Today I continue my reflections on the sense of community experienced on the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James). Specifically, how do we continue that sense of community once we return home? Last week I discussed how a common goal connects us. This week I’m looking at our shared experiences and sense of belonging.

Sure, blisters and body pain are the first to come to mind when thinking about shared experiences, though fortunately, I only got one blister. But beyond that, most experience belonging to a family of pilgrims. We feel warmth and pride when meeting others on the trail. And the same when we meet Camino alumni now. We instantly connect.

Still, a sense of belonging doesn’t happen automatically. Personally, I struggled on the Camino and often couldn’t find my place. At Grañon I was in a room of pilgrims gathered around a guitar and singing. I play the guitar. I sing. I write songs. But I froze. Never opened my mouth and I felt so far away and alone.  Now contrast that to a few weeks later, in La Faba. I got a chance to revisit that scenario. This time, I pushed myself. I asked for the guitar and shared a couple of songs. Instantly, I fit in. I belonged.

So is that the secret to belonging? Is it to have the courage to reach beyond our comfort zone? To become vulnerable as we share something of ourselves? To risk feeling embarrassed, foolish or possible rejection? Is that what opens a portal to a sense of community? Or am I reaching too far here?

Bottom line, I think everyone wants to belong. Belong to something, to someone, somewhere. I suspect the same attitude and actions that break down walls on the Camino will do the same back home. The difference, however, is that we will continue to be with the people back home. Those we meet on the Camino we may never see again; that’s an easier risk. So while I get it, . . . I understand why it may be easier to be vulnerable with those strangers, . . . I also think it’s a nudge to move just a little more beyond our comfort zone. That’s where we’ll find our true selves. Maybe the Camino is training ground to step into who we really are, consistently, without apology, and enriched by community.