By Brian Beatty
There are as probably more reasons to run than there are runs. Certainly there are more reasons that there are runners. We all have our own list of reasons. The question is often asked, what are you running to or what are you running from. This can be a profound question.
Our answers vary. We are running to get or stay in shape; lose weight; maintain health; be with friends; have some time to self; develop new habits; run a goal event or desired time; challenge ourselves, etc. We are running from the stress of other aspects of life; a bad day; all the electronic noise and clutter; the mental state that would exist if I didn’t run; and on the lists can go. All of these are legitimate reasons, but as soon as we introduce the ideas of ‘to’ and ‘from’ we introduce the future and the past.
What about the present? We run to simply run. Run here, run now, forget the past and future, just engage in the simple act of running – right here and right how.
There can be times during a run when the outside chatter of life melts away and you find yourself fully emerged in the process of running. Things begin to feel smooth and the effort decreases, we are ‘in the zone’. In the world of performance psychology this is known as Flow state and is a profoundly important psychological and neurophysiological state. Flow is characterized by high performance and absorption in the present moment.
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, PhD, a pioneer in performance psychology, describes some of the characteristics of Flow state to include: action and awareness are merged; distractions are excluded from consciousness; self-consciousness disappears; the sense of time becomes distorted; the activity becomes an end in itself. Csikszentmihalyi points to some ways to cultivate this state that include: becoming immersed in the particular activity; paying attention to what is happening in the moment; learning to enjoy immediate experience; and proportioning one’s skills to the challenge at hand.
So if a common theme of Flow is the heightened sense of the present moment, does it not make sense to refine our ability to be present when we run? There are many established practices for improving one’s ability to quiet the mind and be engaged in the present moment. Attention to something with an internal rhythm is a common theme and attention to breath is particularly well suited to running.
The practice is simple, as you run, turn your attention inward and focus on your breathing. Don’t try to change it or control it, just follow it happening. Find the rhythm of the breath and allow it to expand from the center so that your whole body is breathing and running in its own groove. Guide your attention to notice each foot strike, each breath, each step as it is happening. This run is for you, your body, your mind, your soul, here and now. Embrace the run, nourish yourself and enjoy it.
This month’s Core Corner explores how to bring this practice into other exercises as well. When you finish reading this article, close your eyes and take a moment to notice your breath. Then remember your last run or imagine your next run and allow the smooth pace of your breath and the clear quality of your attention to it carry you into the wonderful neurochemical state of Flow.
“Live each present moment completely and the future will take care of itself. Fully enjoy the wonder & beauty of each instant” Paramahansa Yogananda
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Brian Beatty, PT, tries to practice being engaged and present at Balanced Movement Studio as well as on the trails and roads wherever he may be. You can find more resources about endurance sports, flow, and health at www.balanced-movement.com
