The Dalai Lama's Instructions for Life:

• Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
• When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
• Follow the three R's:
• - Respect for self.
• - Respect for others.
• - Responsibility for all your actions.
• Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
• Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
• Don't let a little dispute injure a great relationship.
• When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
• Spend some time alone everyday.
• Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.
• Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
• Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.
• A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
• In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.
• Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.
• Be gentle with the earth.
• Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.
• Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
• Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
• Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

— Dalai Lama XIV

I feel “inclined” to tell you...

..about The Manitou Springs Incline.
It was once a track for a cable car that ran up the side of Rocky Mountain. Initially the rail was used to transport materials while building pipelines, then it became a tourist attraction as it hauled up passengers to scenic heights. In the early 90’s a rock slide damaged a portion of the track and the cable car was shut down. The railroad ties remain and the locals now hike/run up the 1.02 mile, 2,000ft staircase (with a maximum grade of 68%) for an intense workout.
My first few years in Colorado Springs, I had noticed the scar on the side of Rocky Mountain but I never inquired about it. Last fall, a co-worker mentioned that he was going to do the incline over the weekend and I had to ask, “what do you mean you’re going to do the incline. What is the incline?” The scar was then explained to me and I was determined to give it a try sometime before I leave this state. I never made attempt in 2009 but in the spring of 2010 I finally carried my crazy ass up. Since then, I have ascended the incline at least 7 or 8 times throughout the year. Of course there are those discouraging moments when a man passes you with his 3 year old strapped to his back, or an elderly person soars past you as if they’re on a leisurely stroll through the park. I can’t help but think, “I’m going to do this once a week for the rest of the year then I’ll be that fast too.” Even though I didn’t commit myself to the weekly climb, I did (and still) improve my time with each ascent. It is one of the best workouts I've ever done. The feeling once you finally reach the top and look back at your accomplishment is sublime.

Guess What I Got You for the Holidays?

It’s been a very long time since my last real blog. I have to admit, I miss sitting down and jotting my thoughts and sharing exciting and not so thrilling events with my friends, family, and the occasional stranger who happens upon this page. The excuse for my lapse is pointed directly at the rise of social networking sites. Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc… all provide a speedy way for us to stay in touch with people who have crossed our paths at some point or another, without actually having to communicate with them directly. Why spend time blogging when you can just type in a quick status update and upload a few pictures. They’ll get the idea, right? But, like I said, I do miss the writing. Sooooo, I have decided to bring “Into the Mystic” back for you and for me. Happy Holidays!