I am having a truly unique experience. I am hiking a globally famous trail that is frequented by a diverse mix of people from every corner of the globe – young and old, all shapes and sizes, all demographics, all united by a common purpose. It is seen as a bucket list experience so people flock to it, determined to make it to the final destination, in their own way, at their own pace. And it is a deeply spiritual journey.  
 
People do this hike in groups, and many people choose to do it on their own, even though one is never on their own for very long as the path is busy. The journey itself is 790 kms, but people do what they can. And given all hikers are united by a common purpose, the diversity of the connections made and the conversations along the path all contribute richly to the experience.  
 
One of the many memories I will have of this incredible experience are the stories – of hardship, journey and triumph, of the importance of family, of love and loss. Stories of aspiration, human frailty, stories of despair and surrender. These are the stories that unite and connect us as humans, and together with the incredible diversity of the hikers, it is all the more interesting. We think we are so different, and yet we are all the same.  
 
So what is the lesson? 
 
We are so conditioned to airbrush away our true selves. We chase beauty, perfection and success, and yet it is our imperfections and vulnerabilities that make us beautiful. We fear rejection and strive to make ourselves appear superhuman and invincible, and yet it is so deeply human to need others. It is the real connection and honest conversation that we crave. We want to be caught when we fall. We are not machines. 
 
We have lost the trust in sharing ourselves fully. Camino life lesson number 3 complete.