Agenda?

This blog has been a great opportunity for me to write without an agenda - well ok, I guess I do have an agenda. I know I'm going to write about the issues I feel must strongly about - at least for the most part and I do hope to make at least one reader pause and consider (or possibly reconsider) my point and whether it has merit or not. There's a definite agenda here for running, spirituality (of whichever path is best suited for you) for creativity and living a life of passion, and most definitely an agenda for health and well being - ours and for animals. This blog is pro-life - yours, mine, and every living being. That's a pretty big aganeda so I guess I misspoke at the beginning. Let me say instead that very often I come to the page free of expectations of what I will write and how I will write it - like now, like todays blog. The emptiness of the page invited me nd I joined it with thoughts and notions and maybe just a hint of inspiration. And here's todays blog - from me to you through the space we hold between us - and for just a moment as you read this - there is no space at all.

Race Review - Triple Crown 2012

You really can't complain about a Trail Dawg event. Of course sometimes you would like too - but the overall expereince of the race is far to enjoyable to focus on a negative. Besides - the Trail Dawgs won't care. They embody all that's great and not so great about trail racing and ultras - and oddly enough sometimes the great and not so great are one and the same. That's the world of trail racing and ultras and that's what makes it so magical - you just don't know what to expect except effort, enthusiasm and commitment from runners, volunteers and race directors. You get all that with the Trail Dawgs (you also almost always get lost and wet)
The Triple Crown event is remarkably well run considering it is 4 events all together with all of them being held at once at one time or another. First is the Triple Crown itself which consisit of three races - half marathon, 10k and 5k. Ideally the runner will finish each event with a little time left to refuel and recharge before the next. That happened only once for me (after the half)  If a runner misses the start of an event thay can grab some fule and water, find the next course and start running. That's where I ran into some trouble as  I missed the start of the 10k - even though I finished with plenty of time before the start (despite a headfirst plunge into the waist high stream) and I was also confused about the course for the 5k. Minor issues that kept me from the final placing I would have liked but did nothing to detract from strong runing (on my part) and the enthusiasm and helpfulness of the volenteers who assisted me. Thanks guys!
Asisde from the Triple Crown event runners can enter each event individually (fresh runners really help push a runner with tired legs) or they can enter the whole marathon which is held on its own. Nothing is more humbling that to be passed by a full marathon runner after you've been given a 10 minute head start.
The course itself offers just enough hills to provide a challenge without killing the spirit (or legs - unless of course you run all three events and get to hit those hills three times in a row) and some great stream crossings (see above about headfirst splash). There were plenty of aid stations with entthusiastic volunteers who always had encouragement to offer and a wonderful cookout throughout the whole day - so you really had something to pull you through each event - knowing there was great food waiting and not just the aid station fare usually offered. The even had vegan Boca burgers!
So I'm not sure my over all placing overall or in each event. I was off course for a mile in the 10k - but as I mentioned it hardly betters because I was really happy with my running - strong on the uphills - as I made up my mind to run every hill I could since each even itself was fairly short and I could rest at least a little between them. Moca ran the half and is steadily climbing back after a winter and early spring of allergies and ankle issues. Matt ran the half and 10k - he tan the half stromg and ran the 10k through bloody feet and some fueling issues. Great effort. Each race offers something to learn from. And birthday girl and brand new grandma Melissa when the whole marathon strong and happy throughout. This was a comeback race for Melissa from the extra long Stone Mill 50 mile we ran together back in Novemeber. Way to go Melissa! Our little group represnted.
Race director John Mackenzie did a wonderful job and seemed to be everywhere at once - I would guess he ended the day more tired then the runners. Thanks for the great day and all of your hard work and effort John. See you next year!  And thank you all who volunteered - you guys are really the ones that mmade this event so special. A little enthusiasm goes a long ways - and you guys offered a lot. I would also like to mention that all proceeds will benifit four local - faith based homeless shelters. A very worthy cause/ Thank you too to sponors who helped make this happen.
This was my second Triple Crown - marathon last year, Triple Crown event this year. Triple Crown was by far harder. I'll be back next year - for the marathon (I think)

Thanks for reading!

