When the student is ready the teacher arrives.

It all started when I was browsing iTunes for a new Zen podcast to listen to when I came across the aptly named "Zen Is Stupid". It took a few episodes to wonder exactly why I was listening to this seemingly stupid podcast and then I stopped thinking about it and then it all made perfect sense.

During one episode, Patrick in passing mentions the Peak Condition Project. I was curious so I went to the website and in an instant knew that the Peak Condition Project was the project I had been seeking. 2009 saw me in the gym 5 days a week and trying my hardest to be mindful of my consumption. But no matter how hard I worked I was seemingly stuck on a fitness plateau staring up at the glorious mountains above unable to find a path up. That I was aware of. Of that I was sure. I was certain I needed something different but I had no idea what.

I recall June of 2000 when I was travelling through Ireland. The bus pulled into Westport and there on the horizon was a breathtaking sight. Before me and all of Clew Bay rose a majestic mountain and I had one thought as I stared through the window, "I'm going to climb that mountain". I had no idea what mountain it was or if it was even possible so I leaned over to the bus driver and asked. "That's Croagh Patrick," he said, "It is a sacred mountain and thousands of people make the pilgrimage to climb it each year". The next morning I called a cab. There at the trail head is a statue of St. Patrick watching over the pilgrims as they begin their ascension. A few hours later I was standing on top. It felt glorious. It felt right.

And just as I had taken that first step toward that summit, here I am, Day 1 eve, standing at the foot of Mount PCP with Patrick watching over and providing guidance as I begin my ascension off the plateau. Oh, how right it feels.