Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

Robert Pirsig said in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance that, "Mountains should be climbed with as little effort as possible and without desire. The reality of your own nature should determine the speed. If you become restless, speed up. If you become winded, slow down. You climb the mountain in an equilibrium between restlessness and exhaustion. Then, when you're no longer thinking ahead, each footstep isn't just a means to an end but a unique event in itself. This leaf has jagged edges. This rock looks loose. From this place the snow is less visible, even though closer. These are the things you should notice anyway. To live only for some future goal is shallow. It's the sides of the mountain which sustain life, not the top. Here's where things grow." Oddly, this, my favorite quote, didn't pop to mind when I was cresting any peak, it came to me when I met the children of Puli school. Each step with them was a unique event. When our minivan pulled into their rural schoolyard I was expecting nothing more than a five minute stop to drop off some school supplies. Instead I received an education more valuable than any I could imagine. If you would like to catch a glimpse of our experience at Puli School please watch this short video that Spring and Roy put together. Please excuse our singing. Our hearts were in the right place.

http://www.mystictrails.com/movie_Puli2006.htm