Observing Optimal

Heat of day
scorching flame
inferno
noiseless, suffocating, disorienting
leaching life’s vigor
obstructing
midsummer race.

Sultry afternoon
stifling, inebriating
film
depleting, bleeding, extinguishing
élan
dampening
sluggish quest.

Evening glow
embracing molten
canopy
brilliant, stirring, reigniting
vim
promising
vibrant passage.

Night as still as
frozen breath of
icicle
glistening, sparkling, chilling
inspiring courage, vigor, resiliency
on
last eve’s run.

**
Each human activity can be seen as a metaphor for life itself. Running becomes that for me, as I self-monitor – listening to my body and mind as I run. When am I at my best? Best does not necessarily equal speed, but rather an all round blend of tenacity, vibrancy, consistency and wellbeing.

I’ve come to realize that, though I love heat, I run more efficiently in cooler temperatures. Which begs the question:

do we function more optimally when the cold, night air of life threatens to squeeze the breath out of us, or when the radiance of the metaphoric glowing molten globe shines endlessly on life’s path?

© Julia Penner-Zook, 2015
photo credit: churchillwild.com