Eric

Dining Out

Today was the Triple Crown event and it was a blast - full review tomorrow. Post race vegan sould food at The Land of Kush on Eutaw St. in Baltimore. Very nice and great "southern" style comofrt food that was perfect after a long day running in the runs. Now my preference is my normal day to day diet - fruit, greens, and some nuts and seeds. I feel better eating this way and perform better eating as such. But it's nice to go out and it's nice to have vegetarian options. Yet I feel that people do themselves a grave misjustice and fail to receive the full benifits of a plant-based diet by eating vegan "processed" food on a regular diet. Whole foods - yes even grains - are what keep the body (and mind) young, fit and strong. Not to mention healthy. Make fruit, vegetables, seeds, nuts and grains a part of your daily staple. Save the resturant fare for special occasions.

Peace,
Eric

Runners Prayer

May I run with and
not against.
May my feet be swift and

24 Hour Race?

I'm very much considering a 24 hour run this June. It's a relay race but I would do a solo effort, along with some friends to keep me company. I like the thought of plunging the depth of not just the body but the mind and soul as well that seems unique to 24 hours on a track. Perhaps it's the circular nature of the course that brigs a lack of distraction that is singular to a track. The trail and road bring plenty of challenges but also allows the mind to runner to beautiful and interesting sites and sounds. On the track - eventually - it's just the runner and the track. And eventually just the runner as the two merge into continuous motion. I'm not sure if I'm physically ready for this - my training has been mainly for distance of 50 miles and less. But I'm sure I'm up for 12 plus hours and a distance PR so I'm giving it serious consideration. Stay tuned!

Little Bit About the Triple Crown Event

This Saturdays race - the Triple Crown Event - will prove a unique challenge. Three events virtually back to back - a half marathon, 10k and a 5k, the faster each event is run the more rest a runner will have. Of course too fast and the runner will pose the risk of burning out for the later races. Interesting. This is a trail race as well, with mutiple stream crossings to add to the fun. Last year my wife and I ran the marathon instead of the Triple Crown event and that too was a challenge, as all marathons, especially trail marathons, are. We opted for the Triple Crown this year for various reasons but fun and challenging top the list. Plus we get a finishers mug - and I like mugs. Wish us (and Matt and Melissa) luck! Eric

Lets Make a Deal (Please)

My good friend Judith pointed out that not all people are sensitive to the reason why some become vegans. There is no escaping the fact that facorty farming is cruel and unhealthy. What ends up on our plate bears some serious comtemplation but most are unable to do this as then eating meat would be all but impossible for any sensitive soul (and that would be all of us really) As a coping means people tend to joke about and gloss over the horror of inhumane treatment to animals that deserve so much better. It's meant to be funny, a jest to relieve tension or make light of the heaviness of cruelty that stairs from a plate. It's possibly a means of dealing with a deep seated guilt that they may not even be aware of - maybe. It doesn't work. The cruelty is there and it's not going away and can't be joked away. I'll make a deal with my non-vegan friends - I won't talk about where your meat comes from, the health consequences and risk you're are imposing upon yourself (and family)the global issues that grow daily from meat consumption and all I ask in return is a little respect for our shared time of having a meal. We can debate (cruelty and joke free) some other time. Deal?

Challenges

I'm thinking I would like to do a 24 hour race on a track - something very straight forward (ok, it's a circle)and zen like in the simplified, mindful act of circling a track non-stop for 24 hours. It's doubtful that I would make 100 miles (although maybe)but I would set a distance PR and test my will and discipline while at the same time learning to let go of all but the run itself. Another fun challenge would be a stair race - something along the lines of Sears Tower (yet local) And something non-local in the 7 mile Mt Washington run (straight up)The Pikes Peak Marathon is on my list as well. These are all pretty big challenges - one that I have been slowly working up to. A 5k can be a big challenge too and a worthwhile one to train for (I love 5ks) Any and every challenge is a noble one - yet it has to be one thing - truely a challenge. We need something that makes us confront our comfort zone and step past the boundries of our known limits. A 5k can do that. or a half marathon, a marathon or an ultra. Beginning a running program for a non runner is a hugh challenge and I applaude that step for all - any exercise program, or meditation, or spiritual endeavor. Begin something, stick to it, begin again when we fail or fall (we will) - it all leads to something truely miraculous - the belief that we are greater by far then what was once previously thought. Good luck, Eric

