Running with G.A.S.

Nearly two months ago we departed on our journey from Minnesota and traveled over five thousand miles visiting some of the most awe-inspiring natural places of beauty on earth.  We are extremely grateful to have had the good fortune to returned to Durango, Colorado safely and are now decompressing and reflecting on some of the incredible experiences we’ve had.  Josie and I planned our return to Durango to coincide with a 34-mile ultra-running race on a Navajo reservation in Chinle, Arizona called the “Canyon de Chelly 2017”, to support our son Eric and Daughter-in-law Lauren as they were both lucky enough to have secured a spot into this sacred event.  I say sacred, because for the Navajo, foot running has been a sacred and honored tradition that has been happening for as long as their oral history has existed.  I say lucky, because this particular Ultra event, while celebrating its Fifth Year Anniversary, has gained such tremendous interest worldwide, that they filled their maximum of one hundred and fifty entry spots in only eight minutes.  Aside from the moments I spent weeping tears of Joy and Gratitude beneath the Red Wood Forest giants this past month in Northern California, supporting our kids with their participation in the Canyon de Chelly touched a space deep within that will remain with me for many moons.  The evening before the race, we are all gathered together in the local campground outdoor amphitheater to hear a young man by the name of Shaun Martin share the history and logistics of this event, his dream if you will and how it all began.  Like many dreams, his was born out of frustration and touched by nature.  While running alone in the Canyon de Chelly, he was given the privilege of running with some wild horses.  I won’t attempt to retell his story, for I could never do it justice.  However, his story like mine and many others that have had serendipitous experiences in nature, transforms your awareness and you’re never quite the same again.  For the past several years, Josie and I have gotten involved in many indigenous tribes throughout the United States and have become acquainted with their philosophy in life.  They’re all pretty much the same with respect to spirituality, each with its own unique story of how they came to be on this planet.  They all honor mother earth as the creator of life and everything natural is sacred.  I believe that’s why I’ve been called to collaborate with all indigenous peoples of the world, because I too have accepted a similar belief with respect to nature.  Another thing I’ve observed about indigenous people is the honor and respect they have for their elders.  In our modern culture, my conclusion is that an entire industry has been established to stuff away our parents and grandparents into institutions we call retirement homes or care facilities and forget about them.  It would appear the same has been done with respect to the treatment of indigenous people throughout the world, all being treated equally in respect of stealing the lands they’ve lived on for generations and exploiting the natural resources such as precious metals, gas and oil and placing them into a retirement home called a reservation.  But history has shown that if the reservation we’ve placed them on turns out to be of some value, we’ll make them move again and take the land that was given to them to live on.  If you find these words I write offensive, allow me to explain that my purpose and intention is not to create more division among the peoples of the world, I’m just stating the facts of our humanity.  The way it normally plays out is, winner takes all, and let the rest fight over the left overs.  I believe we are simply evolving as a species, and as we evolve, so does our consciousness.  As we evolve, our hearts become stronger, we become more sensitive to the negative effects we project onto others and our planet.   We become more willing to give a voice and action to help balance the scales of injustice, inequality, human rights and natures preservation.  Before we departed the start/finish line of the Canyon de Chelly, I briefly explained my dream and vision to Shaun and asked him if he would like to be a G.A.S. Station.  I’m not sure exactly how and what that looks like, but he accepted the offer and only time will tell the story of how this new relationship will develop, expand and touch the lives of those that are ready to take up this challenge and, “To be the change you wish to experience in the world.”