“You must concentrate upon and consecrate yourself wholly to each day, as though a fire were raging in your hair.” — Taïsen Deshimaru
There have been moments in my life when I have been lucky enough to meet extraordinary people. The kinds of people that can change the world. I’ve recently met some and I am in awe.
Eight years ago at the start of my journey as a contributing artist for the Duchenne Dash, by phone and email I met Emily Reuben, founder of the Duchenne UK and Emily Waring, the muscle behind the machine. Amazing people both. Focused, committed and passionate about one thing, putting an end to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
But to meet them finally in person was to be dropped into the presence of superheroes. Into the presence of people with superpowers beyond those of us regular mortals. At every moment you could feel the energy and urgency of their quest, there is no time to waste. And they press forward knowing that, never letting up, never stopping. Always giving more.
This too was the same energy emanating from the one hundred and fifty eight riders I joined as we rode from London to Paris. Each on their personal journeys. Each finding energy from the cause that binds them together. From my saddle in the center of this moving flow of goodness I was and forever will be moved to tears of joy in being so close to so much love.
First time riders and experienced cyclists bound together to make the journey possible, to fight and find an end to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. I wish this was the last ride they would ever have to take, but sadly it may not be.
So I would ask this of you, take a moment and reflect on your place in this world. Pause and be grateful. Pause and be critical of yourself. Pause and chart a path of giving to others.
And most of all give yourself the gift of living fully present in the company of superheroes without capes whenever it is possible. You’ll be glad you did.
