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Kathleen Thomas's avatar

My son runs marathon’s to help him through his mental health issues. The more exercise he does the better he feels plus he feels he’s accomplished something which is good for his well being. So he’s not running away, he running towards a better future for him and therefore his family.

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Laurie Hammeke's avatar

I totally understand. I have mental health issues. I was born with them. My birth mother’s family had me put up for adoption because she had mental health issues. I’m a senior citizen and I’m still here. Years ago I used to walk every morning. Can’t go the distance now, but found if I take a small walk it lifts my spirits. And so does just going out in my backyard and enjoying the birds, etc.

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Kathleen Thomas's avatar

I agree nature is the best healer physically and mentally, so I’m happy to hear you are able to still get out and about. I am also a senior citizen and have a rescue dog who I walk 3 times a day, the walks are getting shorter as I get older but I still feel the lightness of spirit after.

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Kathleen Thomas's avatar

Thank you for your kind reply.

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Celia Rigby-O'Neill's avatar

Wonderful. I wish him and yourself gentle days ahead.

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Brayden's avatar

Wow that sounds do so amazing and fabulous

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Scott C. Rowe's avatar

How indeed would a body know a world? Particularly if one’s body is artificial. This is the challenge for artificial intelligence that is not embodied, and therefore not subject to all the forces of the Earth.

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Lee Reeves's avatar

Ahh a breath of fresh air. Love the message, the medium the brief sweet timeframe. A lovely way to learn about magnificent creatures that inhabit our planet.

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Dawn Caro's avatar

I love your thoughts and perspective. Even the information on the birds was truly worth the minutes it took to read this. You are a very thoughtful and intelligent writer, no matter that you don't do marathons 😀

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Caroline Beuley's avatar

This piece was so so good! Thank you for introducing me to Kirk's work! And I freaking love the animation to accompany essays - what a cool idea!

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Gary Clarke's avatar

Yes, except that earth isn’t a fairytale spinning wet rock.

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April Mensinger's avatar

This is enchanting ✨️

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Cliff Anderson's avatar

Running long distances is very much like meditation. When you first start, you can't sit still or stop thinking about what you are going to do when it is over. When you get used to it about a month later, it hits you. You leave (either the run or the meditation) looking at the world around you and just feeling great. You can only do so much. You have done what you can.

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Lluisa's avatar

Very interesting, thank you

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Renee B's avatar

All of this just delighted me so!!!Thank you...gonna pass this along to a couple marathoners I know and love to ripple out joy to them

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Tess Seipp, MAE, Choctaw's avatar

We are interactive intelligence connected with all of life. A piece such as this helps us remember our participation in life is a dance. Also, the essay: The Heron And The Thunderstorm

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Liz Thompson's avatar

That was a gem. Cheered me up after a tiring day, both film and excerpt!

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Elaine Hadden's avatar

Birds are SO AWESOME! Thank you for your little animation; it is wonderful. And don’t forget the Arctic tern!!!! This just made my day.

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Greg Gioia's avatar

You know what they say: no one would run a marathon if they had to sign an NDA first.

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Dawn Caro's avatar

Are we talking marathons or marriages here? 😂🤣😂🤣😂

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Emma Ray's avatar

Good one!

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James Walbank's avatar

Yes. More, please. Very nice.

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Ian Duncan MacDonald's avatar

There is both bliss and joy in running long distances. You get into a rhythm where you whole body is taken over by the motion. It is as if you are in a trance. One step after another. In the winter the only thing you hear is your wet frozen hair is rattling against your nylon jacket. Oblivious of the cold. You breath in, you breath out. Your mind is clear and floating free. It is as if you could run for ever. There is no greater sense of freedom and power.

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