Yes, I have found more ways in which the The Master Key System applies to being a Mindful Pilgrim.

I am participating in the exercises of the Master Key Experience class yet again. As I read The Master Key System by Charles Haanel yet again, I am amazed how different lessons leap off the page to inspire me anew. And I am delighted to see parallels between The Master Key System and the Camino de Santiago.

Affirmations

In Week 9, Haanel talks about affirmations and introduces the phrase,

“I am whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and happy.”

Man is the sum total of his own thoughts; so, the question is, how are we going to entertain only the good thoughts and reject the evil ones?

At first, we can’t keep the evil thoughts from coming, but we can keep from entertaining them. The only way to do this is to forget them — which means, get something for them or in place of them. This is where the ready-made affirmation comes into play. :

“We do this by utilizing the Law of Substitution. When we substitute an affirmation for a negative thought, we are keeping a more ‘Positive Mental Attitude.’

— Charles Haanel, The Master Key System, Part 9:27

“If there is anything you require, it will be well for you to make use of this affirmation; it cannot be improved upon. Use it just as it is; take it into the silence with you, until it sinks into your subconsciousness, so that you can use it anywhere, in your car, in the office, at home; this is the advantage of spiritual methods; they are always available. Spirit is omnipresent, every ready; all that is required is a proper recognition of its omnipotence, and a willingness or desire to become the recipient of its beneficent effects.”

— Charles Haanel, The Master Key System Part 9:29

I love that this last phrase, as an affirmation, is available always, everywhere. Use it frequently to create a powerful positive habit.

The Camino

The Camino de Santiago is a pilgrimage walk through Northern Spain. It is a Hero’s Journey that can be spiritual and/or religious. It can make a profound impact on the pilgrim’s life, perhaps an awakening. The Camino is a special place, filled with special people. I believe it is a place of Truth.

Haanel talks about the nearness of great people, events, ideas, and natural objects. This could certainly apply to the Camino.

“He who has learned to bring the greatest spiritual truths into touch with the so-called lesser things of life has discovered the secret of the solution of his problem. One is always quickened, made more thoughtful, by his nearness of approach to great ideas, great events, great natural objects, and great men.”

— Charles Haanel, The Master Key System Part 9:17

The Mindful Pilgrim

Recently I attended a Camino de Santiago event and was gifted with a small card with an affirmation of sorts. There is a blessing on one side and a verse about being a Mindful Pilgrim on the other.

I feel that this fits in nicely with The Master Key System and, indeed, with living a good life. A friend of mine likes to say that she is walking a pilgrimage daily, in her life at home or abroad.

THE MINDFUL PILGRIM

The Way of Kindness
Be kind to your fellow pilgrims;
Be kind to those who offer hospitality;
Be kind to yourself.

The Way of Respect
Respect the land you walk through;
Respect the people and culture around you;
Respect your fellow pilgrims and hosts.

The Way of Openness and Curiosity
Be open to the road and keep an open heart;
Leave space for serendipity and surprise;
Be present in the moment.
www.santiago.ca

The way I see it, when we live as a Mindful Pilgrim – with kindness, respect, openness, curiosity (and gratitude) – we live our best lives – whether at home, in Spain, or anywhere else in the world.

If you find that concept too difficult on your own, join us for the next class session of the Master Key Experience, yet another Hero’s Journey, with guides!, Check it out here!