It is the middle of March and I look at my running shoes hanging on the rack. There seems to be a reason every day during the past month of February why they were not worn. As we complete a very long month of hibernation with little sun most people are beginning to stretch and look outside for the healing rays of the sun.
To inspire myself to step out and explore the forest ground and hopefully to see no ice, I read some of my running experiences over the winter months:
A life dream was fulfilled with a self discovery journey into the country of Bali, a place that has been on my list for years. So blessed and honoured to be here. Early the other day I decided to go for a run, instead of yoga. As I stepped out from my room I could feel the humid air encouraging the sweat to start. I am in the country side surrounded by rice paddies and noticed the sounds of the neighbourhood waking up. Thinking it would be a quiet peaceful run, I soon discovered it was a run that I would have to be fully present, no day dreaming. I had spiritual offerings of beautiful flowers on the ground to dodge and dogs eating these offerings to acknowledge. The most disturbing was the scooters and cars that flew by with only inches from my legs.
Puddles of water to move around, cracks and holes to miss…yet I was greeted with smiles on faces of people I passed and sounds of the local birds and insects in the early morning before the heat of the day took over. Of course the roosters on duty announcing the time of early morning rising.
There is a balance here between nature and the people of this land. A honouring and respect. Mental note, will not be running that road again.
Another day of running in a totally different location…
Today, the run was wonderful. Notice a mom and dad with a young child walking along the road. Acknowledging the sounds of the birds in the rice fields and trees competing with bug sounds. Warm humid air encouraging sweat on my skin and quiet scooters are parked along the side of the road with flip flops resting beside them while workers are in the rice fields. Ducks splashing in the pools of water along side of the road. A elderly couple walking hand in hand. A squashed body of a rat on the road with intestines spewing all over the ground. Men with hoes and tools walking along the side of the road and women carrying large bundles.
Recognizing the contrast of beauty and the ugly….yet do I judge or just notice in neutrality?
So blessed to have experienced the energy of Bali. Witnessing the rain feeding the lush green in the mountains and the energy exchange with a 90 year old shaman with a gentle heart. Untouched by the outside world, there is knowledge to share.
Continuation of jogger in BARBADOS
Running along the ocean, I hear the waves crush onto shore. I feel the wind on my warm skin and smell the salt in the air. The sky is many hues of blue which continue into the ocean. As I step one foot in front of the other I dodge a morning dove and a small pile of sand that has washed up onto the board walk.
I feel the power of the ocean and know that I am just a speck of sand, yet realize a very important speck of sand. If I wasn’t here there would be a void. I am here for a reason, a purpose…the remembrance of what that is …is the journey.
One step at a time…one moment ….present …right here right now.
Come join me to explore your journey and the importance of your speck of sand. Either through gentle yoga, meditation or hands on energy work. Check out the webpage.
Off I go for that run in the Ontario forest on a sunny March day.