Running is a metaphor for life. There are probably thousands of blogs over the world that has a post with this title.
I think it's a realization that every runner gets to at some point on their journey.
Being a recreational attendee of the Knysna Oysterfestival marathon aka I didn't run but a mini-break at the right time, got me to this place.
I woke up this morning feeling reverence. I'm not a follower of structured religion, no heathen either so I usually find meditation, yoga or a walk on the beach to extend that feeling.
This morning I went for a forest walk. It was wet and muddy and at first there were no sign posting. I just continued figured I'd end up somewhere, I don't need to know where. And here's where the first parallel to life comes in. This is all just a forest walk - we're not sure where it will end and I think we shouldn't know. Its messy and muddy but the sun is shining overhead, the air is fresh and the body is able. So there's always something to appreciate.
Then I happened upon a bush. Some people get a fork in the road. I get a bush. This is my story. Up and over, around it, under it. Anyway which way you have to just keep moving forward.
And then the signpost came. And it showed the direction and the duration. And sometimes we get constants and affirmations that confirms we are on the right track and we just have to trust it.
As I went along I thought what if I get lost. And the next thought was: you know which direction home is so you just have to get back in that general direction and you'll find your way. Isn't it just so when we get off track sometimes. You know where your guiding light and principles are and if you steer in that general direction, you'll be alright?
And on I continued, another branch and bush came across my way and I thought: Hmmmm this probably how the chicks in the fairly tales used to get lost. Trying to go around and obstacle and then totally lose their way. Again, I was careful, kept looking around me at little things as landmarks so that if it gets hazy I'd know where I was before.
There was a perfect spot where the sunbeams came through the trees and I thought: Wow, this must be what seeing the sun actually looks like. Warm beams shining through the shadows. Now for the fear of becoming romanticized here: I think those beams are the people we allow in our lives. This is totally a confirmation of how we only need to allow positive rays of sun into our lives. To keep us warm and toasty when there are scary shadows around. *too much, yeah, I think so too*
The path then continued into a flatter, leaf covered trail until I reached a pond type enclosure caused by the recent rain. So I turned back - didn't think my running shoes would survive that.
When I turned and looked on the way I came I realized I can totally run this. And because I was familiar with the terrain now, I did. I hopped, skipped and jumped. All the while clutching to my Blackberry with dear life, having tweeted my progress up until then.
I ran so comfortable, ducking and diving branches. It was the most natural thing. And I reached some of the milestones I covered before in double the time and with less effort than before. I suppose this is the lessons then we learn through our lives, putting each carefully in our survival pouch and then when we need them use them to traverse branches that come across the path, slippery bits wet from the rain and to propel us up difficult inclines.
I had a thought the other day, sometimes lessons don't come in experiences only. Sometimes they are blatant, right there to be seen and I think thats when you have to take it in, sit down and listen to what life has to teach you, instead of ignoring the obvious and waiting for life to teach you it in a way you might or might not like.
Anyway getting back to the trail. I then got to the bit that I careful walked down before and the nut job in me kicked in. I ran UP the hill. Up! It felt fantastic, my thighs were talking to me, in good way though! I felt strong and thought: Hey this gives me joy, I must follow this tread.
And here is another metaphor in our lives; daily small things provide us with joy, sometimes its expansive glamour and other times its little things. Like the mud on your legs after a trail stint like that. And we should follow it, it calms our hearts and ignites our spirits and it cushions the hard times. That little pocket of joy so made it worth the muddy shoes, wet socks and branch scrapes.
And that is how running is the perfect metaphor for life.
