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Reflection Title: I couldn’t see it then, but I get it now!



Book – Running with Sherman: The Donkey with a Heart of a Hero by Christopher McDougall (Part 3 of 3)


Book Description:

When Christopher McDougall decided to adopt a donkey in dire straits, he had no idea what he was getting himself into. But with the help of his neighbors, Chris came up with a crazy idea. Burro racing, a unique type of competition in which humans and donkeys run side by side over mountains and through streams, would be exactly the challenge Sherman and Chris needed. In the course of Sherman's training, Chris would enlist Amish running clubs, high-spirited goats, the service animal community, and two Sarah Palin-loving long-distance female truckers. Sherman's heartwarming story of overcoming all odds to run one of the most unbelievable races in America shows the healing power of movement and the strength of the human-animal connection.



Reflection:

The author, Christopher McDougall, lives in the heart of Amish country in Lancaster, PA. He writes a lot about that community’s influence on him, his life, his family, and most importantly Sherman!


This whole journey is about exploring values to find purpose and a community of people to share together that care about the same thing. That sounds a whole lot like the Amish Community if you ask me.


The Amish just may be a culture, hiding in plain sight, that we can all look to as a shining of example of what living a life of values filled with meaningful work and meaningful relationships might look like on a larger scale. The Amish, in my opinion, are shining examples of what is possible if a community of people live out their shared values together in all that they do. They’ve been doing this for hundreds of years, and if I had to guess, they’ll probably be doing this for hundreds and thousands of years in the future. As the author says, the Amish care most about health, security, and relationships. This is what they value most, and they have dedicated their entire community’s existence to live this life, block out the outside world from its influence, and focus on living life with purpose and intention.


I think I finally get what they are all about! The Amish have been baffling me for my entire adult life as I just didn’t understand. However, I can see it now, but it took me a long time, and this Year of Magical Learning journey to really figure it out.

For a few years, I also lived and worked in the heart of Amish country in Northern Indiana after I graduated from college. I was in my early 20’s, grew up in an urban environment, and had never seen anything like it in my life. I can’t tell you how weird it is to have to be driving out in the country and passing horse and buggies on your way to the office in the morning. However, there was something oddly appealing about this unique culture that piqued my interest back then. I remember thinking during this time of my life, maybe these people know something we all don’t…or maybe they are just crazy? Whatever it was, they all seemed so content and fulfilled whenever you would encounter them out and about. The Amish own everything and are in debt to no one, they only use what they need, they help each other out, they work hard, and they have close family and friend connections that sustain them throughout life. Meanwhile, I was broke, in debt from student loans, car loans, and credit cards, lonely and on my own in a new city where I knew nobody, and the only thing I did was work. This juxtaposition made me question, who was really on the right path here?


I left Northern Indiana to head back home after only a few years leaving the Amish behind. I returned to the world I grew up in and put this thought out of my mind as I got back to living in the “real world” with all the “normal people”. I kept grinding away at my career, started to have some small success, made some money, married my wife, and bought a house…you know, what “normal” people do. However, if I was being honest, I was no more “fulfilled” than what I was as a broke, lonely, new college graduate living in Amish Country. I wasn’t unhappy, but certainly not fulfilled.


Emilia changed everything! This journey has changed everything! By chasing Emilia, following her tracts, and living life I’ve discovered what is most important to me in this world to live a fulfilling existence. Now it is up to me to find others that think the same and want the same…just like the Amish did 100’s of years ago themselves.


It turns out, the Amish did have it right after all. Living a life of values filled with meaningful work and meaningful relationships really is the key to living a life of purpose and fulfillment.


I couldn’t see it then, but I finally get it now!


Question: What are some cultures, ideas, or things hiding in plain site that deserve a second look?