The Tao of Distance Running - #52

Seeing into darkness is clarity.
Knowing how to yield is strength.
Use your own light
and return to the source of light.
This is called practicing eternity.

                                                                  *

~

Every mood is passing. Distance is measured beyond miles - a single thought may take the

length of the longest trail. Many thoughts travel the dark recess of the mind and

body. We are taken on a path that leads to despair. Yet the mind is

spacious in its nature. We are light and made from the substance of

stars and sun. Allow darkness the briefness of its

moment.

Watch it pass.

We are the source, the light and the rising.

• Nothing last forever in the length of a run. With mindful attention we can feel the pulse of pain in every ache and bruise. We can find the subtle space between the pain and our awareness and slip within and explore its temporary nature. The dark moods that capture the mind in long runs and races are also fleeting if we hold them in a loosened grip of compassion. They will slip through our caring fingers as if a gift that came from darkness and left in the light of our awareness. Don't fight darkness. Simply remember we are the source and we are the light. Darkness fades in our arising.

Peace,

Eric

Portion of the Tao Te Ching translated by Stephen Mitchell.