I haven’t done it in awhile, but back when I was a more consistent blogger, I loved linking up with my friends at Tuesdays on The Run. And since I’m fighting to get back to the “consistent blogger” category, I’m playing today! Be sure to go check out all the other great running bloggers that are playing, too!
Today’s topic?
What one word describes your running.
I tried not to over-think and it came pretty easily:
Necessary.
I’ve loved all the information that’s come out in recent years about how running is like meditation. I’ve always known that, but when you say it to people they look at you like you just suggested Ben and Jerry’s as a healthy alternative to broccoli.
Think of it this way: My brain, when I haven’t run, is scattered. Confused. There are monkeys, and they are everywhere, and they are co-mingled with lions and tigers and ear worms of bad Justin Bieber songs, and endless to do lists from work and from home. In other words, it’s crazytown.
But then I go for a run. And when I get back from a run, my mind feels like this:
Peaceful. Focused. Calm.
Now, let’s not get delusional. As my boss has said to me (on more than one occasion) my mind IS rather like PeeWee’s Playhouse, so this is not a long lasting effect. But while I’m running, and for quite awhile after, I can think in a straight line.
And when the chaos threatens to overtake me again, like it has this morning, I can get out there and just run. And the monkeys quiet down. And the waves stop crashing. And my mind, once again, feels like a place where I actually want to spend some time.
Now, some of you are sitting there thinking, I HATE running and it could NEVER be that for me. Well, I think you’re wrong. And to prove it, I want to challenge you to what my friend, Heather, challenged me to years ago when I was struggling with anxiety and depression:
Try it for two weeks.
If you’re just starting out, definitely run/walk it and make it just a short little effort, maybe around your block. But do it every day. And try to be mindful and grateful while you’re doing it.
And maybe, just maybe, you’ll find some peace and quiet. And a healthier you, which is really, for me, just a fun side effect.
May you find your peace. Namaste.
And Happy running.
Love this!! Very well said! My mind like a thousand stinging scorpions when I don’t run?
Bwahahaha. Great metaphor. Last night I was watching Tiny House Hunters and getting REALLY ANGRY at the couple trying to find their tiny house. And I thought to myself, huh, this seems to be a tad of an overreaction. I may need to go run;).
PREACH, girl. Which is funny, because… well you know. ha ha ha. But this could be my 2nd word right now for all the same reasons. It makes all the difference for me as well.
Love that about both of us! “Self awareness about one’s own crazytown is key;).” Rev. Jen
I so agree. But at least for me it applies to any kind of working out. It keeps me sane, and even if just for a few moments allows me to clear my head & either zone out, or focus on something specific, depending on my mood.
Stopping by from Tuesdays on the Run
I actually should have said that! Because swimming and biking do that for me, too! Thanks for reading!
I do like running for what it provides for me. I haven’t really been away from it for that long to actually see what I would be like without it…lol. I’m sure I would miss it though!
This is great! My mind clears so well after a run. It is definitely necessary as I’m navigating a season of major career change. Glad you’re back to blogging! Missed you 🙂
When I was suffering from postpartum depression, my mom told me to start running. I didn’t want to, but she convinced me to do one mile. (One very slow, kind of painful mile). It was like someone turned the light back on in my brain. In order to keep that light on, I need to work out regularly (and running works best.)
OMG I LOVE that. I have to run to keep the light on! Exactly! My depression started with postpartum as well. Feel ya, Sister.
Jennifer, I love this so much! Running is like meditation for me too. I never thought I would feel that way, but it is amazing how much running helps my mood or helps me work through tough stuff.