Tuesday, March 18, 2014

The Tao of Distance Running - #21





The Master keeps her mind
always at one with the Tao;
that is what gives her her radiance.

The Tao is ungraspable.
How can her mind be at one with it?
Because she doesn't cling to ideas.
                                                             *


~
Given fully to motion we find ourselves running beyond the
concept of miles and time. The infinite can't be
measured and our steps are timeless in
their sweep against the
earth.
We run in a constant state of letting go - allowing
thoughts to pass trackless through the mind.

Goalless - the run itself is all that matters.

  • Every finish line measures a finite distance. Every runner is infinite by nature. Even the longest race fails to contain the limitless potential of soul and stride. So why measure and why try? For the sheer joy of gathering with others in a solitary pursuit - we are singular worlds in a galaxy of distance sharing moments in our passing. Runners recognize this world in each - a salute of glance and nod. So we run a finite course yet remain unbound by measured concepts. We don't cling to a finish or tied to a goal. We simply run - everything else is just a bonus.







Peace,
Eric


*Portion of the Tao Te Ching translated by Stephen Mitchell


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