lady of the flies
Ok, here is the previously alluded-to bit about dealing with flies when you’re out running. Yes, those winged things that hang around in big groups (ha ha accidentally typed ‘bug’ groups just then!) at this time of year. We know they’re necessary for the breakdown of matter etc etc but, let’s be honest, nobody really likes them much (ok then, so let me know if you’ve got a pet one). So here’s the scenario: I’m out running on the road parallel to Talybont Reservoir - a beautiful spot with trees overhanging the road on one or both sides for several miles. I’m enjoying the view. I’m even enjoying running and have got to the point where I’ve worked up a respectable sweat. I’m not hyperventilating and my ankles, knees and hips all seem of a mind to support me. It’s a lovely spring/summer evening and life feels very rich. Then a fly appears, in the vicinity of my face. It likes me. In fact it likes me a lot - much more than I like it, that’s for sure (ok, some artistic licence here in the form of projecting human feelings onto to insects in a somewhat emotive way). It won’t go away - in fact it dances unerringly around my line of vision, attempting at intervals to land on my skin. I’m swiping at the fly and this is interrupting the rhythm of my running to an alarming extent. I might even end up in the ditch (if you think this is an exaggeration, try waving your arms around in front of you while running. unstable, huh?) I’m starting to talk to it in a less than friendly manner, breaking more than one speech precept. My rational mind knows that the fly is simply behaving in accordance with its nature. It also has a lot more to fear from me than I do from it. In a short time it will be gone. Yet this small creature, behaving in this way, has the power to make me feel - I must be honest here - enraged. It’s doing it on purpose. Doesn’t it realise this is the one bit of the day I have to myself, my creative thinking time, my being-alone-with-my-reflections-on-the-day time ?? (yes. it’s dawning on me too - I’m reading too many "motivational" running books). That fly is out to ruin my day and it’s going to pay. Oh my god - its friends are joining in now!! This is dangerous. I’m speeding up now. In fact I’m heading for a PB on the Talybont Reservoir run. thanks flies!
Hi - I found your blog via the Tiratanaloka website. I enjoyed reading some of it, especially the post about flies when running. How would you advise on dealing with large swarms of mozzies that follow you??!
I am also really glad to see an example of a Buddhist with similar interests to mine (i.e. running). I’ve recently been getting more and more interested in Buddhism, which has been good for the most part, but I had rather a crisis this weekend when I read something on the internet about things like music, sport, theatre, dance etc being “distractions” from enlightenment, from meditation etc. Being a fan of music (playing it and listening to it), sport (running and climbing), going to the theatre and having the occasional clumsy attempt at dancing in clubs (or watching ballet on TV!!) I’ve been feeling really unhappy and panicked in case it was thought to be inadvisable or somehow unskilful to continue to pursue those interests.
I think my main problem really is over-thinking, but it was nice to read your blog and see your obvious enthusiasm for what you enjoy doing, without any sense of guilt or “this is not conducive to spiritual development”. It was what I needed to see.
So - thank you
Comment by Katy — 6 October, 2009 @ 8:40 pm