The Tao of Distance Running - #30

The Master does his job
and then stops.
He understands that the universe
is forever out of control,
and that trying to dominate events
goes against the current of the Tao.

                                                                *

~

Our goal is to run clear of inner resistance - we are against nothing and

celebrate with gratitude the sake of the run itself. Anything beyond a single

step is of no concern. Our stride is made carefree in the collection of

these steps and the surrender of all else.

Run...as if a single step is our existence.

• There are select things that we can do that will make our run or race a success. Mentally and physically we prepare the best we're able. We fuel and hydrate well. We dress accordingly. Everything that we can account for we see too. And still the run is beyond our control. That's the nature of the world reflected in our steps. To grasp at the intangible aspects of life is too suffer. As runners we focus on our steps collected to a stride - each step brings an ending and then opens to a new world. Our stride contains the seeds of all possibilities - there is nothing to fight nor resist, nothing to grasp or avoid. We abide in the moment, aware of it's passing and grateful for its promise. With that in mind - we take one more step.

Peace,

Eric

*Translation of The Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchell