The Tao of Distance Running -#2

Things arise and she lets them come;
things disappear and she lets them go.
She has but doesn't possess,
acts but doesn't expect. 

                                                  *

~


Our steps possess nothing save for
moments touched upon the
earth.
And so we hold the
world in motion.


Our stride is light and shines with meaning.

• Without distinctions a runner runs with the grace of no concerns. There are no obstacles when the path is seen as sacred. Everything belongs and everything is in the order of its perfection. Our role is to simply run. A hill is approached as a thing of beauty - the body responds to the thoughts we hold clear and effort applied and then let go. No thought or motion wasted. We run the hill and then beyond. There are no distinctions when everything holds beauty and all is holy - fast or slow, hills and flat - all versions of a sacred run. Every action is in perfect accord to what arises and so becomes without effort. Free of expectations every moment becomes our arrival. Every step is home.

Peace,

Eric

*
Tao Te Ching translated by Stephen Mitchell