“I said: what about my eyes?
He said: Keep them on the road.

I said: What about my passion?
He said: Keep it burning.

I said: What about my heart?
He said: Tell me what you hold inside it?

I said: Pain and sorrow.
He said: Stay with it. The wound is the place where the Light enters you.”
― Rumi

After Indy, I have driven at four more HPDEs: Roebling Road Raceway twice, at Road Atlanta again, and at my home track. Moxie’s first visit to VIR.

Other things have come up along the way, some delightful and some difficult. And, as often happens, adversity has a way of putting the mundane in its place. On this Christmas Eve there is much to be thankful for. Ergo the Light entering the wound.

There are some big changes ahead: all good but requiring efforts from me that I’m averse to. To paraphrase the carrot-stick model of motivation, I’m only sometimes motivated by the stick of fear…Not really the best approach when, in fact, there can be much to fear.

In finding ways to address my unfortunate obstinacy, I must cheat my inner donkey, drawing it out by listening for what calls to me.  Once that playful hope of delight is kindled, I’m helplessly enchanted. Aversion shifts to focus, to obsession, and the sweet fruit of promises fulfilled awaits.

When passion compels, there’s my secret sauce! Illusion, you say? Perhaps. But it’s not a bad gig when a sweet sublime tune carries your name. Of course I don’t need to tell you. You know this…you’ve been there.

The fact remains that I don’t love the all  tasks I must address in the next 15 days. But I’ve found a path (perhaps an illusion, but who cares really?) to clothe them in passion.

Alas, both passion and wounds will allow the Light to enter our souls. The master teaches: “Stick with it!” Just as the best track instructors have said to me “Stay in it!” I intend to take charge of as much as I possibly can.  Join me. Plan to choose passion first.

The rest is the surprise.

From my home to yours, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Season’s Greetings.