The Tao of Distance Running -#12

The Master observes the world
but trusts his inner vision.
He allows things to come and go.
His heart is open as the sky.

                                                        *

~

There are hills - and still we run. There will be heat and

cold and rain and sun. Yet the path remain

perfection.

Our sight is clear. We are guided by steps and the

kiss of earth beneath them.

Every mile is a letting go and with a lightness of

self we learn to trust our

silent voice of wisdom.

All things pass -and still we run.


~

• Everything passes. No state that we may find ourselves in at any given time will last. Hills won't go up for ever and the downhill seems to end too soon. That's the nature of distance running. That's the way of life. Running is motion - and yet the spirit of running is found in the still, centered being of the runner. This is the witness. We are the witness. From the observation point of our deepest selves we are able to observe the scenery, to run the ups and downs and experience the ails and highs of the body from a unattached vantage point of wisdom and self care. We are at once intimate with every aspect of the one and free from grasping for anyone thing to remain. We are open. And free.

Peace,

Eric

* Verse 12 of The Tao Te Ching translated by Stephen Mitchell