“There are a hundred paths through the world that are easier than loving.
Mary Oliver
But, who wants easier?”
I finally got in my much needed bicycle ride yesterday afternoon. I rode out to Spring Canyon Park and back, a 5.9 mile ride. The last time I rode was December 27th. It felt good physically and mentally to ride again. I followed that up with a round trip ride to Mugs and back this morning, about 5.4 miles. My Fitbit is telling me to take it easy and go slower and I am. It has been cloudy and overcast today with the wind gusting up to 16 mph but the temperature is 68 degrees. Winter is not showing up in Colorado. The above image was taken last week on a drive along Horsetooth Reservoir. Love the blue and the effort!
For many years I had no clue what love was. I guess you can say I took a lot of those paths Mary Oliver mentions in search of it , while not really knowing what I was looking for. It also took a while to realize how I had love, lust and desires all tangled up in my head. I am happy to say that the past 25-30 years have given me an appreciation of all the varieties of love we can experience in life and the wisdom that there is no need to define love, but only experience the gift of loving and being loved. It requires knowing ourselves, letting go of preconditioned notions of love, taking risks, being open to the other, and an openness to the unlimited possibilities. That’s true whether loving or being loved. As Mary suggests it is not easy but in my experience, well worth the effort! I would even suggest it’s much easier than being full of hate. I hope you are having a good day.
4 Comments
Earl
Love may sometimes seem simple, but it can be very complicated, especially in the love for a person, including oneself, and, as you mentioned, it can get all mixed up with other base emotions. Hate is often easier than love, but it is a terrible burden to bear in the long term.
On a lighter note, congratulations on your bike rides. They must have brought you great enjoyment—and maybe a few sore muscles. We’ve had cold weather lately, but thankfully, not the snow they’ve gotten in the northeast. Warmer temperatures are due now, but by the start of next week, we’ll be back to cooler ones. Enjoy your California-like weather! Enjoy the moment!
Monte Stevens
Hate will destroy the hater as history shows us. Yes I did enjoy the bike ride. I didn’t ride any this afternoon because we hit wind guests up to 16 mph. The only thing that was sore with my buttocks! It needs to be calloused again.
Duane Sawyer
Love you, my friend!
Monte Stevens
Your friendship and support has helped me understand more about this gift of love. It makes my heart sing knowing you two are experiencing such a wonderful life together. Continue to have a blast and travel safely!