Strong Headwinds

 

With Tom and Ruth Anne training for the Providence Marathon to raise money and awareness for Victory Programs and Victory Programs ReVision Urban Farm (link to fundraising page),  I do solo runs on Saturday mornings. There was a strong headwind as I walked out the door. It can be a challenge to feel motivated doing solo runs especially when the weather is a challenge. I debated about what route I wanted to run knowing that the wind would be particularly strong around the Reservoir with the wind coming off of the water.

I dug deep and something inside of me spurred me on to do the Reservoir run.

I've run in colder temperatures with snow or sleet pelting my face and compared these conditions as mild compared to those. Yet the wind was very powerful and at times I had to work hard to find my balance. I ran around the outer edge of the path to make sure I did not risk falling into the water.

The white caps were intense which is quite the contrast to the Reservoir's usual tranquil and serene water:

I soldiered on reflecting on how this run was becoming a wonderful metaphor for life. When there are strong headwinds of challenges, we need to find ways to keep our footing and trust in the strength deep within us. We need to trust our anchor of faith being connected to Source to help us navigate through challenging times.

Saturday's run was a wonderful metaphor for life during COVID. The pandemic hit us with full force almost two years ago. We had great difficulty finding equanimity in the midst of the turbulent times. The vaccines brought great hope and, just like on Saturday's run, the winds died down and we basked in the warmth of the sun and a return to a 'new normal' of life. But before long, we were back in masks and COVID guidelines remained.

On Saturday's run, I was struck by how the sun and clouds together look like an anchor! What relief to be able to shift from survival mode to being able to savor the sunshine and enjoy the beauty of a late Autumn day taking deep breaths to release the stress returning to a state of equilibrium. 

Rather than bracing against a possible return of strong headwinds, I stayed in the present moment savoring the peace and quiet. I was relaxed and steady when the headwinds reared up and roared once more.

When we are tested by the storms or strong headwinds that come up in our lives, it is a great opportunity to tether our souls to Source. Our anchor of faith is strengthened and we find a strength deep within that lights up for the world to see. I feel blessed and grateful that I knew challenges early in life after contracting paralytic polio and enduring years of trauma at the hands of family members. The wisdom, strength, resilience and resolve I experienced out of those storms helps me to navigate these turbulent times finding my way back to peace and warmth grateful I am able to hold steady when winds buffet around me.

From my heart to yours

In health and wellness,

Mary

Be sure to visit my website at https://marymcmanus.com to learn about my journey to health and wellness in the wake of paralytic polio and trauma

Visit the News and Events tab to listen to my inspiring and uplifting interviews

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Unity

 

The above photo is from our morning run earlier in the week. We received a lot of comments on our Facebook post including "not ducks in a row but swans," "beautiful",  and "awesome photo."

Last night, Bernie Siegel commented, "no competition unity."

I replied, "yes  nature is so amazing . I just felt my heart and soul settle with your comment."

As I fell asleep last night, I reflected on the serenity of this moment and when I finished my morning meditation, wrote this poem:

Unity

Elegant
epitome of grace
swans serenely swimming
Instincts guide
poised and peaceful
a chorus line orchestrated by Divine
for heart and soul’s delight.
Powerful moment
movement as One
how we all can be
Being in harmony
rhythm of nature
flowing
growing
reflecting true essence
borne from God
breeding a new world order.

When we look to nature we discover our true nature. As Bernie was quick to point out, there was no competition among the swans. 

I am taken back to when vaccines first became available and everyone was in competition with everyone else to get their shot. Ironically, now, there is more than enough supply but not enough people eager to get vaccinated. 

May we all be in the rhythm and flow of life in unity heading in the same direction with grace and serenity.

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary

Visit my website to learn more about my journey of transformation in the wake of paralytic polio and trauma to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond.

Be sure to listen to my recent conversation with Liz Brunner, award winning journalist, now CEO of Brunner Communications on her podcast Live Your Best Life. I share how I live my best life despite the challenges that I faced at an early age.

For all of my recent appearances, be sure to visit my News and Events tab on my website.

My books to inspire and uplift you are available on Amazon.