Running and Meditation

When I lived in Florida I was heavily into running, and I really enjoyed it. I would listen to music and just start out slow and not really concern myself with the destination, just trying to stay in the moment and enjoy the experience. I was motivated to start to run because I wanted to lose weight, and I did indeed lose about 40 pounds over a six month period.

I liked to look at my run in much the same manner as people view the practice of meditation. I just tried to clear my mind, concentrating on my breathing and the efficient utilization of my body. I tried to be present in the moment and not think about how far I had gone or when I would be done.

It is funny because I read a post on the Fit Fuel Blog that described running in much the same way that I had experienced it. The post is called "Running as Meditation," and I recommend that everyone check it out.

The writer makes the case that running is just about as good for your head as it is for your body, and I would have to agree. If you look at right, running is indeed a form of meditation.