When we have something, we tend to fear losing it. Some of our attachments can be good for us, like love and appreciation for our families, and can motivate us to be our best. But, if we are not careful, some of our attachments can control our lives, and can create pain and suffering when we lose it. 

Attachment, is one of the many causes of human suffering. It gives rise to addiction, greed, resistance, fear, and much of the inner and outer conflict we experience in life, is rooted in attachment. 

So why do we grip so tightly to things? 

Because we think that by attaining or accomplishing that 'thing', it will make us happier or more fulfilled. We forget that we have everything we need already within us. Yet we continue to seek and search outside of ourselves. 

I just learnt a big lesson in in this! Kick back, and let me tell you all about it......

Three years ago I decided to train up a group of kids to run 21kms in The Australian Outback Marathon in Uluru. Running has helped me overcome struggles, addictions, bad habits, and it has allowed me to process, and let go of shitty things that happened to me in the past. 

The Banaga-y Biruu program, (which translates to "Run Long Way"), was the sort of opportunity I wish I had when I was a teenager. To connect to country, my culture, to build strength, and to journey to the heart of our nation building resilience in mind, body, and spirit along the way. 

At the end of 2019 our team of two boys, and two girls were selected as leaders in their community. I wrote up a weekly training template, and we trained together once a week.

Our bond grew stronger. Fast forward to now, our team of four has become three, and the love I have for these kids is crazy. I am beyond proud and so grateful I get to take them on a trip of a lifetime. 

We have been lucky enough to partner with the University of Newcastle physiotherapy students and dietitians. (See above)

We have endured freezing cold mornings at training, some real hard sessions, overcome injuries, celebrated birthdays together and I have watched them grow into amazing young adults. 

We are now one week out from leaving for Uluru. One of my runners has busted his knee after a footy accident, and I had to have surgery last week so we both won't be able to run.

This has absolutely gutted me, and I have been crying in my soup for a week. 

When we have such a strong emotional reaction to something, it means our thoughts aren't in alignment with our true nature.

It means that instead of focusing on the fact that COVID isn't stopping the trip this year, and the fact that for the last three years we have grown together, endured together and built relationships that will last for a lifetime, I was focusing on the negatives, and on the things that I have no control over and can't change.

The Banaga-y Biruu Program was and is never about the 'race'. It is for all of our ancestors that fought for us and paved the way for us. It's for the generations that will come after us. It is for our culture, for our people. 

Uluru is the Solar Plexus of the Earth, it's our Power Centre. As an Aboriginal woman, I feel it is time that First Nations People claim their/our power back, to shine a light on our culture and to inspire younger generations to do the same. To be proud of who they are and know who they are. "To be proud in culture, strong in spirit."

It is a time for deep healing. A time for acknowledging our past so we can move forward into a bright future. 

On July 30th we represent Gomeroi country, we run for the "Makarrata", which is the coming together after a struggle. Our footprints we leave in the red dirt will represent our journey, our struggles, and together, we will walk together for a better future for our kids.  

Sometimes we become attached to an outcome, and when that outcome we have in our minds doesn't work out, it causes suffering. It sounds so cliché, but it's ALWAYS about the journey and not the destination. Sometimes we lose sight of what's really important. We let our ego get in the way and it blurs our vision. 

Our journey to Uluru was ALWAYS about these kids, our leaders for the future generations. To give them an opportunity they have worked so hard for. To journey to the heart of our nation, on the sacred lands of the Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara people, (Anangu people).   

Next Thursday we travel across our sacred country to the heart of our nation, to represent Gomeroi Country.

It's more than the miles, it was always about the journey.

Gaba Gninda,

Charlene xo