Mother Nature's Power and Whimsy: A Test for Resilience and Resolve

"I vote for strength training" Ruth Anne said as we all watched the big snow flakes fall outside on May 9th. It was predicted but we hoped the weather forecast was wrong. We covered our garden and brought in our tomato plant the night before and watched in disbelief as Mother Nature once again showed us her power and whimsy.

I knew that we needed to get outside in the elements and go for a run and stick to our training schedule. It was a long week as all the weeks seem to be with the stay at home order and experiencing so many changes as a result of the pandemic. Running has been my therapy for mental and physical well being ever since I came to the sport after having been diagnosed with Post Polio Syndrome in December of 2006. We usually embrace every day that we are able to just get up and out the door to go on a run by May without any layers but not this day in May!

I had neatly put away all of our winter hats and gloves which we quickly retrieved before heading out of the door.

The snow turned to rain showers and the temperatures hovered in the mid-30's.

When we arrived at Heartbreak Hill there were quite a few runners in the section we usually run. We thought for sure we wouldn't have to worry about social distancing given the elements but apparently other runners were exhibiting their resilience and resolve. We decided to park farther down to allow for social distancing. We were greeted with a blast of arctic air and a strong headwind.

Tom and Ruth Anne who are training for the Cape Cod Half Marathon happening in October would run 2.5 miles down and back and I would do an out and back 5K. I am participating in several virtual 5K's. I experienced awe at how Mother Nature could have two seasons coincide.

The splendor of Spring on Heartbreak Hill was everywhere to be seen:


As the snow and rain moved out it left glorious sunshine and blue skies in its wake:


I experienced exhilaration as the elements of a stiff headwind tested me and as I had to negotiate social distancing. There were times I ran along the grass to provide more distance between myself and runners and walkers and other times I put up my face covering. I was undeterred in my quest to have a great run.

I texted with Tom and Ruth Anne as we shared updates and I had a feeling of accomplishment when Nike+ said, "Congratulations. You've reached your goal of 3.11 miles." Tom and Ruth Anne were not far behind me.



As happens with any run, we felt great that we made the choice to embrace the elements and get our miles in.

I'm rereading Bill Rodgers book, 'Marathon Man'.

"We were suddenly reminded how running, perhaps more than any other sport, is a celebration of life. It makes your world a brighter place. It gives you this lift, a confidence to stand tall and feel good. Better than good. Boundless." (p. 207)

Mother Nature's power and whimsy were unleased with a mid May snow storm and record setting low temperatures. It was a test for our resilience and resolve that we passed with flying colors as Mother Nature is also treating us to the glorious colors of a New England Spring.

To your resolve and resilience! To your brilliance!

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness
With love and peace
Mary

Be sure to visit my website to learn more about my inspirational journey from a wheelchair to the finish line of the Boston Marathon and beyond!

My books are available on Amazon.

All Clear

After the events of 4/15/13, we were ordered to shelter in place in the greater Boston area while law enforcement personnel tracked down and captured the person responsible for the bombings. We kept the TV on and while we had a group meditation on Facebook and kept taking deep breaths throughout the day, there was a sense of when will we be given the all clear to resume our lives.

We've lived through several major New England blizzards where we were told to stay home except for essential travel to allow crews to clear the roads. During the winter of 2014, we had snow storm after snow storm with no end in sight. We had ice dams and as water poured through ceilings and doors I was left to wonder, "When will this ever end?" Of course it did. Spring came and our homeowner's insurance took care of the repairs. We had a more energy efficient home with new paint and no more ice dams!

During the past 3 years, as our daughter endured multiple hospitalizations with no clear diagnosis or treatment plan I wondered, "When will this end? How will it end?" I had faith that sustained me throughout those times of dire crises and we all made it through to the other side.

I marvel at our resilience!

As we receive news of ever changing circumstances, there is a sense of "When will we receive the all clear?" As I experienced waves of anxiety, I watched a video by Dr. Joe Dispenza that you can watch by following this link and saw this post:

It seems so unnatural to make these types of choices in the midst of such conditions, but if we repeatedly succeed, in time we’ll transcend the norm—and we, too, become supernatural. And most important, by your being supernatural, you give others permission to do the same. Mirror neurons fire when we observe someone else performing an action. Our neurons mirror the neurons of that other person, as though we were performing the same action. For example, when you see a professional dancer dancing the salsa, you will dance the salsa better than you did before. If you watch Serena Williams hit a tennis ball, you will hit the ball better than you did before. If you observe someone leading a community with love and compassion, you’ll lead in your life in the same way. And if you witness someone self-healing from a disease by changing his or her thought processes, you’ll be more prone to do the same❤️

I called my dear friend and womanpreneur Paula Romero-Dunbar, owner of Paper Fiesta. We bought a gift card. I checked in with my hair stylist to see how he was doing and if he wanted me to prepay for my next visit with him. He was deeply touched by my reaching out to him and told me he was able to ride this out even though the salon is closed. We are checking in with friends and neighbors on Facebook and in real life. While we are mandated for social distancing, we are practicing emotional closeness, kindness and compassion!

Ruth Anne and I went on an almost 4 mile run today because the weather was glorious and focused on the blessings that surrounded us:


I only skim the headlines for the "breaking news" that comes into my inbox.

We take extra meditation breaks throughout the day and often pause to say at least 3 things were are grateful for.

While part of me feels the anxiety that comes with these chaotic, confusing and unprecedented times wondering when will the "All Clear" come, I realized that the All Clear is right now:

All Clear
When clarion calls and sounds all clear no need to sit and wait
time for healing transformation creating destiny and fate.
All clear and cleanse the heart and mind a voice to light the way
shine instead of whining the mandate of the day.
Tho panic fills the headlines let cooler heads prevail
adversity storms passing compass of kindness adjust our sail.
Imagination fired up dark clouds we now can clear
knowing deep within our soul there's nothing now to fear.
Light beckons in the clearing stand firm in Truths Divine
drowning out the din of dread love beams brightly shine.
All clear an inner peace takes hold deep breaths a wave of calm
emanates from faith and trust allowing healing balm.

To your health and wellness
From my heart to yours
Mary

Be sure to visit my website at www.marymcmanus.com

My books are available on Amazon