Meditation and Prayer while Running

Running is known as a great “stress reliever”.  Many people go for a run to energize themselves and get the day off to a good start.  Others jog or run after a hectic workday.  Besides clearing your mind, running can be therapeutic in helping solve problems or proactively putting you in a better frame of mind.

Besides just trying to maintain your sanity with peaceful thoughts, make use of the time spent doing your laps by meditating, mentally reciting a mantra or praying for help from above!

At a comfortable pace, the rythm of your footsteps and breathing creates an atmosphere for getting away from whatever difficulties you’re currently facing.  You can take a step back from the rest of the world.  But use this valuable time wisely:  ponder solutions to personal situations, brainstorm how to help a friend in need, formulate ideas of how to approach someone you can’t get along with.  This is a safe time to think, since you’re alone and not on the spot for a quick answer.

Asking for help through prayer
When running in my usual location (a 1.75 mile loop through a pretty park) I often mentally recite some standard prayers (such as the Lord’s Prayer).  It’s easier than at other parts of the day such as morning or after getting into bed for the night since I’ll either forget or “not have time” to work a few minutes into my schedule.  But when I’m running by myself, what the heck else am I going to do?  Besides regular prayers, this is my time to request help from above, to ask for wisdom in dealing with a problem, or for praying for the needs of friends and family.

Meditation and inner peace
Even if you aren’t religious, meditating while you run will add to your physical body feeling good when you’re done.  Your mind will have better clarity.  The sky will be more blue.  The glass may be half full instead of half empty.  Think about nothing at all or listen to your footsteps.  Feel your breathing pattern.  Think about an inspirational song.  Mentally recite a mantra in time with your stride, such as “feeling stronger” or “help me through the day” or “I love my kids” or “everything’s good”.

Reflect on the day’s events
Try to remember a dream you had.  Think of something funny that happened (and feel free to smile or laugh out loud).  Consider something nice that was done for you that day.  Plan to phone a friend.  Commit to a job you’ve put off.  Look at the beautiful trees and flowers and birds and people around you.  Find the meaning of life (or at least decide how to add some meaning to your own life).  How can you improeve yourself?  How can you help the community?

You don’t have to immediately come up with the whole answer to questions or issues.  Any ideas at all are progress!  If you can find a little bit more peace and serenity in your own life, you’ll bring that with you throughout the day to others that you interact with.

Now go for a run and save the world!