What is Enough?

A Moment with your Mission Centre President
by Kat Goheen, Canada West Mission Centre Co-President

Another Camino Connection
Since you carry what you bring on this 780 km trail, it’s important to carefully evaluate what goes in your pack. I wanted to get my pack down to 15 lbs, leaving a couple of pounds for food and water. I was very careful, only taking three shirts and two pairs of pants along with the necessary sleeping bag, rain poncho, and thin puffer coat. My only book was my guidebook! Still, after my knee started shooting pains outside Pamplona, I ruthlessly left equipment at my next Albergue (pilgrim hostel), cutting out pages of my guide, leaving socks behind, and trading a heavier shirt for a new quick-dry one, losing at least half a pound of equipment. I couldn’t continue to walk with the weight that had hurt me. This exercise reinforced the sacredness of creation as I learned what mattered most and how to share what was extra with those who came behind me.

There’s a wonderful retreat coming up at Samish Island Retreat Centre on May 30-June 2 called, “What is Enough? Making Space for What Matters.” I learned on my Camino that I didn’t need nearly as much stuff as I keep around me at home (although I was happy to have proper shampoo and conditioner again!). Let’s explore our true capacity and needs without needing to pare down quite so much. Registration will stay open until May 25 and we have room for about 10 more to participate. Consider coming to this retreat to reconsider how heavy your ‘pack’ is in good company!