Tips for the journey of life learned from a morning run
This summer, our family spent some time in New York and I took the opportunity to go for my morning runs in Brooklyn's Prospect Park. Getting in my steps amid God's beautiful nature and observing the surroundings along the way made me think about the journey of life.
Here are seven realizations for the upcoming new Jewish year from a runner's perspective:
At the beginning of a run, we are hyped up. We may be eager to go all in, to start cold — but our legs won't keep up. A warm-up and stretching are necessary.
Similarly, before we reach the peak of our joy, the Jewish New Year begins with 10 days of introspection. Instead of diving in, we take the time to warm up with prayer and resolutions. Only then are we ready to go outdoors during the Sukkot holiday, dance during Simchat Torah, and start the new cycle of reading the Torah.
The people in Prospect Park were a cross-section of the surrounding neighborhoods — as diverse as Brooklyn is. No qualifications or uniforms are required. I've seen men in full Chassidic garb on bikes, Muslim women in hijabs briskly walking, elderly couples strolling, marathon runners and families with children.
The road of life is available to all, and everyone has the right to breathe and thrive in G-d's world. So we give space to each other and learn to live — or run — side by side.
We don't have the same stamina every day. There were days when I felt fierce and others when I felt sluggish. Along the track, there were people speeding through and others taking their time and talking. Everyone there was aware that the goal was simply to keep moving.
Mitzvot require intent. We should take the time to learn not just how but why we do mitzvot. We should try and do them like a sprinter, full of passion and fire. But the fact that we're doing them at all is great — even if we're not at full speed. We're making it a habit.
The paved loop mostly had pedestrians, bikers or scooter riders. On occasion, a maintenance vehicle would disrupt the serenity. While such a truck is large and noisy, and people move to let it pass, it is hardly significant to each of our trails.
The year will be filled with distractions — such as breaking news and gossip — but they will have little impact on us in the long run, so don't get derailed.
More than once, I've ventured to run on the unpaved paths through trees and over ditches. Google Maps directed me on a specific route, but I soon discovered that the directions weren't accurate. Instead, I needed to forge my own path.
Others may dictate how things should be done, but only you can customize your way forward.
Going on your own journey can come at a price. It meant that I got lost at some point in the 526-acre greenery and did not see anyone in the area who could help. But it also allowed me to be alone with my thoughts and see a marvelous sight—visible rays of sunshine beaming through branches.
Errors can provide beautiful opportunities for discovery and growth.
There will always be obstacles along the way, such as a fallen branch, a large muddy puddle or a person suddenly stopping to sip some water. Runners must be ready to pivot by changing lanes or speed to avoid altercations and injury. The year never goes exactly as planned, so be on guard to adapt to what the months ahead throw at you.
Ultimately, every run is an adventure to see, feel and experience. We start it with expectations and however it turns out, we can take satisfaction in having endured it and possibly even becoming healthier both spiritually and physically as a result. May the new year bring us all such blessings in abundance.
