There were 9 of us in Madrid yesterday. We had a great day exploring this great city on foot, on bus, and from the many street cafes. We would separate into smaller groups as we visited museums, with some going to the Prado, some the Thyssen, some Reina Sofia. We ended up having chocolate and churros before heading to Estacion Chamartin to board our overnight train to Sarria.
There was virtually no food at the train station. There was no food on the train. This is not a recipe for energizing someone with hypoglycemia, especially after eating all that chocolate.
Our quarters were quite cramped and not large enough for even the meager luggage of a few pilgrims. And it was hot as we all imagine Hades to be. When the 9 of us rolled off the train (2 of us while the train was starting to move onto the next stop) onto the dark platform at 6:45 in the morning, we were a grumpy lot, a bit disorganized and quite lost. Not one of us had slept during the 8-hour journey.
We managed to find our hotel, but there were no rooms for us. Since it was still dark, the pilgrims had not yet left for their onward journey. In small packs we wandered around the city hunting for coffee and food like stray dogs on the hunt for anything edible. I suspect we looked a bit like stray dogs as well. Once fed and hydrated we found our way back to the hotel where our rooms and beds were waiting. A nap became the next priority.
Upon awaking we strolled around the city and took some walks on the camino-practice walks with our equipment, deciding what we would carry with us for the rest of the journey starting tomorrow. We were thinking a bit clearer now that we had had rest, food, and water. And we were talking with each other with helpful suggestions.
I got a stark lesson this day on the power of basic needs in our lives. When they were not met, it was about all I could think of. When they were met, I could focus more on interacting with and helping others. I could also begin to think about the spiritual journey we were all embarking upon.
It is the same with our needs when it comes to interacting with others. My Know Thyself Guides (r) preferred style is to interact one on one or in small groups. I can do the big group thing, but it does create stress, so it helps if i can get some time away to recharge. Imagine large group interactions constantly for days with the additional stress of lack of food, water, and rest.
My lesson today in Knowing Myself is to ensure that my basic needs are met so that I can be of service to others and learn what I need for myself.
When completing your Know Thyself Guide(r), you will learn:
- What your NEEDS are
- Your STRENGTHS
- Your INTERESTS
- Your STRESS REACTIONS when your NEEDS are not getting met.
This is very important to understand when wanting to be Happy, Successful, and Understood.