Freedom in movement and loving the hills!

"In great works, by man or nature, a polar balance of physical and metaphysical principles exist, both fulfilling a function and expressing a meaning." Alonzo King, Choreographer of LINES Ballet.

Yesterday, I was treated to an amazing experience that reminded me of the power of the human body and mind while it is supported, suspended and captured in the environment which it is within. I was taken to see a modern dance ballet by Noreen, an incredible woman and friend. The dancers captured in artistic form and in physical strength what it was to shift, change, grow and be still in what was to be wind, ocean, and earth. I was taken into their movements.

It made me think of myself as a triathlete and particularly how I have been grappling with an assortment of health challenges, so many related to the environment (allergies). Alonzo says that "we are stuck, obstructed, when there is no flow and the mind/body isn't moving creatively." Before coming to California it really was like I was stuck, my body unmalleable, unable to move freely. I tried to force it into submission, kept wondering what was wrong, why it was like I was hitting my head against a wall... hard.

Since Thursday I have transformed back into myself. I am staying with an incredibly gracious woman who's home eludes peace and calm. It is surrounded by Redwoods, on top of a hill and smells of eucalyptus. I am in heaven. The air is cool here by Austin standards but clear. My body has responded both to this environment and to what Dr. Noah Moos has given me to fight the blockages in my body - essentially vitamins and minerals that I have not been absorbing through my own diet/nutrition. Each day I feel better and tackle the surrounding hills with exactly who I know my body to be - powerful, free and determined. I meet the challenges not with a fight against my body telling it to do what it does not want, but with a joy of being part of the experience. I have once again the energy and ability to relish in the experience of breathing hard and pushing harder up the hill, through the wind and rain. It is a gratefulness that I have to be out there in the trees, on the hills, and once again in my body and doing what I love.

The dancers had peace and control in both the movements and in standing still. They were completely absorbed. So this is what I will continue to strive for - to find a calm, control and freedom in my movements no matter how challenging. The environment will support me. Up next Tri-California Wildflower Long Course! SOOOOO EXCITED!