As I discussed previously, each letter in the Hebrew alphabet has a numerical value. The numerical value of a word is determined by adding up the values of each letter. In this case, the number 100 is represented by the Hebrew letter kuf. I did a little research and found that the letter kuf w
hen written is composed of two separate parts (see picture). It is said that this represents our ability as people to deal with heart wrenching loss and also be able to open our hearts to those in need. It also symbolizes that we are a broken vessel looking to be made whole again or holy, if you will. Therefore, I believe that this is a sign telling me that I need to look at my life as a series of letting go and embracing that which is new. This is never easy especially if it means having to say goodbye to a loved one when they leave this earth.As we live our lives, we find that we all have to sacrifice something as we travel life's path. We as runners have to sacrifice time with our friends and family when we are out on the road training for our races. The word sacrifice can be defined as a way to make something sacred. The Jewish mystics would say that the letter kuf is calling on us to make a sacrifice and to repay to the source of all things (God) for that which we take out of life as we travel around the sun. If we never repay that debt as we go along we are, in a sense, breaking the circle of life. By breaking this circle, we and those around us become unbalanced. We need to find ways to maintain that balance especially when it comes to our running life.
Kuf also represents receptivity in our life. The broken letter shows us that in order to maintain balance we need to open our hearts and minds to new ideas, inspirations and teachings. It is said that if you focus on the letter kuf in a meditative way that you can increase your spiritual receptivity. Through this meditation, kuf can help you reduce your focus on the trivialities in your life and be more receptive to sanctity. As you look at the letter, you can see that it dips below the line of writing. In mystical circles, this symbolizes the ability to remove power from the negative side of the universe. If we can remove the negativity from our life we can regain control and find the balance we need. In a sense, kuf symbolizes two worlds, the good and the bad, life and death. Therefore, if we want to truly be happy we need to try and remove depression and sadness from our lives and instead focus on joy and fulfillment.
I have come to realize that my spiritual journey of transformation requires that I get to know who I really am and to try and understand and accept the unique combination of my personality and character traits. If I can truly learn who I am and what I can do to remove negativity from my life then I can regain the balance I need and hopefully uncover what my gift to the world should be. This balance should allow me to be more fulfilled in the coming year and find true joy and happiness.
I wish you all a year filled with prosperity, joy and happiness. See you on the road.
Dec. 19 – 8.50 miles (1:18:23, 9:13 pace)
Dec. 20 – 6.20 miles (55:25, 8:56 pace)
Dec. 21 – 4.00 miles (33:20, 8:04 pace) – Speed Work
Dec. 23 – 6.20 miles (49:21, 7:58 pace) – Tempo Run
Dec. 24 – 6.60 miles (56:20, 8:48 pace)
Dec. 25 – 8.10 miles (1:12:40, 8:58 pace)
Dec. 26 – 14.40 miles (2:17:02, 9:31 pace)
Dec. 28 – 4.00 miles (32:26, 8:09 pace) – Speed Work
Dec. 30 – 6.20 miles (50:15, 8:06 pace) – Tempo Run
Dec. 31 – 6.10 miles (53:22, 8:45 pace)
Total Miles: 70.30 miles
2010 YTD Miles: 1,746.50 miles
(I averaged 33.5 miles per week this year)
2 comments:
I loved this post, Ted, and especially the opening line, "The world and I have completed another trip around the sun."
Absolutely beautiful! H.
I am certain you have logged enough miles to count having run around the world, Think it over and let us know how far you've made it. As always an excellent post. Have a great New Year, with good health and great running.
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