Jowan involved in a low speed chase.

There is always an element of surprise on the road as we run throughout this vast and varied country sharing, ideas and inspiration for harmony in the world. It takes quite a bit of work, work that is shared and offered by many people. We are not the only ones who make this event happen, although as the runners we seem to get most of the attention.

Our starting point for the day.

We have many people who help and support us as we try to connect with many more people who offer their own efforts for facilitating good changes in the world.

One of the local Amish checking out the World Harmony Run.

We also would like to keep in mind the founder of the run, Sri Chinmoy , who, many years ago, had the hopes and the vision that as runners we can offer something and inspire something in people all over the world. It is a healthy and dynamic interaction with people everywhere who share the common ideas of harmony in the world starting in the individual heart, the home, the family and community, and then to the rest of the world.

Sevati, Linda, Maria and Svetlana enjoying dinner while Arpan looks on.

Having said that, we are still here after over three months running on the road while others run in Europe and other continents and countries, getting inspiration everyday from those who we meet or who see us in passing. We met a few people today who may not have expected us. At our motel, called the Econolodge in Wooster, we met a family whose daughter, Sarah Canterbury, was practicing her baton twirling. She was excellent as she twirled, flipped, twisted and never seemed to drop this small metal rod called a baton. It was very inspiring to see such skill and focus in such a young person. We took photos with her and her mother and cousins who were traveling from West Virginia to participate in competitions in this event.

Vilupti’s last ceremony at a local swim meet in Wooster.

Later that morning, in the same town of Wooster, Ohio, we visited the Freedlander Park where a big swimming competition was going on with young children. Our good friend Pam, from Perrysburg, organized our meeting there with the help of Larry Smucker, one of the organizers of the event. There were hundreds of children and spectators at a huge and beautiful pool facility in the park. During a short break in the competition, we were introduced as we ran a lap around the huge pool. Some of us noticed signs that read, ‘No Running’ all around the pool. In this case, even though the eyes of hundreds of people were watching, I think we were safe.

These two very kindly supplemented our lunch with some delicious French fries.

Our presentation was short, but I had to start by mentioning that this was one of the times we ran together without getting lost. Since we had a Torch that many people first associate with the Olympics, I told the crowd that we came to scout for some good swimmers for the next Olympics. But after the jokes were over we offered them our real purpose and introduced ourselves and out countries of origin. People are always impressed with the wide range of countries that we represent and we are proud of the fact that we could represent our own countries. We ran out with the Torch as the next competition was about to begin and the crowd responded with an enthusiastic and loud applause. We were truly inspired by the discipline and concentration displayed by the many young competitors there and we are very grateful to those who arranged for out visit there.

Sevati decides to have Anja for lunch.

After the event, we all had to get to our respective destinations to run our miles today. Unfortunately, the women had to take Vilupti, who has been with us for about a week now, to the airport to go back home because of her job. We will truly miss her as she contributed so much in the way of friendship, work and miles, and a real motherly and sisterly concern and love for all of her teammates. We hope to see her again before we finish our journey.

Mikey, a local Triathlete joins Sevati for a few miles.

We are now ending the day a very big campsite at Tappan Lake. It is the height of traveling season, especially for families and young children. Here at the campsite there are hundreds of kids and their parents having a good time, playing games and enjoying music. The sense of harmony that can come from families traveling together and enjoying nature is one that really manifests in the summer vacation months. We do hope that the harmony and joy that has been shared this summer can grow and develop all year long and that the World Harmony Run continues to learn how to spread the message and inspiration and harmony to all those who come in contact with us or read about us.

Arpan and Sunabin fixing the van.

Even though this U.S.A. potion of the World Harmony Run is winding down, we feel that the momentum and excitement that has resulted so far will keep the event and its inspiration alive and it will continue to inspire others to work for harmony and friendship in the world. We cannot wait also to gain more inspiration from the rest of our world family who are also striving and striding through their countries in the name of harmony and goodwill.

Anja and Maria made a delicious Indian meal, complete with Mango lassi.

Arpan and Team Harmony

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