I have battled with addictions. It has often been said that many runners trade their addictions for the healthier alternative of running. This may be true for some - maybe for many. In my case I certainly don't feel compelled to run - I don't find myself in the grip of an addiction that holds mind and spirit as a vice. I feel free. I am certainly drawn to run. The experience of covering ground swiftly and with ease is healing on every level for me. In troubled times it has helped heal my body, mind and spirit. I am a dedicated runner as well - seldom missing training sessions and sacrificing many things to enjoy being fit for racing and to spend time on the road and trails. Being in nature plays a large role in this - I am more myself when I am alone in nature. The sacrifices I make to find this time are a price I am more than willing to pay. I am a better person all around when I do so. I am sure that this indeed does sound like an addiction to some. Yet it isn't. I have left my addictions behind. They are a distinct memory of another lifetime. Running is this lifetime. Running brings me to the interior room of silence that past activities never could. Once this room has been discovered - through running, meditation, prayer - we are never doubtful of its existence again and need little help reaching it. In this room addictions don't exist. For me this room holds motion and a silence found between thoughts, there is an awareness of body and its connection to the mind, an awareness of spirit and its connection to the world. Awareness is freedom. I have not traded my addictions. I have lost them through the lens of awareness. I have discovered that running is salvation for those already saved. Motion is simply a reminder.
Peace,
Eric
No comments:
Post a Comment