Where We Are

I believe that God meets us where we are (in ultimate reality there is no place where God leaves off)yet in order for us to come to a sense of God realization, to have a true expereince of transcendence we need to begin to empty ourselves of the non-essential items that complete the ego. Many schools of mystical thought insist the ego must be reduced to nothing to fully know the mind of God (Self)and I will leave this to better minds to debate. The truth is (and it's simple)our ego thoughts keep us bound to a mad, mad world and thoughts steeped in the silence of the heart set us free from fear, worry and negativity. But how do we get there? It's still simple, it's just not easy - forgive. Forgive ourselves for the ego driven thoughts, forgive those whom we blame for pushing our ego-bottons, forgive, forgive, forgive. Until there's nothing left to be forgiven. And that may take awhile (lifetimes)The funny thing is though - the more we forgive the less stress we produce the less hold the ego has upon us. Reptition builds strength and habits and also begins to empty our hearts of ego - with this emptiness comes a welcoming space for only one thing - God (read: Love) God meets us where we are - and in return we create a welcoming space for this reunion. Begin now.

Race Review - Hills of Milltown 5k Challenge 2012

This morning was the Hills of Milltown 5k Challnge - a very, very tough and hilly 5k (actual distance 3.48 miles)This was one of the harder 5ks I have run and also one of the must scenic. Winding straight up hill from the start with a steady climb for the first 1.5 miles or so before we really got any downhill action going in - made for a tough beginning. Not much of a warm up for me before hand and heavy legs due to this weeks training made it a slow beginning. Good thing it was pretty. I did manage a 7:05 for the last mile so it ended on a high note for me. It was a great atmosphere and for another wonderful cause - benifiting Blossoms Of Hope in support of the Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center at Howard Ct. General Hospital. With a fun supporting crowd, good friends there running and volunteering (thanks Judith) it was the perfect way to start the weekend. Running with Dr. Randy really makes me realize how much speed work needs to be done (for me - not him. He doesn't need to get any faster)but I think on fresh legs and flat(er) course I have a sub 22:00 in me this year. I'll take that and be happy. Matt ran a nice race, focusing on being loose and relaxed and letting the time take care of itself. He's in for Triple Crown next week as well so this race should build some confidence and keep him on track. Supossedly there was a weightlifter running the race who complained about a speedy bald guy passing him. Don't know anything about that - I have some hair. (Say hi next time Jordan!) A big thanks to all the sponors who made this happen and to Phil Lange and Bulleyes Running for organizing the event. Bullseye Running has put on some really great events this year with more to come so check them out and come out and run! Thanks for reading!

Coming Up

Continuing w the tend of short rces - I'll run a tough, hilly 5k tomorrow. No PR but it promises to be a hard effort and great workout. The following weekend will be the Triple Crown event and while it's composed of shorter races the combine milage for the day will be 22 miles and that will be hard effort in each of the three events (half marathon, 10k, 5k)and the week after that is the Fredrick Half Marathon. After that it's time to gear up for The North Face Endurance Challange (50k)and get some distance in again. Lots of running coing up!

Sinfulness

I'm not interested in your sinfulness (nor my own) but the blessings you bestow by the simple grace of your humanity.

Through Silence

only reached through silence...your words caress my inner space

Seek God Everywhere

For a long while now I have had an interest in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. St. Ignatius was the founder of the Jesuit order of Christian monks. It was founded on very practical ideas of sound, joyful living and the exercises were meant for the layperson as well in order that they would have a clear path to expereinceing God first hand - an astounding idea at the time and one that is still radical especially in Christianity (it seems that Hindu, Budhist and even the Sufi order of Islam have a long history of seeking to expereince the mysical as opposed to second hand accounts) Lately my interest has been sparked and expanded even farther and I have begun to (silently) invoke prayer during my runs and using it as means of communion with spirit on a deeper level. One of the main tenents of the Jesuits is "seek God everywhere" and this is an enjoyable effort to do while running. It's easy to find God in the grace of trees and birds and other wlldlife. It's even easy to find God through the face of other runners as they pass with a smile of recognition of shared effort and motion. Of course through the day finding God can be quite difficult in the rush of everyday life and hurried people cruising by. This is where the spirit of the run carries forward - if God indeed is found during the run then there is no place where God must leave off and something "other" begins. And so we search, and often we must search deep and expand much effort - yet the effort itself is always inward directed and not with what. God is present in all things and yet the inner blocks in place often veil Her presence. With practice and the spirit of the run (or wherever we have last found the presence of God) fresh in our hearts we begin to discard these veils (they were never really there anyway) and see God within all things and all people - or as Mother Theresa said - "recognize the face of Chris in all His frishtful disguses." That's the mission of Running with Spirit. Peace, Eric

