Looking Up

I was out running through two-rivers park the other day (a 6 mile run, Iceberg). It was an incredible day, one of those spring/fall Arkansas days that makes all the summer heat and humidity tolerable. Given the unusual amount of rain we have had this summer, the growth was luscious and green. I was one of only a few people in the park. It was one of those days that I sensed I should put away the ipod.

When I run, I tend to have my head down and become absorbed in thought. This time is generally productive, many ideas are birthed and problems solved. However, I tend to spend way too much time in this mode. When in this state, I often hear a quiet voice deep within whispering, “look up.” It is an invitation to another state of mind, another way of being. When I look up, I get an acute sense of the present where my thoughts recede and the beauty, the gentle wind, and the warmth of the sun around me become prominent.

I stopped at a bench off the trail under the shade of a green canopy overlooking the Arkansas River. I decided to spend some time there just being. I was not alone, the place was teaming with life.

I am glad I heard the voice. I need to look up more often.