The heat and humidity of this summer pushed me from my normal running routine on the road into the cool shade of the woods. Trail running is a new experience for me and I realized today as I navigated around the roots and rocks, streams and mud, that trail running can be a metaphor for how we live our lives and if we pay close attention, there are lessons to be learned here in the dark solitude of the woods.

Here are some of my thoughts:

1. How comfortable are you being lost?

Yesterday I ventured down a new path deep into the woods and realized after running 45 minutes that I was totally lost.

Do you trust your instincts to bring you back on track with your life when you feel lost?

Is it OK to feel somewhat lost and without a compass?

Do you continue to follow the path even though you are lost with the hope that it will lead you someplace new and exciting or do you turn around and retrace your steps and stay in your comfort zone?

2.  How willing are you to stumble and fall?

Today I tripped 5 times. Navigating around the roots and rocks is a challenge especially for a novice like myself.

Do you always take the safe path?

Do you allow  yourself to stumble at times?

Do you forgive yourself if you fall; pick yourself up and continue on your path with a renewed energy?

3.  How do you face obvious challenges?

When the path I’ve chosen becomes a steep hill with rough terrain, I have a choice. I can stand at the bottom of the hill and strategize how best to make it to the top. I can run directly up the hill as fast as I can to achieve my goal or I can choose a circuitous route that carefully takes me around the obstacles, knowing that it will take a little more time to reach the summit. OR, I can choose different approaches at different times under different circumstances.

What do you do?

4.  What do you do when you are suddenly faced with unanticipated challenges?

I thought the trail I chose to run was a good one but suddenly I was faced with a path that was barely passable.

What do you do?

Do you push yourself forward regardless of obstacles?

Do you return to your comfort zone and retreat?

How do you handle life’s surprise challenges?

And finally, an important question:

5.  Is it possible to stay focused on the task at hand and still be present in the overall experience?

I thoroughly enjoy the  experience of trail running, feeling the sweet fresh air on my face, hearing the sounds of nature, the peaceful solitude of it all. I want to be intimate with the experience yet I also know that if I lose my focus for a second, I can easily trip and injure myself.

Is it possible to do both?

Is it possible to navigate our own lives with a determined focus and goal and also be intimately present in each daily experience?

I welcome your thoughts and comments.