The other night, I finally had a minute to sit down and do something creative! Here is what came of that limited time I had:
Mind Maintenance
I couldn’t wait to get my running shoes on and head out for my Sunday run. This week was particularly hectic, with a million things going on at work, and other things pulling me in five different directions. You know that feeling you get when you are just ready to dig in and log some miles? Well, that was the state I was in today.
I headed out on my bike, then chained it up, and I hit the trail. The muggy Carolina weather is beginning to finally cool off, and the multi-colored leaves are now floating from the trees. As I ran, I could hear the crunch, crackle beneath my new running shoes, and I felt like I was on top of the world. I set my watch, settled in, and enjoyed the scenery as I ran through the trees, seeking that calmness I find when it’s just me and the trail.
I found myself wondering why there were not so many people out today. I wasn’t out at an odd time: it was around noon. It was not overly hot or humid, nor was the trail muddy from too much rain. To be quite honest, I didn’t care if I saw another soul on my journey. I was enjoying the beautiful day and that rush that all runners get when they are “in the mode”.
As I ran, I thought of nothing. I thought of everything. I thought of the snake that crossed in front of me, and what would have happened had I not seen it! I thought of sorrow and loss as I passed a bird that had become “trail kill”. I thought of chipper thoughts every time I saw a squirrel gathering acorns and rushing them up the trees. As the water moved so very slowly over the rocks in the creek, I thought of peace, and how much this world is in need of it. I was alone with my thoughts as I crested the hill, stopped my watch, and sat down to stretch.
After the brief break, I began running again. At last I came upon someone along my silent trail! And, you know me, I’ll talk to anyone! We introduced ourselves, and continued our run together. We ended up talking about the beautiful day and the possibility of training for an upcoming race. We dissected and debated world events in the news, and we discussed the true meaning of life. We conversed about all the awesome aspects of my life and about how happy I truly am, for the first time in a long, long time. We even found serenity in just running alongside each other and not saying anything at all.
I’ve found a new friend. Silence is her name. She is hard to meet up with, especially because of our busy schedules, but when we do, I always leave as a renewed and invigorated person. After spending time with Silence, I feel like there is no task I can’t handle. She gives me strength and perspective. She leads me from the world outside myself to a place within myself where I’m reflective and positive and cleansed and imaginative. Silence and I have made a standing date, out on the trail, at least once a week. Silence is maintenance for my mind.
