If we really want to get rid of suffering, completely and totally, then clinging has to go. The spiritual path is never one of achievement; it is always one of letting go. The more we let go, the more there is empty and open space for us to see reality. Because what we let go of is no longer there, there is the possibility of just moving without clinging to the results of the movement. As long as we cling to the results of what we do, as long as we cling to the results of what we think, we are bound, we are hemmed in. Meditating on No-Self: A Dhamma Talk (Edited for Bodhi Leaves), by Sister Khema(1994)








Sunday, January 1, 2012

A Dead City

Didn't wake up until 2. That pretty much ended the 25km run, I try not to do those in the dark very often.  It got dark today at 4:02 p.m.  I ran 12km around 3:15 p.m.  I don't think I saw more than 15 people outside.  Kyiv has a population of approximately 4.5 million.  This is a city that takes New Year's Day very seriously.  Do nothing, relax.  Needless to say, like most days, I was the only person out running. 

Even though the city has a lot of people walking to and from their destinations, you don't often see people running just to run.  Interestingly, you know you are seeing a foreigner running if you wave and they wave back.  If you wave to a Ukrainian runner, chances are they will not wave back.

Like all my runs this one is on the streets/sidewalks of Kyiv.  There aren't a lot of trails to run here, and when there are, without a car they are very hard to get to.  Also, like all my runs, this one has the benefit of google earth to tell me about the distance. 

As I see it we all have a few options when it comes to a run.  Just run and try to end up back somewhere near where you started.  Run and time it, see final portion of previous for getting home.  Run, time it, measure it, admit it, you love this version.  Run, measure it, don't time it.  Or endless permutations thereof.  I personally am a run, time it, measure it kind of kind and before google earth I used cars (very unreliable) and maps to tell me how far a route was.  I personally hope Google Earth is correct when it tells me the route I assiduously picked out is 12km.  It probably doesn't really matter does it.

No comments:

Post a Comment