Doing meditation while actively in motion? Yes, it’s possible! Let’s break the stereotypical notion of meditation as a practice that is only done in quiet areas, all without any distractions.
There’s a type of meditation practice called mindfulness that can be applied even while running. This practice allows you to become more aware not only of your surroundings but also of the changes that are happening within yourself. In this way, you get to know yourself more and learn which techniques could best improve your mental and physical states.
There are many advantages to mindful running such as leveling up your capacity to accomplish multiple tasks and decreasing the amount of stress you experience daily. But with the many things going on while on the road, you may be wondering how is it even possible to condition your mind to focus on yourself only.
We have listed below some steps for you to follow and take note of as soon as you have scheduled your mindful running.
Stop the habit of bringing running gadgets while on the go
Although you are not discouraged to not bring anything at all, it is highly suggested that if you really aim for the goal of concentrating to improve your mindfulness while running, then leave behind the items that make you conscious to check.
For instance, you are used to looking at your watch to check your running statistics like the time, pace, and distance you’ve traveled. That is why it is advised that in order to simply build the focus that is needed while practicing this meditation type, all distractions must be put behind.
This will train you to throw the habit of stressing about your running statistics from time to time. Just embrace whatever progress you have made while running as long as you have developed the attitude of being mindful.
Prepare yourself the day before your running day
You have to condition yourself before the day of your scheduled running. If you are running while you are extremely stressed out and weak in form, you are only putting yourself in a vulnerable condition.
Pamper yourself by having complete meals, good hygiene, and enough sleep so when you wake up to begin your activity, you will feel comfortable and capable enough to handle the pressure while running. You can also try peaceful meditation so that your mental health could also function well even during the duration of your run.
Observe the changes within yourself
Remember that mindfulness running is not only purely running on streets or ground for a certain period. This entails the changes that occur within yourself which may or may not be new to you. Every change is important and you have to accept it. Notice which changes are new and would need improvement.
Yes, it’s also fine to admit that you are not in your best shape or form while running because no one is perfect and that’s totally fine. But at the very least, you are aware of the things that would require improvement and attention. Evaluating yourself is an avenue for you to produce the best version of yourself.
Check your running position
Be mindful of your stance or position while you are running. Check your posture and footwork because these things when done wrongly, may cause pain to your body and that will heavily influence your physical and mental conditions. Even the littlest details of your actions highly matter.
So, reassess the movements of your body parts whether these are done correctly, and practice doing the right ones. Your body is composed of complex organ systems that work all day and night so you can carry on with your duties which is why you also have to take care of yourself even with just applying the correct posture.
Conclusion
It may seem difficult to do some of the steps we have listed above, but it is always worth the try. However, you do not have to stop it at just that. There are various online meditation courses that you can also look into and experiment with if you have the time. They are just waiting for you to try them out but remember, you are always free to make some adjustments to suit your preferences.
Whatever techniques work best for you, stick to them since it is only you that know yourself better than anyone. You yourself know best which are effective and which are not.
Regardless of how often you do meditation, if not done religiously, then all efforts are for naught. Discipline is a value that must be incorporated at all times until it has become part of your routine. You can also encourage your friends and family to adapt to a healthy lifestyle and while convincing them, show them your progress as a form of testimony. There’s nothing more persuading than someone’s testimony of their own success.