Trail Race

Noone in front of me. Noone behind me. Where did everyone go?

No matter, there’s good company here. This breeze, these trees, those birds I can hear but not see. There is more here that I cannot see. It holds me upright when my foot catches on a root and waves in colorful greeting from ferns and flowers, maples and oaks. I am running slow enough that a mosquito catches up and feasts at my left ankle. I am running fast enough that my mundane thoughts are left behind. I am alone with this forest abundance, drenched in holy space and time.

Palms up, I offer gratitude and good tidings.

Bless this earth that absorbs my footfall. Bless this earth that nourishes my spirit and holds my dreams, kindles creativity and possibility. Bless this earth that grieves and struggles. Bless this earth that bears the weight of human indifference and greed, teetering at the edge of sustainability. Bless this earth that feeds my body. Bless this earth that soothes my heart and ignites my imagination, both of us cycling endlessly through birth, death and rebirth.

Palms up, I offer gratitude and good tidings.

A crowd of people cheers ahead. My body is relieved. My heart is full.

Palms up, I offer gratitudeand good tidings as I cross the finish line.