Photo by uluc
This morning I went for my usual jog and this was one of the mornings where I found the jogging path especially long. It is the same path which I take almost every time I go for a jog and yet it appeared relatively longer today. When I turned around to jog back, I was overwhelmed by how ‘far’ the destination appeared to be.
I would have stopped to walk but I knew that my body condition had gone through the same distance and there was no excuse that it couldn’t bring me till the end today. In an instant, I was enlightened by the wisdom of Lao Tzu. He spoke to me subconsciously; telling me that ‘a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.‘
I don’t remember how many times I must have repeated Lao Tzu’s wisdom to friends. On a day like today, his wisdom is really enlightening. Suddenly, the destination no longer looked so distant; it started to break down itself into invisible steps. One step at a time as I edged closer and closer to the destination.
Of course you may say that I will lose sight of the destination if I just focus on the next step; you are right. If I just focus on the next step, I may knock into someone, a dog or a lamppost a few steps ahead. That is why I must lift my head occasionally while I jog to see where I am heading. I have to make sure that I continue to jog in the direction of the destination.
There will be times, along the path, when I may need to side step to avoid puddles of water or to avoid the group of students running in the same path almost every morning. Of course, I never forget to smell the roses and to enjoy the jog towards the destination.
In an instant, with a switched in attitude and perspective, the jog this morning wasn’t all that bad after all; I finished the power run as usual. Hope that you will have a great day too.
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That’s a great metaphor for life. Take one step at a time. I keep trying to tell myself one day at a time and it does seem like my destination/goal is sooooooo far away. I’ll keep your analogy in mind. Thanks.
@ Petula, you are most welcome. We have to learn to live in the moments while working towards our goals. Never lose sight of your goal while you are focusing on the steps and eventually you will be there.
it always seems easier “running” to our half way point then it does on the second part of our “leg”! but etiher way i am going, i always prefer to have the wind at my back!! and let’s hope it always stays there!!!! i will always want the help!!
.-= Pat jenkins ´s last blog ..Chew On This =-.
@ Pat, you are right, it always seems to be easier on the first part when we just started; we are fresh, energetic and ever ready to set off. It is on the latter part that we are truly ‘tested.’ The journey is not so much on starting but on how we hang on during the journey when the going gets really tough and yet enjoying the every moments of it. And at times, we do need help along the way.
I realized that too when I ran on the treadmill. The less conscious I am about the distance and timing, the longer and further I can reach. Great post BK 🙂
.-= VanillaSeven´s last blog ..Perhentian Kecil Island Escapade_The Whispering =-.
@ VanillaSeven, focusing on the next steps could be even more challenging when running on the treadmill; imagine the surrounding sceneries don’t change much no matter how long you run on it. 🙂
Hey BK…
I have been following my heart along these same lines of thought. I think I finally made it to where I need to be to start my new journey. It is so hard to keep looking forward and reach for that goal. What a great quote!
I hope all is well with you my friend.
Hugs,
Tammy
.-= Tammy-Cricket´s last blog ..Kidnap =-.
@ Tammy, new journey can be exciting. At time when we have really done what we could in our abilities, then it may really be time to let go.
It is amazing how powerful the brain really is, at first you had the mindset that you were dreading and it was nearly impossible but then you put in your mind just a simple phrase and the task became possible.
.-= Amber´s last blog ..Daytona Beach FL Personals =-.
That’s indeed a great motivation, BK:)) it always start with a single step…Sometimes, we had to fight with all the demons in our head and brave enough to tackle our weaknesses. And once we sorted it out, everything becomes a lot clearer:))
hope you have a wonderful weekend!
.-= A Grateful Heart´s last blog ..A Perfect Dog Shampoo =-.
@ Amber, as some have always said, “it is all in the mind.”
@ Shawie, you are right, our greatest enemy is usually ourselves. Others may be there to hinder us but we are the only one that is stopping ourself.
It’s been years since I ran, but understand what you mean. I know prefer walking, I can see things; enjoy the flowers along the way…take in more of life and it’s far easier on my joints.
@ Sandy, running can be pretty bad for the joints. Just do whatever is good for you. The concept is still the same. 🙂
Have always enjoyed a good jog, especially with a slight wind under less humid condition. Clears the head and for a brief moment, the entire world seems to slow down.
I suppose you’re looking forward to your next run then? 🙂
C K
.-= Singaporean in London´s last blog ..Looking forward to a lazy Sunday =-.
@ CK, I believe you know that in Singapore, it is easy to get condition like slight wind but less humidity is almost not possible. Yes, I ready for the next run; in fact I just completed one this morning. 🙂
Great post! I find that when I’m out walking, I have the time to enjoy all the beautiful nature around me and it makes me feel truly alive 🙂
.-= Dori´s last blog ..Purple Deals =-.
@ Dori, when we slow down our paces, we will be able to see much more. 🙂
I was doing a few stretching exercises yesterday. I’m really out of shape, so these moves are relatively new and my stamina is extremely low.
When I grew sore, I remembered this post. You helped me get through my sets. I probably would have stopped if I had not read this just yesterday morning.
.-= Mom´s last blog ..Artspalooza =-.
@ Mom, glad that this post was able to motivate you to complete your sets. I hope for you many more sets to come; your fitness level will get better and better. When I first started my running routine, I couldn’t even finish half of the journey and I walked the other half of the journey. Just stick to completing the routine and you will eventually get better. Of course, you need to create an achievable goal too. 🙂
I will have to use this motivation tomorrow when I am on the elliptical. What I have been doing though lately is taking a book to read. I managed to complete Hell House by Richard Matherson in 3 workout hours. Reading really makes the time go by fast.
.-= ZAJA Natural´s last blog ..Its been awhile……. =-.
@ Zaja, thanks for sharing your experience about using book during your workout on the elliptical. I think that’s a pretty good idea. 🙂
This is one of my favorite quotes. It relates perseverance to go further despite the bumps on the way. Like you did, you fought the temptation to stop and headed all the way to your destination.
Life’s sometimes like that. Others lose the courage to move on, while others go further amidst challenges.
.-= Marlene´s last blog ..Back To My Real World =-.
what a good insight. is that the path you ran? that looks far!
@ Marlene, indeed, one thing we must not lose, is the courage to continue moving forward. Once we stop, everything is over.
@ Tina, that was not the path I ran. My is not even half as far as this. 🙂
…and soon we wont even notice the challenge ahead, we will be too busy living.
@ Muss, too busy living, depending on what you mean, could be bad; we could be like a zombie going through everyday. And too busy living could be living everyday to the fullest. 🙂
I’ve always loved that quote. It’s so true. I’m very glad I came across this post because I have a friend who could really benefit from this kind of advice. She’s at the beginning of her own long road, and quotes like this one can really give the inspiration needed to keep on taking those steps.
.-= Ben´s last blog ..Quotes to Live By — Wrecks of Another World =-.
@ Ben, I hope your friend will be benefited from this quote too.