Excerpt from “Working Out, Working Within” by Jerry Lynch and Chungliang Al Huang:
“The Tao of Inner Fitness, on the other hand, views sports as an arena for the battles within, here your obedience to athletics and fitness cannot be separated from the search for life’s verities; the physical life gives our spiritual path a boost as we stare in the face our inner concerns of fear, fatigue, failure, patience, perseverance, courage, confidence, ego, self-doubt and a host of others that affect our growth as athletes and people. What we notice is the way that sport and exercise can transport us to a new level of awareness beyond the game itself, to a place where all of our external successes and accomplishments are the mere reflections of the victories within against these demons.
We not only have the opportunity to become better athletes, we can become better people as well.”
When I committed myself to racing the Ironhorse this year, I have mentally and emotionally been in turmoil.
Can I cut it? Do I physically and mentally have the stamina? Am I worthy to include myself with other amazing athletes? Will I be up for the challenge? Can I balance it all and complete my training to accomplish my task?
Although I consider myself strong, I have to admit I’m nervous and jittery about the whole thing. I’ve been blessed with friends, family, coaches, incredible health and a beautiful new bike. All the pieces of the puzzle are starting to fit together. Will it happen? I can see it and touch it, but when the actual day comes, what will happen?
Regardless of what happens on “the day”, the journey there has been sweet. I have felt euphoric and spiritual highs from a great workout, then I’ve been slammed with a humbling and defeating day… and I still have months to go.They all make me a stronger, more centered person no matter what the outcome is. My personal lifeline (in whatever I do) is my connection to the world… if I lose that, I’m emotionally dead. And different experiences connect me at different times in my life.
Each day takes a surprising turn, just as a twisting road is laid out before me. Bring it on…
Recently, my coach gave me a great article to read called “Mind Gains” about a runner named Kara Goucher. And as so many things happen, the article lead to the book mentioned above. This is a twisting story about Kara’s mind messing with her performance. But here’s only just one thing I got out of it: “The word competition comes from the Latin competere, which means ‘to seek together.’ So look at your competitor as your partner. You seek greatness together.”
Seeking greatness, balance and spiritual improvement, within and without. I will do my best…whatever that “best” may be.
What about you in whatever you take on?
(Tao photo credit)
(Road photo credit)
