This morning I awoke a little earlier than normal to make time to watch the annual Paris Marathon. It really is an amazing sight to witness a sea of people run by for about 45 minutes straight. Marching bands of all kinds dotted the course to cheer on the participants (including some para-athletes!). Other spectators flooded their terraces, sipping morning coffee. Children cheered. There were several teams of people who were carrying others unable to run; members of such teams rotated in and out while continuing to run. I even saw two people, at the very end as the mass petered out, pushing a loved one in a wheelchair. In relation to the course, the point of my overlook was somewhere between the 3km and 4km mark; so those folks had another 38km or so to go... Amazing what the human spirit does.
As I have written, I wasn't sure what had brought me here, other than the voice inside firmly and constantly saying, "Go." And now that I am about halfway through the time I plan on spending here, I can tell you that I could not be anywhere else. I know that the image of "Paris" conjures up something in people that most often makes them smile, and it does for me, too. But for me, this time here isn't a time to holiday, shop or sight-see, it's not anything but a true getaway. I realize now that I had to get away from everything I know and all whom I hold dear to create the space I need to work on myself. And though I can season my days with visits to internationally recognizable locations, I am here to look inward.
Wherever you go, there you are.Good fortune smiles upon me in many ways. About 15 months ago that smile came from my then-colleague John, who put me in touch with friends of his who live here. I had the pleasure of meeting one of them yesterday, Mike, and enjoying lunch and conversation at a sunshine-filled sidewalk cafe, loosely flanked by Notre Dame and St. Michel. Mike and I talked about many things, and he made a great point. When I told him about the circumstances that brought me here, atypical reasons for visiting Paris, he remarked that this city is and has been a source of inspiration for many. (The word is one I love for its etymology "to breathe into.") And so I too am looking to draw on this Parisian resource. Regardless of the forecast, every day may not be sunny, but I hope it will be "windy."
So today, watching all those runners, I am reminded that my journey is not a sprint but a marathon. At times, I will have hills to climb, and at other times I will have the wind at my back. And no matter my pace, I know that many of you will be cheering me on. And for that, you have my deepest gratitude.
More to come...