Myself Again

My goal is peace of mind. Running, meditating, writing - all contribute towards this end. I love the Buddhist concpet of our original mind being like the clear, blue sky - clouds pass but the sky itself remains unencumbered by there passing. The sky never confuses itself by identifying with the clouds. Our original mind, our Buddha nature, or mind of Christ is clear and unencumbered by our thoughts. Except for one thing - we have confused our identity - we believe we are the clouds of thought instead of the clear manifestation of pure consciousness. The three tools above - running, meditating and writing help me clear the clouds for a brief (all to brief) reunion with my original self. Right now, at my desk typing, thoughts pass, words form and I reach for them with without care or attachment. I am not confused by their reality (or lack of) and I write free of the weight of worry. I just write. The words are there - and then space - and then words again. Much like meditation. Later, farther from my desk (and original mind) I bog down again in the midst of thought and cares and worries. I become these very things - or at least I believe I do. Yet the seed of identity has been planted and deep within, watered and tendered by my three main tools - the seed will bloom with the remembrence of my true nature. And I'll be myself again


Peace,
Eric

Cupcake

Vegan cupcake.
Ingredients -
magic.

Birthday

Well I'm 47 today. I ran, I lifted, I did yoga. Everything I did when I was 46. And 45. And further back in one form or another to my teen years. Yes I'm older, one year for sure I'll be a little bit slower (not this year, nor the next)but my body in motion will be a constance. My birthday goal - body in motion and mind stilled. A unique combination to strive for but one that will bring great peace.
To all those who celebrated with me today...thank you!

Flight

I dream of running...and in
my dream my steps become
flight yet never
lose the
ground.

Sometimes I wake
mid-flight,
and hover in a world where
dreams are true and the
dawn of my reality is still so
far away.

I know there are only
fleeting moments
left...this world will fade and
leave me sleepless and short
of flight again.

In the morning I'll run...and
do my best to wish this
world to me.

Race Review - 34th Anuual Clydes 10k

Today was the 34th annual Clydes 10k and my second running of it. Hard to belive that this race is almost as old as Columbia itself. It's a great Columbia traditionand I urge more people to get out there and give it a run - it's a great way to see the side streets of Columbia, meet new friends and say hi to old ones and enjoy one of the best after race partys around. A big Thanks to Race Director Dennis Albright for once again putting on a great race and cheering the runners through the finish line - your hard work and effort was evident in the happy faces of all the runners (well, when they were finished at least)
I ran a bit faster then last year, not surprising as I ran a 20 mile long run the day before last year and this year only 3 on Saturday and no lifting either. Oddly enough my legs felt fresher last year. I think the first mile threw me off my game plan (such as I had)definitely cost me some time. All the way past the two mile mark I was bottlenecked (I think that's one word) and unable to hit the pace I wanted for a 46 minute finish. Jumping the curb and running on the grass to pass people was a bit more effort for the first mile too - especially for what I had to show for it - an 8:22 mile which was about a minute slower than the plan. From that point I had to make a bit of a mental because I knew that too much more of a harder effort on the upcoming hills wouldn't be worth it in the finishing miles so I cruised around 7:40 or so and slowed down just a bit on the hills. I did manage a 7:02 for last mile and it was enough for a PR but not the one I wished for. Great racing expereince as always and I'll walk away from this race a little wiser (I hope)
Daniel Kessler drove up from West Virginia to run and hit a hugh PR - I belive :53 something and about 5 minutes faster then his previous best. Way to go Danny! And it was great seeing your family again. Moca didn't hit a PR or I guess she did as this was her first 10k - lots of 5k, halfs, marathons, 50 ks and a 50 miler - but first 10k. So automatic PR. Same for Matt for that matter. Moca ran a smart, tough, fast race and broke an hour which was the goal. :58 I believe (correct me here people if I'm wrong) and I was super proud of her. It's a great sign for this years upcoming races. Both Matt and Moca have been plauged (ewwww...) with calf and achilles trouble and both ran tough today. Matt wanted to break the hour mark and would have easily and by far if he was 100%. He setteled for a great race and 1:03 effort leaving him ready for the Triple Crown in two more weeks and the North Face 50k this June. Smart running.
It was great seeing Judith cheering on the sidelines and will be even better running with her at CAT this July - it will be the battle of the Vegans so stay tuned (she's tougher then me) and get well soon Judith. Always nice to see running friends - it reminds of a large part of why we're out there - to run along side (as well as ahead and behind)our fellow comrades, brothers and sisters. A big thanks to all who showed up and for those who didn't - see you next year!

