Meditation
It has been proven over and over again how good meditation is for you. It has also been said that you can meditate in many unconventional ways, like while doing the dishes, walking or running. I believe that is true.
However, there is a catch, isn’t there always?
It has to be focused activity. Doing something like checking your phone, listening to music or talking to someone else doesn’t qualify as focused activity and meditation.
Mindful movement.
Focusing on the act of exercise or movement, being aware of your surroundings, the smells, noises, your environment is a way of meditating. It is difficult to focus when we are often distracted, but it is also one of the best ways to make connections. To yourself, to the world around you and in your brain. Connections that happen when you stop trying to figure out a problem and just let go of trying to make it happen.
Running as meditation
When I began running and I didn’t start until I was in University, it was because it was an inexpensive and relatively easy, no equipment required, do it anywhere, kind of exercise. It was not because I liked it. I did not. It was what running did for me and how I felt after a run that I liked. I did not actually enjoy the running part.
When someone asks me about starting a running program I often suggest they focus on the distractions. To run with a friend (could be the four-legged variety) or, if I am with them, I point out the beautiful surroundings or something that is not about running. Beginners should focus on the distractions. This lessens the discomfort.
The more you run, then the focus should be on the act of running. Your breathing, how your body feels, good or bad and relax into the activity.
The meditation of running.
I remember the moment when I realized I actually liked running. I was on a trail in Stanley Park headed toward Lumberman’s Arch, it was early, cloudy and cool. It was a regular day in Vancouver.
Suddenly I was aware that I liked what I was doing at that moment. I was running and it was perfect. There was no effort in continuing to run, it simply was what I was doing. I had an unexpected thought, “hey, I like this.”
Sometimes running is hard, sometimes effortless. Like meditation, you can easily get into it and other times, just get it done. It can offer a time for relaxation, contemplation, and freedom.
It can benefit our mental health, it can help us solve problems in creative ways and it can get us away from the constant barrage of everything.
Running is more than meditation.
It strengthens our bones, our heart, and lungs, our muscles. It strengthens our minds.
There are so many great reasons to use running as meditation. I would like to hear about your experience. Do you run? Do you meditate? Are they separate events? How do you feel about running? Let me know I am going on a big run soon and I will have plenty of time to meditate on your answers.
Change your mind, change your health,
Shayla
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