Last night my Boot Camp Buddies (+ 1) and I went on our outdoor assignment for class. We biked the Ballantyne Greenway, which is about 6 miles long. Good company, great weather, it was a gorgeous afternoon to ride. Riding through the blooming trees got me thinking about what Sifu talked to us about at our last Zen class. He talked about the importance of living in the moment. Easier said then done in this world, but as I rode on that path, the message sunk in more than usual. It felt good to ride my bike. Dodging walkers and even enjoying the 4 year old running with her Grandpa. It felt good to live in the present. Pushing all of my troubles, wants, desires, responsibilities, and history out of my brain opened me up to take pleasure in just being there, breathing. It was really enjoyable. Another thing that I realized was that it was OK for me to feel this way. It was OK not to be burdened at that moment. It was OK to look past just where my feet were taking me and to fully absorb and experience the world around me.
If this sounds like it is a flashback of a chemically induced experience, I can assure you IT WAS! Although the chemicals were not the illicit substances your probably thinking of. It was due to the endorphins pulsing through my system from getting out of my desk chair and participating in what was around me. I have to say that my mental outlook has started to finally change from the dogma that I have been making myself experience over the past decade. It is nothing less than a freeing experience that I hope we all can help each other with.
So go out and enjoy the day. Each one is a gift that we should truly appreciate. Hope to see you all on the trail!
A special thanks to my Boot Camp Buddies: Jack, Elaine, and Caleb (the + 1) for a great time.
I know what mean. These days, I find myself becoming the person I always knew I was but never showed to anyone b/c I didn't have the time to take care of that person. Glad you're feeling the effects and missed y'all Tuesday night!
ReplyDelete