Peace,
Eric

Just Runners

Tomorrow is Clydes 10k a fun little race that I'm really looking forward to. It's literally minutes from my home, my friends and family will be there and I'm ready to run. Races are more than events where one sees whom the fastest is (yes it is that too)they are a gathering, a forming of a tribe to come togthers and run in a pack. Chris McDougall points this out in his book Born to Run and in many following essays. Races are a soul gathering of like minded people who feel the need to test body and spirit against the elements,there fears and perceived weakness and flaws and finally against another opponent. In the end there is a winner but never a loser. We're all just runners.

Calm Abiding and Running

Sakyong Mipham has released a new book - Running With The Mind of Meditation - and I am very excited about it. Sakyong is the leader of Shambhala, a community of meditation retreat centers and the bestseling author of Turning The Mind Into An Ally and Ruling Your World - both excellent books and ones that have helped me quite a bit in my own meditation practice. Sakyong is also a runner who has completed nine marathongs, including Boston.
The book is timely for me as I feel an urge to turn inwards and focus my energy on my interior needs. To further use running as a means to accomplish this is exciting indeed. I will have a deeper review as I progress through the book.
The main meditation method of Shambhala is Shamatha - or calm abiding - a method I have practiced (along with others) for some time and have recently felt the urge to return to - again timely. I love the imagery and sense of peace that the term "calm abiding" brings to me and it is a perfect expression for distance running - no matter what the trail or road brings, I will abide with calm and peace. Everything passes.

Stay tuned,
Eric

Clydes, Comfort Zone and Learning to Embrace a Little Speed in My Life

This weekend marks the beginning of the next series of races - beginning with Clydes 10k, a fun little race that was a bit of a paradigm shift for me last year. I ran Clydes that day after a 20 mile long run in the rain in 51 minutes. The race fell on my 46 birthday so I wanted to run it as fast as I could ater such a run the day before. 51 minutes - not fast by any means but I was happy with it. You see up to that point I hadn't really done any speed work or tempo runs to speak of - sometimes I ran faster then other times but it all depended on how I felt at the time. Most of my races were long - marathon or longer - so I didn't feel that added speed work had as much benifit for me as simply running. Clydes showed me that I did have a little (very little compared to some) speed in my legs and there would and could be more if I approached it right. I really learned to appreciate shorter races - from 5k to half marathons and definitely felt more complete (and stronger) as a runner. I fell in love with tempo runs and they're still my favorite run of the week. To top it off my longer races really took a turn for the best I have set PR's from 5ks to 50 miles while recovering quicker after each race. I do attribute much of this to my diet and I believe it's a vegan (high carb/low fat) lifestyle that allowed me to run a somewhat fast 10k last year after a hard workout the day before. This year I have a little taper after a few weeks of building up the milage so will see what race day brings. I would like to break :50 and do so routinely on my tempo runs so it shouldn't be an issue (I hope)
So the message for today is it's ok to specialize but we do need to step pout from our comfort zones and try new events and different distances. Who kmows what adventures they may lead to?

