Running as Meditation

Running is much more than turning your legs over and sweating. You should consider Running as Meditation.

Running as Meditation

I wrote some time back about the different thoughts that cross my mind when I run. The thought type which interested me most was that when I run I become very relaxed and almost blank-minded in a vacant place.

I likened it to meditation.

I don’t practice meditation (at least the non-running kind) however have been hypnotised for relaxation a few times and am aware of the impact this had on me in both being “present” and then completely “absent.”

Per Wikipedia “Meditation is a practice in which an individual uses a technique – such as mindfulness, or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity – to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state.” 

This sounds a lot like running – bar the sweat, bright body clinging lycra and leg niggles.

Running and meditation may seem like two completely different practices, but they actually have a lot in common. Both require focus, discipline, and the ability to stay present in the moment. Mostly :O)

For me, running is a form of meditation in itself, providing a way to clear my mind and find inner peace.

If we consider some of the elements of a normal run, the commonality is clear.

Focusing on Breath

In meditation, one of the key aspects is focusing on the breath. The same is true for running.

Many of us, even seasoned runners know that the first few minutes are often challenging as our breathing needs to regulate as we relax into the run.

Non-running friends of mine who have joined me on easy runs nearly always mention breathing as one of the things they really struggle with.

It’s certain that some of this is related to fitness, but also that some part is down to breathing in a controlled and free manner.

By focusing on your breath while running, you can create a rhythm that makes the run seem less difficult. This then further helps to calm the mind and allows you to stay present in the “running moment.”

Paying Attention to the Body

Most runners probably know that it is an uncommon and a cause for great celebration when we run without some minor tweak, be it real or manifested from our minds.

We can however acknowledge the feelings that materialise while running and ultimately become more aware of our body and its sensations.

By paying attention to your movements, your breathing and any discomfort or pain, you can learn to be more in tune with your body.

Being a runner has made me much more body aware, not only in health aspects but in movement. You know when you are moving well, it’s not just about pace or distance.

I mentioned breathing in the text above. Consider how breathing is the single most important thing our body does. For the most part, it’s entirely without consciousness.

The breathing irregularity running can introduce snaps me into focus. I often try different breathing patterns on a run.

These can range from deep breaths with sharp exhalations like blowing a candle out to pure nasal breathing on an easy/Z2 activity.

With injury niggles, bar the fracture kind I mention here, there is on most runs a number of physical sensations.

Currently, I am suffering from a sore left elbow from poor golf and even worse form when doing barbell rows. Not too bad but it reminds me every now and then.

My left knee is also saying “Hello.” This one was thanks to rushed weighted lunges while being a little too tired for weighted lunges.

Paying attention brings these into focus. Lesson learnt.

Running to Clear The Mind

Running undoubtedly helps my decision-making process and overall mental state.

I go for a run and process either at the back or front of my mind the challenges I face. I might get to an answer, but not always.

What does happen though, is once past this process my mind feels clearer, not empty but much less cluttered. Maybe just better organised.

Now the following one is the biggie for me.

I am convinced that by focusing on your breath and your body, you may find that other thoughts and worries start to fade away. This can create a sense of peace and clarity that can be hard to achieve through other means.

Who knew a jog outside should really be thought of as Running for Mental Health or Running for Relaxation?

Running and Finding a Flow State

The famous flow state or being in the groove. Call it what you will.

Another aspect of running meditation is the possibility of finding this fabled flow state.

This is a state of being where you are completely absorbed in what you are doing, to the point where time seems to stand still. Or just skip ahead.

You can be in one place at one moment and then somewhere else sometime after. You’ve time travelled almost.

I’m not sure you even know you are in this state. It’s only once you emerge on the other side you realise where you have been.

It’s a state of pure focus and enjoyment and can be incredibly beneficial for mental wellbeing.

Actually, this might be the biggie.

Running For Mindfullness

Running can be a powerful form of meditation practice.

You can use running as a tool to cultivate mindfulness and inner peace. In some ways for me I consider Running as Therapy.

Whether you are a seasoned runner or just starting out, running as meditation is something that anyone can benefit from.

Run, breathe, feel and let it flow.

Before You Go!

I write about various aspects of running on this page. I cover a lot of topics such as getting faster, setting goals or simple motivation. Please take a look around.