Obstacles On The Path…

Published on Oct 25, 2009 by in Racing

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all text and photos by coach ilg…taken today…click to enlarge the chi hits…

When a mountain biker, or more appropriately for this time of the year; a cycle-cross racer encounters an obstacle on the path, we do not lose faith and begin to doubt. We have, through Practice, learned to recognize obstacles and difficulties such as long climbs, heat, cold, wind, etc., for what they are: just intensification of a Noble Effort, nothing more.

When an expert cyclist arrives at the point where difficulties and obstacles are recognized as such, they stop being ‘obstacles’ and actually become linked series of beautiful empowerment opportunities.

The cyclist realizes that the absence of obstacles and difficult would quickly drain all the fun, focus, and sacredness of the very nature of riding bikes! As youngsters, we experienced a huge surge of never-before-felt sensations when our training wheels finally came off and we,
we…we…wheeee… WE’RE RIDING!!!

We realized at a deep Level that, “It’s the obstacles and difficulties that make this soooo much fun!”

So, when obstacles crop up on the spiritual path, a seasoned Practitioner does not lose faith and begin to doubt, develops the yoga – the union – to harness difficulties, whatever they may be, to our quest for Higher Growth, Deeper Awakening.

Remember Oh Noble Seeker Of Wholeness;
It is the nature of prakriti that when we recognize difficulty and devote ourselves to it, it ceases to be a difficulty. It becomes a precious part of the Race Course toward that Highest Podium of all; the Human Race – Enlightenment!

Having said all this,
it is equally as true
that failing to recognize an obstacle for what it is, and therefore taking it seriously,
that the difficulty is empowered
and solidified
and becomes a real blockage (granthi).

Enjoy your Warrior Dance,
coach ilg

photos:
1) HP Yogi Ben “Patki Dass” during the run up in the Men’s Pro race.
2) Patki after front flatting, perseveres in the wild pain of a Pro cycle cross – at 7,000’+
3) my Mountain Biking “Sensei”; Tattoo Bob on the descent of the Dirt Piles
4) L-R; Jared (WHO PROMISED TO COME TO MY PROP WORKOUT THIS WEEK!…shall i count the times, i’ve heard THAT?!), and the HP Yogi Couple; Mr. and Mrs. Ben and Sara Sullivan…i should know, i married them!
5) Patki in pursuit of more poetic pain…
6) they don’t call it a Mass Start for nothing; have you ever felt the Sacred Presence of a Pro Race in the opening m(om)ents of a race?…it’s Mass alright…it’s Mass in every sense of the Word!

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