Walking with Intention

Nancy Eskenazi’s Mindful Camino Inglés Experience

Some Camino stories stay with you long after the boots are off. This is one of them. In this episode of The Way to Your Why Podcast, I sat down with Nancy Eskenazi, a pilgrim who walked the Camino Inglés from Ferrol in October 2021, just as the world was slowly reopening after COVID.

What made Nancy’s Camino especially meaningful wasn’t only the route or the timing, but how she walked it: with mindfulness, intention, and deep openness to people and place.

A Camino Rooted in Mindfulness

Nancy didn’t walk with intention alone. She joined a small group of five—most of whom had never met before. They came together from different countries, connected first through Zoom sessions focused on mindfulness, and then committed to walking the Camino as a shared reflective experience.

They weren’t experts.
They weren’t chasing perfection.
They were simply present.

Each day included moments of walking meditation, conscious awareness of their surroundings, and space to be alone when needed. Nancy described the Camino as a “moving meditation”, where physical effort, silence, and nature naturally quiet the mind.

“Walking in that environment, with effort and awareness, brought me closer to God than any building ever has.”

Falling in Love with Galicia and Its People

From the moment Nancy arrived in A Coruña and then Ferrol, she fell in love, not just with Galicia’s beauty, but with its people.

She noticed the elegance of everyday life:

• Locals gathering in cafés at all hours
• Conversations flow easily
• A deep appreciation for quality of life

Even abandoned rural houses were swept clean. Nothing felt neglected. Everything felt cared for.

But what touched her most were the small, human gestures along the way.

Kindness on the Trail

Nancy shared two moments that perfectly capture the spirit of the Camino:

Walking into strength through conversation

When foot pain slowed her down, two local men walked beside her, engaging her in conversation until—without realizing it—she had naturally returned to a stronger pace. One of them gently pointed it out, turning the moment into a quiet lesson in awareness.

Safety offered without hesitation

On a dark roadside stretch, a café owner ran after Nancy and her companion to give them reflective vests and a light—simply because she cared.

“I was so moved I almost cried. That level of care stays with you.”

This is the Camino many pilgrims talk about—not just the path, but the people who walk with you, even briefly.

Practical Choices, Personal Camino

Nancy is very clear about something I strongly believe too:
Everyone walks their own Camino.

Her group chose:

• Daily backpacks only (essentials, not full luggage)
• Luggage transfer between stages
• Private rooms with bathrooms
• Carefully planned stages to allow rest and reflection

Was it “less authentic”?
Not at all.

It allowed her to fully enjoy the experience—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

“Let someone else handle the logistics so you can focus on your why.”

That philosophy aligns perfectly with how we approach Camino planning at Camino Wonders.

Rain, Beer, and the Joy of Simplicity

Of course, there were challenges.

Rain-soaked days.
Cold evenings.
Wet boots despite “waterproof” promises.

And yet, laughter prevailed.

Nancy even shared a classic Camino tip she followed faithfully: stopping for a mid-morning beer (often an Estrella Galicia clara)—advice passed down from seasoned pilgrims to ease muscle pain.

Food was simple, affordable, and nourishing. Pilgrim menus, warm tortillas, soups, tapas, often shared for just a few euros.

“I came back radiant. People noticed. I felt different.”

Camino Lessons for Life and Work

One of the most powerful parts of our conversation explored the parallels between the Camino and everyday life, especially work and leadership.

Nancy reflected that the Camino teaches:

• Patience during uncertainty
• Trust in others
• Creative problem-solving when plans change
• Deep listening and empathy

These aren’t abstract ideas. They’re lived lessons—earned one step at a time.

“When you truly know people, it’s easier to collaborate, tolerate differences, and move forward together.”

Would She Walk With Intention Again?

Without hesitation.

“Many times. If I could, I’d retire and walk Caminos for the rest of my life.”

She recommends the Camino to anyone who:

Enjoys walking (not racing)

Is open to nature and people

Can adapt and let go of control

Sees the journey as a gift to themselves

Nancy was nearly 68 when she walked.
She trained on flat Miami paths.
She wasn’t an athlete.

And yet—she soared.

A Camino That Stays With You

Nancy’s story is a reminder that the Camino doesn’t end in Santiago.

It lingers:

• In how you listen
• In how you handle discomfort
• In how you care for others
• In how you walk through life

Every time she remembers it, she feels joy again.

And that, pilgrims, might be the greatest sign of all.

Buen Camino.

If this story resonated with you, explore more pilgrim experiences on The Way to Your Why Podcast and follow Camino Wonders for reflections, guidance, and inspiration for your own Camino journey. You can listen full Nancy Episode Here