It was a blessing to take part in the Radical Love retreat at Equisoain, a name that means “place of the Sun” in Euskera, the ancient Basque language. This renovated castle is steeped in history and stone-walled-stories, much like the forests and rivers that both grow and flow through northern Spain.

Stowed amongst these mountains, Equisoain is a sanctuary for reflection, surrounded by rivers and a diversity of trees: beech, boxwood, and oak, which artist Eliana Perinat took the time to explain on walks. I also loved the chance to ponder the intricacies of these natural formations, through looking and not looking, amongst the long grass in her guided drawing class.

“Sketch as if you're stroking the tree, plant, or flower itself,” Eliana would tell us, constantly encouraging us to shift our perspective and engage with attentive connection.

Equisoain lies near the Camino de Santiago Aragonés, a quieter but deeply storied route of the pilgrimage. I stayed in the medieval town of Monreal, where the air carries the scent of wood smoke and the layered history of comings and goings. This Camino begins at the Somport Pass in the Aragonese Pyrenees, on the French-Spanish border, and winds westward until it merges with the more well-known Camino Francés at Puente la Reina in Navarre.