Running is the closest physical activity I have found to God.
I went out running last night at a Minnesota cabin. Along the way as I cut through a forest, and looked for monsters out of the corner of my eyes. I didn’t see any between the trees which is good. The monsters around here can be sneaky. They can attack from any angle, at any time. As I looked around, I only saw the sunshine pouring through the forest branches and it warmed my tanned, shirtless skin. I relaxed. I felt peace flow through my mind like a spiritual stream. I felt safe out on the trail today.
Looking at the landscape as it passed, I realized that I’m not sure if there’s any more beautiful country than America. Our tribe has mountains, plains, rivers, glaciers, oceans cities, and deserts in our backyard. We have virtually every adventure available to us as we explore.
Once you leave the worn-out and trampled path of the mass population full of billboards and littered dead ditches, there are treasures everywhere. Monsters… that’s not the word I was looking for to describe this thought pattern. I mean spirits. There are spirits here with us. I can see them in the trees as I run; darting through the corn fields and watching me with invisible eyes. ..
I ponder thoughts like this when I run. I’ve been running through this landscape my whole life. Running is the closest exercise experience I have found to being with God. It’s more than an act of exercise to me. It’s a transcendent moment outside of my body as I travel into the spiritual realm. We call it therapy. We call it travel. We call it being a vital, important, and meaningful teammate to the universe. I understand what holy means when I run, because for that time, I see God everywhere. I can see my dreams coming at me, and my future changing to become those dreams I see. My happiness unfolds, and my effort pushes me deeper into the trail I was born to blaze.
Leaving the forest, I turned out onto a dirt road and ran along the edge of a midwest cornfield. As my sight-lines opened up, I kept scanning for these monsters I’m talking about. If you’re not prepared for them when they attack, they can take you out at any moment.
I have battled some of these monsters in my past. We all have. But I see none on the trail I am presently on which is good. But I’m sure there will be more in my future. I must enjoy this sun, and this peaceful run while it lasts. Beautiful moments like these will not last forever. More challenges blocking my way – monsters I do not want to encounter – will come as my path develops into the mission and purpose I am supposed to dedicate my life fighting for.
This is America. A magical place of freedom and expression. Powerful egos, daredevil attitudes, and boundless talent. It’s an exciting place to be. But away from our highways and fast food restaurant, is an extremely spiritual experience. Anything can happen here. You can blaze your own trail here with pride rather than following the beaten down path of the pioneers before you. Just watch out for the monsters when they come. You can overcome the challenges, but they aren’t easy. 
In America, there are evil spirits, but also angels who will guide your way if you just believe, trust, follow, and fight.
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