Kings of the Trail #089
- Luke Jarman
- Oct 25, 2024
- 3 min read
Go Further & Explore More...
"Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small."
Lao Tzu
There are some thinkers, philosophers and dreamers whose ideas and thoughts have not only lasted well over two thousand years but are still shaping how we think and act today: Socrates, Plato and Ibn Sina, to name a few. Their works are still read, studied and referred to when we look at ways to live and try to find some meaning in the chaos of everyday life. Lao Tzu (or Laozi) certainly falls into this category of enlightened souls with some serious longevity. His thoughts and musings became so popular that they essentially formed the Chinese religio-philosophical tradition that has shaped life in the region for well over two thousand years. His teachings, as written in the book Tao Te Ching, provided guidance on exploring the mystery of our existence and helped us find a way to live in harmony with the natural world. By following this path, we can form a deeper connection and happiness by focusing on what truly matters. One of the central tenets of his philosophy was Wu Wei or Effortless Action. Doing nothing but leaving nothing undone. Aligning with the natural flow of life rather than pushing against it. As runners, we know this in the form of being ‘in the zone’. When we are absorbed in a task that is slightly challenging but also familiar enough to let us zone out slightly. The feeling when everything feels right and the time flies as you are lost in the task at hand and performing to the best of your abilities. Maybe that is why Wu Wei has stayed with us - we all crave and want to be in harmony with our surroundings and perform at our peak, without exerting too much effort. Sounds ideal to me…
Until next week, be safe and enjoy the trails...
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📸 Praia do Urso, Lisbon, Portugal
Each week, I update the Kings of the Trail playlist with a new selection of music. Just like trail runs or hikes, it will be a varied and eclectic journey, but hopefully, there will be something for everyone to enjoy…
After a few tunes on the more chilled side of life, it’s ramping up this week. Sounding more American than eating hotdogs at the Baseball World Series (which starts tonight!), this is a track from young British star Toby Lee. He lets rip on this blues rock banger. Great sentiment, brilliant sound and a future star on the rise. It’s an all-round winner…
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