The Tao of Distance Running - #68

Not that they don't love to compete,
but they do it in the spirit of play.
In this they are like children
and in harmony with the Tao.

                                                        *

~

Our steps leave no one behind - we run embraced by the

distance that falls between us.

And so alone...our stride connects the world.

Compete - yet don't compare or contrast. Run strong and swift and wish the best for everyone regardless of their stride. Be complete in what we offer to the trail, the course, the day and moment. In our completion there is no need to finish first and yet no reason not too. We simply wish to run our best at the given moment we've called a race and our best is only served if others run theirs. In this way nothing is lost - if we are truly complete (and we are) than we share this completion with everyone - from first to the finish line to the last. We have shared time, space and stride with others. We have joined in their completion.    

Peace,

Eric

Portion of the Tao Te Ching translated by Stephen Mitchell 

The Tao of Distance Running - # 67

Compassionate toward yourself,
you reconcile all beings in the world.

                                                                      *

~

We give ourselves to the earth - each step a

brief caress continued to a stride.

And the world is given in

return.

Grace belongs to those who give.

Be kind. Running is a gift we give to ourselves and in return the world responds to this act of self-care. Being compassionate to ourselves during a long run or race takes some awareness - we are programed to push past pain and self-imposed limitations. This isn't a bad thing. Yet if we do it as a form of self-punishment we are defeating the purpose of what running has to offer. Sometimes denying ourselves a momentary pleasure is compassionate. Pushing ourselves in exploring an unknown distance or faster pace could also be a caring gift. We need to ask ourselves if we are giving or inflicting - the act of giving is of spirit and a light shines from the heart that gives. To inflict is to bring the ego to play and it's a finite game that leaves us empty and dry. Giving is our link to the infinite and the more we give the more we have to give. Allow every step to be an act of kindness - a singular moment that joins us to the world - at once both gift and giver.

Peace,

Eric

*Portion of the Tao Te Ching translated by Stephen Mitchell 

The Tao of Distance Running -# 66

All streams flow to the sea
because it is lower than they are.
Humility gives it its power.
                                                              *

~

Our stride meets the earth in a long caress - distance

given to our steps

desire.

We seek only to meet the path in the contours of

its giving. Surrendering ourselves in

order to receive.

We are asked to become of the earth again...our every step an answer yes.

• Don't fight the path - be it road or trail. Nature always wins and to fight is to separate ourselves from our source of inspiration and power. Accept that distance is a gift that allows us to empty ourselves - if only briefly - of thoughts of separation and to become of the earth again - free, playful and fearless in stride and spirit.

Peace,

Eric

*Portion of the Tao Te Ching translated by Stephen Mitchell 

The Tao of Distance Running - #65

The simplest pattern is the clearest.

                                                                     *

~

Our steps kiss the ground in pure delight - a mantra

found in a stride of devotion.

Our prayer is simplicity.

Earth, sky and the joy we offer

in between.

A single step - repeated - and so we find our way.

Avoid complications. Running is the simple act of devotion - one step - repeated. It's the mind that brings complications. Keep simplicity as the one and only goal. What's the plan? Take the single step that delivers motion. There is nothing complicated about one step. When is doubt choose the path or option that allows us to stick with our plan. The question will always be does this complicate or simplify. The answer will always be clearest in our view.

Peace,

Eric

*Portion of the Tao Te Ching translated by Stephen Mitchell

The Tao of Distance Running - #64

Prevent trouble before it arises.
Put things in order before they exist.
The giant pine tree
grows from a tiny sprout.
The journey of a thousand miles
starts from beneath your feet.
                                                           *

~

Even on a single trail there is no destination - all reaches of the

infinite stretch from the single point of our existence.

Every step is the completion of one journey and

the start of something new.

Within this stretch of our horizon - where our

steps meet the coming world -

We reach the moment of

creation.

Run with joy and imagination - the choice is ours alone.

Run with the knowledge that with every step we create the world that holds our stride. Use the moment of creation wisely - we create thirst by not drinking and hunger by not eating. This will prove to be unwise in distance running. Create strength and a well fueled body in the moments before they come into existence. Plant the seeds of joy in the very first steps - the world soon becomes our garden.   

Peace,

Eric

*Portion of the Tao Te Ching translated by Stephen Mitchell



The Tao of Distance Running - #63

Confront the difficult
while it is still easy;
accomplish the great task
by a series of small acts.
                                                     *

~

A single step - a lone caress against the earth and repeated to a

stride. And so the step carries us to greater

distance.

From here...a single step to reach the infinite.

Don't think of beginnings nor endings - think only of the one step that delivers us to the infinite. You see distance is an illusion. A step is but a commitment to awareness. When we give ourselves joyfully to every moment we find ourselves in the midst of eternity. Time and distance becomes tools to bridge points of eternity to our awareness. When we find ourselves suffering during a long run it simply means we need to focus on the single task at hand - one step, a slow drink of water, a bite of food, or even just a breath. We really can't do anymore than this - in spite of the fact that our mind will push us towards the finish. Try not to resist. That's just the nature of the mind. Smile. Run with the heart - it beats a single note, fully committed to that one note - and so that beat becomes our lives. 

Peace,

Eric

*Portion of the Tao Te Ching translated by Stephen Mitchell 

The Tao of Distance Running - #62

The Tao is the treasure -house,

the true nature,

the secret Source of everything.

~

Every step is our return - a coming home to the

essence of who we are.  We view distance in

its infinite potential to shed layers of the

false with all that's true spread

holy to our stride.

Every step....is our becoming.

Run with the confidence that the world supports us. It does. Yet we don't always know this - it seems to be a great secret that we are not removed from one thing in all the universe. We are connected to the sun and sky, the earth and stars. We can draw energy from our connection, we can remember our Source and accept the infinite as our nature. This means that we are unlimited, expansive, the infinite given form. Allow the changing of energy to express itself in its given moment - when we are tired don't offer resistance, which only further fuels fatigue. Simply be tired, recognize it as a sign to eat, drink, slow the pace and soak in the moment. It will pass. A dawn of energy is sure to follow. Our steps will quicken and miles will pass. Give thanks. Run. Allow the moment its perfection. The path is simple.

Peace,

Eric

*

Portion of the Tao Te Ching translated by Wayne Dyer