“Once you realize that the road is the goal and the that you are always on the road, not to reach a goal, but to enjoy its beauty and its wisdom, life ceases to be a task and becomes natural and simple, in itself an ecstasy.” By Nisargadatta
“The goal is the road and the road is the goal.” – My understanding of Nisargadatta!
“The pessimist is not guaranteed a tomorrow. And, if tomorrow does come, the pessimist does not expect to feel better at the same point in the race…. indeed, it might feel even worse. So, the pessimist plugs on and accomplishes their goals today. And today is the only day that counts.” – Gary Cantrell
Well this week has been a better week. Compared to last week things are much better. Losing a furry family member was hard. Especially one like “dog-girl.” It is hard to put into words what she meant to Janet and I. I tried last week to do that with the blog post. Rereading that post this week, still does not seem like I did her justice. But not wanting to dwell on this issue in this weeks post I will move on. Of course, I cannot guarantee that it will not come up from time to time. Coming to grips with change (loss), any kind of change is hard.
Meeker and Longs from the West Side of Fort Collins
Tall Aspens off of Highway 14 in the Poudre Canyon
It has been nice running this week. Good to get out and clear my head after last week. The smoke from the wildfires in West has cleared somewhat and the running has been good. I am trying to get in as much trail running as I can before the Run Rabbit Run. Still shooting for that 100-mile distance. Not sure if I can do it but I plan to try.
I know the old Yoda Saying… “Do or do not, there is not try”. But I am still not that confident that I can do it. I really believe that I can get in a 50 miler this year but how much further can I get – can I do the whole 100? That is the thing that I want to see if I can do. I am anxious just thinking about it. Sooooo, to get myself to the starting line, I have told myself to look at it as “let’s just see how far you can get”, “run at your pace”, “enjoy the experience”, and “see where it will take you.”
Resident Deer on the Poudre River Trail in Fort Collins
I never thought of being “pessimistic” as a good thing. But when you see it in the light of the quote above by Gary Cantrell, it takes on a little different meaning. A little touch of “Pessimism” is really helpful in getting motivated to do things. Especially hard things. How many days have I just wanted to stay in bed because the day had something that might be consider tough to do? Way too many. The old saying “put it off tomorrow.” Just let it go. But the next day things actually might be worse. So, the idea is to buck it up and do it. Just like the Nike slogan of “Just Do It.” Get it done. I am still not very good at this but I hope that I am getting better.
Blooming Creosote Bushes in Fort Collins
On a different note, towards the end of August I finished a couple of new pieces of art work. I started to draw anatomical hearts after my son in-law suggested that my oldest daughter liked them. And he wanted me to do a few for her. So, I did. I might have to continue along this line for a while and see where it takes me. If you do a quick google search you will find all kinds of anatomical heart drawings and paintings.
Pen and ink – size is 11 x 14 inches
Pen and ink – size is 11 x 14 inches
Pen and ink – size is 7 x 10 inches
Well I think that is about it for me this week. I will let you know how the Run Rabbit Run goes in the next post. Take care my friends, maybe I will see you out on the trails. Remember winter is coming and ski season is just around the corner!! Adios amigos!!
