The Tao of Distance Running - #43

The gentlest thing in the world
overcomes the hardest thing in the world.
That which has no substance
enters where there is no space.
This shows the value of non-action.
                                                                              *

~
We run - yet flow from stillness. There is no struggle in the allowance of
perfection. Our journey is not to cover distance but to occupy
space in full awareness while miles pass us by.
We are the witness to natures wonders - yet
more we are the wonder too.


There is the illusion of doing - and all the while the
world keeps opening to our surrender.

• Perhaps there is some confusion on the matter of non-doing and running - of allowing and intending. The basis of our reality is stillness and from this point the smallest intention flickers in the birth of motion. Yet stillness remains our reality. Running is the allowance of our stillness to caress the world. No effort - we do nothing. A single intent and then let go. Rain drops intend to reach the sea and yet the course of its travels remain a mystery. There is no need to know. We run with the same faith as a drop of rain - we know that we will cover ground, we intend a single step to birth a stride, and we have faith in the mystery of it all. 

Peace,

Eric

*

Portion of the Tao Te Ching translated by Stephen Mitchell