An Awakening Walk: 500 Miles to Self-love and Acceptance on the Camino De Santiago

by Jennifer Johnson

"An Awakening Walk: 500 Miles to Self-Love & Acceptance on the Camino de Santiago," Luminare Press. This book is a narrative of the journey that shook the author to her core. Shedding layers of self-recrimination and self- judgement she carried through her life, she found herself broken wide open. Over the 500 mile trail Jennifer released tears of grief, anger, and finally learned to embrace those sides of herself that were banished out of shame, fear, and social conditioning. This book is a brutally honest tale of one woman's dogged tenacity to break through the barrier of her own self-abandonment in which she spent decades conforming and bending to the will of others, and finally her triumphant deliverance into unconditional self-love. The physical and personal challenge for the author turned out to be a gut wrenching, self-exploration towards finding herself. Along the trails of the famed Camino de Santiago of Spain, Jennifer sheds her false self, layer by layer, and at the end of her walk, embraces the authentic beautiful woman she longed for. Old wretched pain and wounds rise to the surface as she purges and heals, step by painful step. The book offers a scenic portrayal of the beautiful landscapes, hotels and inns, churches and cathedrals, local purveyors, and cuisines native to the culture, woven poetically through the author's observant eye for colorful imagery, delectable aromas, and architectural design. Filled with positive affirmations, mantras, prayers, and meditations on "A Course in Miracles," this day by day journey is a spiritual roadmap to walking the Camino. Inspired by her cathartic pilgrimage, the author now arranges tours to assist and guide others to explore, heal, and commune along the trails of the Camino along with other sacred journeys.

Genres: Spain

176 pages, Paperback

Published February 15, 2018

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Keith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love books about the Camino, but this was not a favorite. Jennifer spent every night in a hotel (many 3 star)/inn/bed and breakfast...not one in the albergues that are used by most along the route. Every day was a litany of complaints about her legs and feet aching while she frequently took cabs to avoid sections of the route and had several rest days. And she had a melt-down when one guy told her it was because she was heavy...maybe not tactful, but truthful.

For a 53 year old woman who was not in great shape to complete the Camino, even with the plush accommodations and the occasional cab ride, is a noteworthy accomplishment. Her account of it not so much. I'm just glad the book was free!

[J M Banicki · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I expected

I expected a story of the trip with highlights about the effects of the Camino on her. Instead it was mostly about her spiritual journey. I finished it but would not recommend it to my hiking friends

[W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one. Very short, but a good mix of walking anecdotes and the story of what brought her there. A little too religious for my taste (the author claims not to be religious but believes in Jesus and his teachings??) but overall I really liked it.

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very honest, which I appreciated. It was interesting to read a spiritual but not Catholic or Christian account of what the Camino was like for someone.

[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

While interesting............far too many religious references.

[Toni Hughes · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read many books about the Camino. I was disappointed in this one.

[Sharrin Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just ok

Too self absorbed. Not much about the Camino, just her own issues.
I've read better books about the walk that actually

[Pam Lee-miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real walking and talking

This is a great read that g
Focuses on the journey of life past present and future and how all road diverge into the sacred journey called. Life