Book Review
Best Running Trails in Bend
DESCHUTES RIVER TRAIL
Whether you get on the Deschutes River Trail from the Old Mill District, Farewell Bend Park or take the
lesser used Sawyer Park path, this River Trail is sure to delight your senses this Fall.
Ram Dass speaks of being a “Loving Rock”, a loving,
comforting presence for the dying, reassuring them it
is okay to let go, offering forgiveness and support. A
loving rock presence nurtures their state of being with
your closeness. To be fully present for someone dying
is one of the most powerful meditations.
LARKSPUR TRAIL
This NE Bend trail takes you through beautiful neighborhoods to Pilot Butte Park, take your run to the next
level by climbing to the top just in time for an epic Sunset View.
RILEY RANCH NATURE PRESERVE
Only a few miles of trails but bonus no dogs or bikes to contend with as you run in this epic 184 Acre Nature
Preserve.
“The most important thing is to hold the person in
your heart with love”
-Ram Dass
SHEVLIN PARK
There is a network of so many great running trails here, you could get lost in the trees as you navigate past
squirrels taking in the beautiful Fall Foliage of Birch. Shevlin Park Loop is 4.7 miles around the rim of the
park with views of Aspen trees and Tumalo Creek below.
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Walking Each other Home
by Ram Dass & Mirabai Bush
If I’m going to die, the best way to prepare
is to quiet my mind and open my heart.
If I’m going to live, the best way to prepare
is to quiet my mind and open my heart.
-Ram Dass
SMITH ROCK PARK
Best to go early in the morning if you’re going to run the trails at Smith Rock Park, it gets busy with tourists
and families alike all year round now. Summit Loop Trail is 7.3 miles roundtrip, includes some steep sections
and loose gravel, not for the faint of heart, but this road less traveled gives great river and ridge views.
e
out this book, like Alduous Huxley who took LSD with
his wife on his deathbed, Timothy Leary’s “Why not?
Celebrity party” death and Ram Dass’ parent’s deaths.
As my grandmother told me at age 76, the longer you
live, the more people you see die, it’s inevitable.
E
R
am Dass and Mirabai Bush began their friend-
ship at the foot of their guru, Neem Karoli Baba,
also known as Maharaj-ji. He taught them a
simple philosophy: love everyone, tell the truth, and
give up attachment to material things. After sharing
these teachings with millions of people over the years,
they reunite once more with Walking Each Other
Home to enlighten us on spiritual opportunities with-
in the dying process. At 86 years old, Ram Dass re-
minds us, “This time we have a real deadline!”
The setting for their journey into the dying process is
Maui where Ram Dass resides and teaches retreats. I
felt such a strong sense of place, as if the Ocean tides
were guiding their process throughout their weaving
stories of their magnificently lived life. My favor-
ite section was “Die without Regrets” a lofty goal for
us all. Remember to tell your loved ones and friends
what it is you love about them, do it now.
“I’m going to start telling people more often what I
love about them, so they can hear it while they are
living,.” Mirabai Bush
There are so many great examples of dying through-
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