Although body and mind are natural, we have to deal with them on a daily basis. If we train only the body and ignore the mind, the body gets in shape while the mind is neglected. We have no relationship with mental stress and worries. Conversely, if we focus only on the mind, the body is neglected and we feel the ill effects of our stagnant physical behavior.
Today, the benefits of training the body are understood. These have always been easy to document because we can see them. In the West we are also starting to see the benefits of meditation, as neuroscience research reveals how it shifts our brain waves, reducing stress, worry, anxiety, depression and anxiety – and increasing our feelings of calm and happiness. These benefits highlight certain key elements in meditation that are as simple and obvious to the mind as flexibility and strength training are to the body. Once we see this simplicity, we can apply meditative techniques to any activity.
We simply bring our minds to the activity we are doing and observe it in a non-judgmental way. While running we can be aware of our breathing, the landing of our feet and the swinging of our arms. Just coming back to what we are doing is very healthy.
The parameters of mindfulness are ‘not too tight, not too loose’. We must avoid being too rigid or too relaxed in the way we work with our body and mind. As we run, it is revitalizing and refreshing to the mind to take a moment to realize that we are running, that we are present and breathing. At that moment we are not caught up in worries about the future or regrets about the past. Running offers a way to use new and immediate technology to realign our lives with what is happening now.
On a practical level, when we are mindful, we are in touch with how we feel physically. Therefore, we can see if we are overdoing it. Being present to where we are gives us energy and vitality. Mindfulness shows how powerful our mind is when it decides to relate to our body. At that moment we are completely here.
2. The next technique is appreciation that brings joy.
When running, it’s important to let ourselves appreciate what we’re doing – and enjoy it. When we forget to value our training, a precious opportunity is lost. Thoughts are powerful. Just like with the body, the effects of how you treat the mind are immediate. Appreciation brings perspective to the mind. It creates mental flexibility and a healthy self-identity. We can use it as a gateway to experiencing the inner happiness that is always available no matter what is happening in our lives. If we can cultivate the discipline to appreciate and relax, we will be able to enjoy any activity.
So instead of worrying as we run, we can take a moment to enjoy it and realize the healthy benefits of what we’re doing. We can appreciate the opportunity to practice. The ability to appreciate is a sign that our mind is relaxing and expanding its field of understanding.
Appreciation has the power to enhance the benefits of any physical activity because it gives a joyful feeling.
3. The next technique is challenge.
Another aspect of building mind-body synchronicity is seeing the benefits of challenging ourselves. During any run or meditation session, there will always be challenges. Instead of seeing them as problematic, we can see them as new frontiers for growth and strength. We learn to focus on the positive while seeing where and how we can improve. In running, this works whether we physically challenge ourselves to run a little further or faster, or mentally challenge ourselves to stay more present.
In meditation, the challenge is to be courageous, not always trying to escape boredom or discomfort, but to stay and relax with the way things are. We try not to let a challenging moment panic us. When we stay with that moment of indecision and appreciate the challenge, the mind builds strength and depth. Once we can stay on top of what’s happening, life becomes twice as interesting, so we’ll probably keep doing it.
Challenge is a natural part of life. It allows us to go beyond our attachment to comfort and fearlessly pursue new experiences. Without appreciating the challenge, our meditation or workout becomes routine and we sink into a rut. We can tell when this is happening because the joy evaporates. Challenge adds a bit of daring and outrageousness.
Whether we meditate or run, having a goal is essential because it gives the mind a way to orient itself. In the same way, the body without purpose has no reason to exert itself. In meditation this is the concept of intelligence. In running – and in exercise in general – it is the concept of energy. Without purpose, our body has no energy and our mind begins to wander.
In meditation and running, our underlying goal is to maintain our well-being. We try not to harm ourselves, but rather try to engage in useful activities. Our specific goal may vary from day to day depending on what piques our curiosity. For example, our goal may be to keep each moment fresh, or to stay in tune with our environment.
We keep our activities interesting with a purpose. There is a playful element to it. Without this they lose their appeal. Having a purpose is essential to the synchronicity between mind and body that aligns us with where we are. It is a deep source of strength that can support us for a lifetime of activities.
5. The next technique is dignity.
The integration of running and meditation results in a sense of dignity. When body and mind come together, we feel good because we are deeply involved. A great vitality and strength occurs: we feel worthy to be who we are, where we are and to do what we do. We have connected to our innate core of goodness and power. Unless we do this, we always feel like we are pretending, or that we would rather be somewhere else – which ultimately cannot happen because in reality we can only be where we are. By connecting with our own dignity, we connect with the dignity of all humanity. I believe that connecting with this dignity – both individually and collectively – is crucial to creating a good human future on this planet.
Running and meditating are basic human activities. Exercise is beneficial for the body, and silence is beneficial for the mind. Being mindful, appreciating who and where we are, rising to the challenge, connecting to purpose and feeling worthy – that’s how we stay optimistic and committed. We use running with the spirit of meditation to increase our natural goodness and strength. This benefits other people and helps the world.