For much of my life I’ve felt that everything happens for a reason. I don’t attribute this belief to any one religious or spiritual affiliation, but if I had to venture a guess, I suspect it stems from the hope that there’s more to life than death and taxes. Whether in class working towards a degree or taking five minutes out of my day to pause my bicycle commute and drink in the sights surrounding the Willamette River, I try to treat every moment as an opportunity to learn and, ideally, grow.
Does that mean I actually do relish every moment in life? I can’t honestly say that I do. But trying sure helps to put things in perspective.
When a former volunteer told me that The Camino Documentary was looking for help, it was the first I had heard of the Camino de Santiago but I immediately knew I had to be a part of this project—not just because I’m Christian, but because I too am trying to find my way in the world. Even greater than the spiritual aspect of this documentary—and I do mean “spiritual” as opposed to “religious”—is its focus on finding your own way and not following in someone else’s footsteps (literally as well as figuratively), and this is something I struggle with regularly. One of the pilgrims in the documentary, Annie, mentions her own struggle to keep her competitiveness under control and go at her own pace:
As much as I want to learn from people, I tend to find myself trying to follow their example. The problem with this is that imitation, while a sincere form of flattery, means following a path instead of blazing one. And though each has its merits, it is much more satisfying to be a trailblazer (reference to the local basketball team not intended).
Working on this project not only reaffirms my spiritual faith, but it’s also a reminder not to compare myself to other people. If I’m following my own path, then the comparisons to others won’t hold up. As simple as this concept is, I’m still working on assimilating it into my everyday life, but it hasn’t been easy!
I believe that I was meant to work on this film because helping out on The Camino Documentary is helping my spiritual, personal, and professional growth. I am so grateful to be here, living in the moment and trying to make the best of each day. What more can a person ask for?
Sarah LombardiCamino Post-Production Staff
U.S.A.