When I sit with people as a spiritual director I am amazed how I perceive both the similarities in the themes they encounter and the uniqueness of how each person engages those themes and life challenges. In my opinion, no two stories are the same.

Sometimes, as I listen, I can connect with what the person is sharing—something in their story resembles mine. In other instances, our life experiences are not at all similar; In spite of the differences, I can still feel the connection as fellow human beings. Regardless of where we come from, there exist connections in sharing our beauty and in the fragility of just being human. In our stories, traveled paths, pains and losses, advancements, achievements, and struggles; there is something very individual, yet also collective.

This is why I believe that on the pilgrimage of life and on the Camino de Santiago, no two paths are the same. We may walk the same trails thousands have walked before us, but your journey will be different. Even if you travel the route two, three, or more times, you will not have the same experience. Why? For many reasons. But let me mention a few: you will not be in the same internal place; the circumstances surrounding you at the time will be different. Being at different places internally and experientially, your sense of awareness will differ, and you will notice different things. Your body will respond in various ways, and your reaction to pain or fatigue will be unique. These are just a few among the many factors that make each journey distinct.

When you meet other pilgrims along the same route, their journey is also unique. Each person carries a set of experiences, circumstances, and purposes on their pilgrimage. Yet, there is a great sense of togetherness on the Camino de Santiago. If we have eyes to see, we will notice that the person who passed by has their own challenges, history, desires, losses, and more. Thus, walking our own camino and honoring another’s camino is essential. I marvel not only at the individual and collective aspects of the Camino and life pilgrimages, but above all, I marvel at a God who approaches each pilgrim in His extraordinary way, who stands in solidarity with each one and accompanies us whether we perceive him or not… until our inner eyes can see that He has been walking very close to us in every part of our lives. No two caminos are the same, and God can help us see this in each journey.