don’t get usurped by it in the process.
