In yesterday's episode of Sacred Business Stories, we had the privilege of speaking with
, a Camino de Santiago expert who has completed an astonishing 12 pilgrimages over the past 12 years. What began as a personal adventure in 2012 has evolved into a profound calling to help others experience this life-changing journey.Rebecca's story reminds us that our deepest passions often become our most meaningful work when we follow the signs life presents us. With each Camino experience uniquely transformative yet built on the same foundation, Rebecca's journey offers powerful lessons about connection, authenticity, and embracing the unknown – principles that apply to both sacred pilgrimages and sacred business.
Show Notes
[00:00:00] - Introduction to the Camino de Santiago
Rebecca explains that the Camino is a network of historic pilgrimage trails across Europe leading to Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain
These routes have existed for over 1,200 years, originally with religious roots
People walk for various durations: some for a week, others for five weeks, some even from their doorsteps in distant countries
[00:04:50] - Rebecca's Personal Journey with the Camino
First heard about the Camino 25 years ago through Shirley MacLaine's book
Completed her first Camino in 2012 during a self-imposed sabbatical
Within days of her first experience, knew she wanted to return
Found community in Asheville, NC with others who had walked the Camino
[00:09:50] - The Transformative Power of the Camino Experience
Meeting people from all walks of life and countries you might never encounter otherwise
The moving community of people on the same path with the same goal creates a unique environment
Locals along the route offering extraordinary help and kindness to pilgrims
Many walkers describe it as a model for how the world could function
[00:13:40] - Returning to Normal Life After the Camino
The challenge of integrating the Camino experience back into daily life
The importance of processing the journey afterward through community and writing
Rebecca's advice: do tourist activities before the Camino, not after
How the experience continues to impact your perspective long after returning home
[00:16:20] - Most Surprising Elements of the Camino Experience
The variety of people and their generosity was unexpected
The deep connections formed with people from different countries and backgrounds
Experiencing humanity at its best - people helping one another despite differences
How the Camino strips away societal divisions and reveals our common humanity
[00:20:30] - From Personal Journey to Business Evolution
Rebecca's transition to guiding others began with helping a 70-year-old friend
Desire to pay forward the help she received before her first Camino
Recognized the need to show people there are many ways to do the Camino
Focused on making the experience accessible to those who believed they couldn't do it
[00:27:00] - Facing Fear and Resistance in Business
The importance of showing up consistently (posting weekly on Substack)
Accepting that things will go wrong and learning to embrace uncertainty
Teaching clients that the Camino requires flexibility and openness
Using her own experiences to help others prepare for the unexpected
[00:41:40] - Lessons on Authentic Connection from the Camino
Being authentic to who you are while remaining open to unexpected connections
Finding common ground with people you might initially think you have nothing in common with
The power of being fully present in interactions with others
How the Camino naturally creates opportunities for meaningful human connection
Key Quotes from Rebecca
"If the world could function like the Camino functions, it would be an incredible place to live. And I still believe the world is an incredible place to live if we look for it and recognize how amazing it is. But on the Camino, it is just right there. It's real. It's physical." - Rebecca Weston
"A lot of people come on the Camino for some reason, whether it's something bigger like they just retired, they just graduated, they just lost a partner, they want a change in their life but aren't sure what." - Rebecca Weston
"Just showing up consistently over and over and over... just by committing to that, so much has opened up for me." - Rebecca Weston
"Things are going to go wrong. Not something terrible necessarily, but we can't control this experience completely. And so it's something now that I tell my clients and I teach in my classes, like you can do all the prep you want. But life throws things at you and you have to be able to kind of roll with that." - Rebecca Weston
"I feel like there's almost nothing more important we could be doing at this particular time in history... In this time where the media and just like this kind of disconnect we feel and the identities that are imposed upon us in so many different ways, it is extremely powerful when you can come together with people of all these differences and you're kind of united by this common bond or cause or shared intentions." - Rebecca Weston
Resources Mentioned
Shirley MacLaine's book about her Camino experience (early 2000s)
The American movie "The Way" with Martin Sheen
The Camino Calls - Rebecca's weekly Substack newsletter
thecaminocalls.com - Rebecca's website
Embrace Your Own Sacred Journey
This conversation reminds us that our most meaningful work often emerges naturally when we follow what lights us up. Rebecca didn't set out to build a business around the Camino – she simply followed her passion, served others, and allowed the path to unfold before her.
Whether you're considering a physical pilgrimage like the Camino or creating your own sacred business, remember that the journey itself transforms us. By embracing uncertainty, remaining open to unexpected connections, and staying true to what moves you, you create space for your unique path to reveal itself.
If you're feeling called to explore your own sacred business journey, join our Sacred Business Network where we support heart-centered entrepreneurs in building businesses aligned with their deepest truth. Learn more here.
Thank you for being part of our community!
P.S. Have you had a transformative travel experience that changed your perspective on life or business? We'd love to hear about it in the comments!
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