Peace,
Eric

I Sometimes Dream of Grace

There is a grace in letting go and I seem to
lack this right now.
Even as my arms allow distance my
mind and heart keep gathering
memories to hold near and
tight against me -
As if aging thoughts could ward off approaching
change and constant fear.
Maybe they do...for awhile, throughout the
brightness of a day I can forget
myself and the troubles I have
delivered.
It's the night that haunts me - empty and dark and
mocking in its promise that it brings this
and more to the sleepless moments of
my life.
And those memories being nothing more than thin
blankets to hide beneath.
The night will always find me...and sometimes
past the point of dawn.
When I do sleep...I sometimes
dream of grace and
open arms.

Calories

So my diet feels sound, I think I may need a few more calories though for my activity level, as high as 4000 and (according to some) possibly more. Right now I'm averaging in the low 3000 and I seem to be leaning out and mainting strength. My recovery is great but with the extra calories may be even better. I'm not a fan of excessive calories and some on the 80/10/10 plan really pack the calories down. Doug Graham himself doesn't say much about the need for excess calories except to eat enough carbs (fruit) to maintain a healthy energy level for the amount of activity one performs. Being quite active I keep this in mind and try to be mindful of calories and my recovery. So I'm game to experiment a little. I mainly fall towards the attitude of Tim Van Orden in this video -


Again I'm keeping an open mind and plan to experiment as needed.
But so far so good!
Thaks for reading.
Eric

Continuing a Mission

I remember reading a story once of a journalist who was interviewing Mother Teresa. He was so moved by her account of her mission that he repeatedly asked her how he himself could help. Finally, towards the end of the interview she gave her answer - go out today, tonight, tomorrow and find one person who feels alone in this world. Convince him/her otherwise.
Powerful.
And much needed.
We are all in the postion of needing to be convinced we're not alone and have the ability to reach out to others and do the convincing. Today's a wonderful opportunity to continue Mother Teresa's holy mission. Reach out to someone - and in the moment of our reaching a miracle will occur - we will find a reach always extends in both direction and contact itself is its own reward.
Try it.

Peace,
Eric

Original Resurrection Poem

you the
resurrection,
and once dead...I come
alive within you.

This was the original Resurrection poem and inspired by St. John of the Cross and his own resurrection from the dark night of the soul. His work is filled with the holy passion of a lovers urgent whispering to his beloved. God was not some distant diety but a living passion that burned within him. Such is the way with mystics.

Peace,
Eric

Easter

You...the
resurrection,
and now alive you come to
share forgiveness



A Course in Miracles tells us that the only lesson from the cross is that we can survive our crucifixion - and in one form or another the world will certainly crucify us all. We overcome this through forgiveness. Constant forgiveness. Until there is no more to forgive and resentment has been washed clean from thought, mind and soul. And then too we are resurrected. Easter is the birth of us anew.
Happy Easter my friends.

Eric

A Little Personal (skip if you wish)

To be open and honest with myself and those who read this blog - I find the prospect of an upcoming divorce to be emotionally devestating. Yes, I have known it's been coming and I'm on good terms with my wife - yet I viewd my marrige (all marriges)as a sacred bond to be honored through the difficult times. Our wedding vows were taken from Khalil Gibran's The Prophet - a book of wisdom to base a lifetime upon - and those beuitful words meant everything to me -
"When Almitra spoke again and said, "And what of Marriage, master?"

And he answered saying:

You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore.

You shall be together when white wings of death scatter your days.

Aye, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.

But let there be spaces in your togetherness,

And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.

Love one another but make not a bond of love:

Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.

Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup.

Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf.

Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,

Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.

Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping.

For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.

And stand together, yet not too near together:

For the pillars of the temple stand apart,

And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow."

There were time when I allowed myself to grow apart - yet I never felt seperated. Maybe the mistake I made was in allowing her to feel so. I don't know. I do know that when I ever I drifted far into myself, I knew I would always return to her.
So this post is a little more personal than usual.
I needed to share.
And thank you all for being there.

Peace,
Eric

I am Open

I am opening to inspiration, to poetry and new forms of creativity. It has been some time since I have written poetry and sometime more since I created poetry that captured spirit in a way I wished it too. Perhaps my moms death and my marriage fears have left me feeling cut off from my creative source - no matter - I am now open and willing to listen to the subtle whispers that ignite poetic inspiration.
I am open.

