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julie@absolute-wellness.co.uk
As a yoga teacher you’d be right to expect me to talk about how yoga brings about a meditative state; a peaceful and contented feeling that you didn’t feel before.
But I was a runner long before I practised yoga. So maybe I should try and explain what mindfulness, leading to being in a more meditative state means to me? It’s when I’m in the moment and my thoughts aren’t controlling my mind, but I’m much more aware of my surroundings. I can focus clearly on my senses, moment by moment, and the anxieties of my thoughts seem smaller.
For me, being mindful has been something that has came naturally to me as I’ve gotten older. In my 20’s I loved music and noise as soon as I got up in the morning. Every room would have a telly or radio on that needed switching off before I left for work. It was like my brain needed stimulating with constant messages to my nervous system. As I went through my 30’s I noticed I didn’t want to run with music on anymore and now in my 40’s I am quite positively noise averse! (not always easy to manage with 3 kids).
I do still love music and like most runners find I’m singing the same song on repeat for a full 10K. But there’s a difference. When I’m running I quite naturally tune in to my senses. Being out in nature it’s much easier to be mindful. If I notice any negative or unhelpful thoughts have crept in then this is my reminder to focus on the beauty all around me. Many of my runs are through forests as it’s my favourite place to run. The next time you are running try and engage with each of your senses;
- the rhythm of your footfall and the snap of twigs underfoot
- the sound of your increased breathing rate
- the birds singing
- the smell of cut grass
- the colours, shape and enormity of the trees
- the chance glimpse of a deer startled by your running
- the brilliance of a deep blue sky or the changing pattern of the clouds
- the light breeze on your skin or the soft touch of rain on your face
- the feel of the muscles as they work and tire
- the warmth in the body from the effort
- the refreshing taste of pure water
There are so many more and for each run it will be different. The endorphin release and being outdoors, combined with being in the moment, are all so powerful in changing your spirit. So being mindful can lead to meditation. After a mindful stretch you should try and find a quiet place to sit for some minutes or as long as you have. To close your eyes and really be in the moment with an increased awareness of the sounds of nature around you. I’m sure you’ll feel a sense of calm and readiness, to take what comes your way for the rest of the day, with a rational and measured response.
A run really isn’t just about pace, distance and times…. A run is often about re-setting the mind and starting again with a better outlook. You don’t even need to run to experience the stillness in your mind; walking, cycling and open water swimming have all given me a feeling of peacefulness.