Snowman 24 Part 10: Reflections and Action
We were in Bhutan for a few more days after finishing the race. We spent those days in motion as we continued to learn. The first day after the race we enjoyed a group shakeout run with our friends that helped put on and organize the race. After the run I had an interview and then snuck in a hot stone bath which allowed some private time to reflect on the race and the experience. It will take a long time for me to fully unpack what this event, country and journey truly means, but in that tub the important lesson of taking time to slow down permeated my weary bones.
The Head Monk, the Chairman, and me.
Later that day we visited the Jakar Dzong and we blessed to have some time with the Head Monk and receive some teaching and insight from him. That night we celebrated the successful running with a wonderful bonfire and dinner during which we had a presentation from the first Bhutanese climber to summit Everest. Late in the evening as I stared in to the flames of the bonfire and soaked in its heat I smiled thinking of how gathering in this way has brought humans closer for milenea.
“We are all in a race to save the planet and to save ourselves”
The following day we traveled back to Thimphu, which meant another full day in a bus. We had a few stops to see local artisans at work and to constantly search for more snacks to feed our race hungry bodies. Upon arrival in Thimphu a few of us were able to join my friend Vivi for a wonderful dinner and a bit of wandering. At dinner Cody was recognized by some other patrons at the restaurant and they asked for an autograph and selfies!! The following morning Cody, Emily and I got out for a quick run around the city before heading to the Big Buddha for a very special visit. that was followed by some last minute souvenir shopping where Tanae and I visited a very cool shop that specializes in handmade fair trade crafts made by women in various regions of the country. From there it was off to the airport and two very nice surprises!
Kinzang Lhamo Olympic Marathon Runner.
At the airport we were met by Kinzang Lhamo, who participated in the first edition of the Snowman Race and who represented Bhutan in the marathon at the Olympics in Paris! It was so great to connect with her again. I am so very inspired by her grit. She is a modern super hero as she breaks barriers and boundaries through sport. The second surprise was a final visit from my friend the Chairman. He gathered our group in a special diplomatic space and thanked us for participating in the Snowman Race. He then challenged us to fulfill our role as climate ambassadors from Bhutan. His wise words of advice touched my very deeply. He urged us to use the tenacity we manifest in running and apply it to advocacy and to boldly share this important message. Then, far too soon, we were swept off through security and the last to load the plane. I couldn’t help but tearing up as the airplane door closed and we prepared to take off. It took 40 hours of travel from when we stepped on the plane until Tanae, Cody, Emily and I walked out of the airport in SLC and got in our vehicles for the final few hour drive home. I can’t help but paint a picture of time travel or maybe even inter dimensional travel as we walked in to our home blurry and changed after the trip.
Until next time…
Weeks later, I continue to process and meditate on my experience in Bhutan. Many profound and truly life changing lessons are being understood and applied. Bhutan is a small country and unique in so many positive ways. Despite its size it is a bold and stronger leader in the climate space. As the Chairman often says it punches above its weight. My soul feels very content in Bhutan, the pressure of capitalism seems less there and the elevating of joy and contentment is very inspiring to me. Some lessons will go unsaid, as they are deeply personal and many others will take time to articulate and share. I am convinced that my time there spent with humans I consider close friends or even chosen family, altered the course of my life and has the potential to continue to do so. Though, what it requires of me now is action. So many times we were asked “why are you here” or “what can you do”. I mentioned in a previous post that I felt the actions I take can in so many ways offset the impact of my travel across the world and as I wrap up my writings for now I want to share a list of what I am planning on doing, and ask for your help for what more you think I should do. Here is my list so far:
Write about my experiences and publish on my website
Share the writing published on my website on social media (instagram and Facebook)
Work with Patagonia to produce a short film.
In person presentation, slideshow style, about the trip in Pocatello. (also work on similar events in Jackson Hole, with Kelly Halpin, and in Sun Valley with Cody Lind. (I’d very happy to share in other venues as well)
Seek opportunities with podcast hosts. I hope this will include podcasts including but also outside of the trail running space. Anyone have contacts with Rich Roll?
Seek opportunities to partner with my sponsors, Patagonia, Zeal, and Gu Energy Laps, for other ways to share.
Meet with local and state politicians to share my story and challenge them to take meaningful action for climate change.
Commit to stay active and do more with Protect Our Winters especially focused on work around climate change.
Continue to lead an examined life and work hard to improve my connection to earth and diminish my personal impact.
I am sure there is much more, this is where you come in. What do you think I should do, or how can you help me amplify this work?
Last question, will you join me in engaging in climate change advocacy?