Use meditation to help your running. Use running to help your meditation.
Meditation is not a static state. It is a search, a constant quest for something deeper or higher, within. In our search, we discover, and in our discovery, we become that which we have sought. While meditating, we must always feel a sense of movement, of progression towards a destination, a race to outpace thoughts and distractions, a flow into the ocean’s vastness or flight beyond the horizon’s bounds. While meditating, picture yourself as a runner, an inner runner effortlessly and joyfully running, with one-pointed intensity and focused eagerness always towards your goal.
Running need not be an agitated or stressed state. We run at our best when we are physically poised, with efficient form and rhythm, mentally focussed and emotionally calm. Just as flailing our limbs in all directions slows and tires us; allowing our mind to wander and our emotions to run riot, drains our energy and inspiration, and brings us rapidly to a halt. While running, picture yourself inwardly still, meditating on a mountain top or by a flowing river.
Just as one doesn’t need to read any books or attend any class or seminar, or believe in anything or anyone or pay any fee in order to pray or meditate effectively – for prayer and meditation come most naturally, perfectly and spontaneously from within – so also, running connects us most effectively with our innate spirituality through its own simple, pure and spontaneous expression. No analysis, no practise, no instruction, understanding, structure, equipment, preparation, beliefs or catechisms are needed. To find meditation through running, strip away all the paraphernalia, the headphones, monitoring and measuring devices, the theories, the technique, the plan, the training program, the jargon, and all expectation. Just run …