What’s the best part of your run, the beginning when you have lots of energy, conquering the hill or the end when it’s over and you can make your way home.
I must confess it’s usually the end, when I down some water and rush off home to sit down. But today I wanted to do something different. I had run to Sydenham Wells Park and it’s a massive park with a play area, floral garden, tennis court and lots of green surroundings.
As I was running I was taking it in but I decided to push myself further. I brought my mini meditation mat with me so I decided to stop and wait a while. The tendency after a run is to rush home and relax. But I said to myself wait, I’ll never get this moment again let me take it in, so I got out my mat, sat down and put on a gratitude meditation. As well as the surrounding nature it was challenging me to be thankful for life for my breath, my sight, my sense of smell, my ears. Every area getting me to tune into my surroundings even more.
After the meditation finished. I just lay there starting up at the sky. Embracing the stillness. I must admit at first it felt a bit awkward I always feel like I should be moving or on the go and here I was doing nothing. But I’ll let you into a little secret after a while it felt brilliant!
How often during your busy day do you stop and sit and reflect?
Today I challenge you fellow runners to give yourself permission to take 5 minuets 5 guilt free minuets of doing nothing. You won’t regret it.
Thanks for the reminder! All to often I’m rushing home at the end of a run to get to the next thing…but taking a few minutes at the end to breath and think sounds like a better choice!
I love this idea! I never thought of taking a meditation session along with my run. What a great way to be more present!