Mind. Body. Spirit. People often talk of these three elements of our human experience. I definitely have had experiences in my life that have focused clearly on one of these areas. Mind (cognitive ability, thinking) - I've experienced this through all my schooling, tasky stuff, work experiences - probably much of my life has been focused on this prong of the three. Spirit (soul, feeling) - I've experienced this through my relationships, my faith life, reflective activities. Body (physical pleasure or pain, activity) - I've experienced this through childbirth, and exercise.
I believe that all three of these elements are gifts that each of us have been given in order to experience this human journey we are on: to live, learn and love through our lives. For me, the power of being truly alive is stronger when these elements are combined in some way.
Well, I had a realization the other day about something. This realization began with a confusion I could not put my finger on and I had to sit with for a couple of days before I could really figure it out and put into words what I stumbled upon(which is often the case with me these days). So, here it is: for me, running combines all three of these elements together simultaneously. This is why it is so powerful for me! It is clearly a mind, body and spirit experience for me. My mind is engaged because often I have to use my brain to coax and motivate myself into completing my run or some different challenge. My body is engaged because, duh, - it is running! And my spirit is engaged because I feel a connection to a power greater than me when I'm running. I wouldn't describe it as a higher power exactly. It is more like a power within myself. My own spiritual power. This is very hard to put into words, but I definitely feel it. Is this what people call, the "runner's high"? I don't know. I just call it being connected. Being connected or engaged in a very real way with myself on all three levels like this has not happened often in my life and it is really wonderful. If you can find a way to make this connection, by all means JUST DO IT!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment