REDEFINING MINDFULNESS

Be Your Own Therapist
Buddhist Monk

• Happiness is what you get when you give up the pursuit of things to make you happy.
• You can have your cake and eat it, too. Let go of the neurotic dependence on the money, girlfriend, and other beautiful things, but don't necessarily give up on those endeavors.
• By being in touch with the fact that things change -- the law of impermanence -- you can walk a more healthy balance of letting go when losing something you care about. You will miss "it" but it might not take your heart with it.

ENJOYING WITHOUT QUALIFICATIONS

My intention is to frame my attempt at the Boston marathon, in anticipation of and stories thereafter, as something that I have fully earned, regardless of the distance or pace I run. I intend to enjoy all of the pre- and post-race festivities and celebrations as much as possible without diminishing my presence in the moment with qualifications and comparisons to external influences.

After I've congratulated someone on a recent race, I've often heard them lessen the value of their accomplishment by comparison to how they perceive my fitness. This comes across through tone or denotation, and it saddens me. 

Similarly, I now face the same challenge. How can I fully enjoy the celebration, the process, of this week around the marathon, without lessening the credit deserved for my perseverance and dedication in training, physically and emotionally?

RELAXING, WITH A SMILE, INTO THE POSSIBILITY OF FAILURE

In anticipating of toeing up to the start line on Marathon Monday, I feel a knot of excitement and anxiety. My hip hurts slightly when I walk and I will have spent 5 weeks without running by race-day.

I've said many times, "I'll be happy with myself if I do everything I can to run Boston." (Am I trying to convince myself as much as my friends and family that I will feel resolved about this choice?) In committing to running the first mile, regardless, I am fully aware that reaching my physical limit amid a cheering crowd at Mile 1 will likely arouse deep feelings of inadequacy.

Not running at all, would surely be safer, emotionally and physically, but shouldn't I give myself the opportunity to know without question, that I gave it my all? In visualizing the endless crowds and palpable excitement lining the streets, I yearn to experience every earned minute that I can hobble through. After a mile, I will heed the needs of my grumpy muscles if they cry out sharply or cause conspicuous limping.

What is the process, the story, the frame, the set of actions, that will challenge and excite me the most, such that I can smile now, at peace with the moment and uncertain future? 

ACHIEVING YOUR DREAMS BY BEING A GOOD PERSON AND LEADING A PASSIONATE LIFE

Randy Pausch: Really achieving your childhood dreams
http://www.ted.com/talks/randy_pausch_really_achieving_your_childhood_dreams.html

• To be filled in...