Lessons learned in the mud.

Mud! My dear friend and professional mentor Jo Burk told the speech pathologists on her staff "you can do  speech therapy with mud". This meaning of course that the theme or materials do not matter so much as the techniques used in the intervention provided.
So what have I learned about mud on this walk?
The mud I have encountered has primarily been on uphill or downhill sections, and sometimes we have encountered the "steep and deep". Leslie calls it monkey mud, it's sticky and sucks your shoes right off your feet.
Leslie's balance is a little off kilter, much like mine. Mud is particularly challenging for her and the slippery stuff has pulled her down into it more than once.
To get through the mud you need to get a grip. Decent shoes help a lot but moreover you have to take charge and handle the mud in your life. There is no avoiding it so face it, you have to go through. Be level headed and not all out of control.
When taking charge you have to forge ahead, don't spin your wheels in the mud. Reach out those trekking poles and attack that muddy path. Be aggressive and strong.
Carrying the mud around with you adds weight, a lot of weight. On the Camino and in life no one needs extra baggage. Why do we carry so much! Wash the mud off at the earliest opportunity. Don't carry it on.
If you fall in the mud, laugh at yourself. Getting angry uses so much energy, and you need lots of positive energy to wade through the mud. With laughter you charge your batteries and bolster your spirits.
Sometimes when you are down in the mud, others try to pick you up. Plan the rescue well.
If you are not careful you will pull the rescuers right down with you. They are rescuers, not victims.
We are going to get rid of some mud today, as we rest in Nogoro France. We will wash our clothes. My boots are going to get a good scrubbing too. We will feel as if our burdens are lightened.
Until the next time we encounter mud.