Sickening Trend

There is a new trend in certain parts of China where live, tiny tortoises are being sold within a bag of liquid as jewlry. There is no room to move, and little room to even breathe. The tortois may live as long as 5 months before they die and are then replaced. This is horrifying. I truly can't comprehend who would buy this let alone sell it - or worse be the "brains" behind the concept and marketing. I hope more people speak out on this and many (many) other examples of cruelty towards animals. It reflects poorly on all of us as fellow beings.

Peace,
Eric

They Don't all Have a Point (just rambling...)

I miss my mother. More so I miss the possibilities that were robbed from her by Alzheimer's. I was waiting in line today at a grocery store behind an elderly women who was slowly, very slowly counting change with shaking hands. She reminded me very much of my mother - the senior mother I might have had if not for a terrible disease. My mother and father, by all rights should have enjoyed their senior years together - they worked hard, provided a comfortable life for their family and were always there for each other and their children. They should have traveled, visited family, garden and simply enjoyed each others company. Instead my father nursed my mother through a steep decline eveen as he suffered through his own health concerns. I was honored to help them both. Sometimes it seems that life isn't fair and maybe it isn't. I'm facing divorce in a matter of days in a marriage I fought hard to save. Letting go is hard and the things we cherich that will one day leave are endless. Maybe life isn't fair - but it's life and we endure. And often, sometimes very often - we find reason to smile. That's life too. So this long, rambling post comes to an end without a conclusion. Simply do your best. And look for reasons to smile.

Peace,
Eric

Blogging

I have written and posted here everyday since New Years - some worthwhile post and some not so much - but the effort was sincere. It hasn't been a goal of mine to post daily and I'm not announcing a streak but I have used the blog as a daily "deadline" that's waiting for me with empty promise. I write daily and the blog has been a convenient medium for me to arrive to with no real plan other than to write my mind. It's been good for me, especially as I've been on a bit of a poetic sabitical of late. I wrote near daily poetry for close to a decade and this has been the longest without poetic expressin for as long as I can remember. That will change and words will flow again. I have no doubt. Until then I'm enjoying the blog, the empty space and my daily ramblings. I hope someone else is as well.
Thanks!

Eric

Original Goodness

Much is made in many religious tradtions of original sin. The principles of Christianity are based upon this being the reason Jesus was birb, cruxcified and rose from the dead - to pay our debt of original sin. Yet what mystics of all traditions remind us is that long before original sin we stodd in the light of original innocence. Buddhist call this our Buddha nature and Christian mystics refer to it as the mind of Christ. It's who we are sans ego and its who we will be again in the blink of clear remembrence. Don't buy the fact that we were born in sin and do not inherit the thought that we are less than God. We are an extension of the All Being and therefore all that's go(o)d that springs from this source is as perfect as its orgin. Jesus himself replied in this same regard - Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? (John 10:34)
And yet we doubt his words and our own greatness. We are Gods and this is indeed a humble statement as we stand before a world of continuous creation - a world we have dreamed into being and now again must dream for it's completion in the original goodness of our own image.

Peace,
Eric

Tribute to a Legend

Here is a poem I wrote perhaps a year ago -

There is grace and ease and the
Lightness of steps
Against
Earth that gives again to the fallen
Hope of feet prayed across its
Giving ground.
And a beat plays continuous from first
Strike and then echoed through the
Chest in an ache of joy and motion
And something more unsaid and
Even more can’t be told but
Only known -
By those who run.
..

Inspired by and on a morning run along the beautiful Patapsco Valley trails. Another inspiration was Micah True of Born to Run fame, who I credit with teaching me and so many others the meaning of "run free". Here is the reply he sent me -

sweet...muy poetico!-: Run free.

CB
..

Not many words. Yet they meant and mean the world to me. I started running long distances to heal myself and my relationship with someone. I might have fallen short on my goals but I discovered something important - a path towards healing, a comfort in the natural world that brought me a sense of homecoming, and a sense of freedom that Caballo Blanco hinted at in true Zen Masster fashion - ot by pointing, but by being. Thank you my friend, you have shown me and many others the meaning of running with spirit.
Run Free,
Eric