Gratitude…

As a word, it is beautiful.

As a concept, it is powerful.

As lived reality, it is liberating, exhilarating and all-fulfilling.

Gratitude lifts us beyond ourselves, our preoccupation with our own desires and needs, and opens us to the goodness, beauty, richness, fruitfulness and fulness both within and all around us.

Pervading the responses, remarks and emotions expressed during and after the epic Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail 100 on Sunday, gratitude was predominant. This gratitude was expressed not only through words, but more potently through the eyes, through the eyes’ smiles, tears and radiance of deep satisfaction.

Runners expressed their gratitude for the course, the volunteers, the services, the scenery, the weather, the Nature, the race itself, the support of their families, friends and well-wishers and for their own willingness, eagerness and sheer physical and mental capacity to undertake and complete such an event/project/ordeal/adventure/journey/dream.

Volunteers expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, to participate, to witness incredible feats, to be inspired by the athletes and their phenomenal courage, dedication, cheerful perseverance and indomitable willpower.

Everyone, it seemed, was thanking everyone, for everything…

… and so it should be. For gratitude enhances our appreciation of all, while the expression of gratitude deepens the joy and inner personal progress which these experiences awaken. Gratitude brings understanding, compassion, love and joy. Gratitude unlocks our potential, expedites our capacity and accelerates our progress. From gratitude we sow, we grow, we know and we glow.

By this measure alone – the quantity and quality of gratitude flowing in and all around, permeating so many minds and hearts during and following the race – this event was a flowering success, a towering triumph.

So, to all involved in whatever way – primarily to the solo runners, the relay team runners, the organisers, course markers, timers, officials, volunteers, supporters, spectators, admirers – even to those who saw a lone runner pass by in the distance and offered a moment’s silent admiration and goodwill – our gracious gratitude is all yours :-)