Let’s face it—we’re all struggling during some part of the day.

Each day is an infinite symphony of up and down moments that are constantly shaping and molding us.  Many of us lightworkers know the power of observance in this flux. For this reason, we also know the power of focus and intent when it comes to adding healthier and spiritual regimens to our practice.

Since my spiritual undertakings one of the most profound and beneficial activities I have focused upon is running.

I always thought that running was just that—running. In “Forrest Gump,” Forrest gets asked why he’s running across the U.S. “I just felt like running,” he says. But who in their right mind feels like running?

Forty five hour work weeks, schedules, no time. Everyone knows the health benefits of running, but nobody wants to do it. Either they are too busy, too externally focused, or just too cool to run.

The easy fix is always right there: booze, drugs, McDonald’s. 

So, what can I do? Where do I find the motivation to feel like running?

There is no light switch that I can turn on to make me run. At the end of the day, I must love myself and my body unconditionally—so much so—that I want to experience the suffering of a run.

Running is suffering. It is hurt. It is painful. It is also one of the most precious gifts I can give to my body.

The detoxification and purification that happens during and after a run is beautiful.

The internal battle going on during a run is epic. My ego wants nothing to do with this health crap and doesn’t see the worth in continuing. In this case, I like to talk to my ego/resistance:

I ask the resistance, “Why are you suffering?” The response is simple, “I don’t like this.” I breathe deeply and ask again, “Why don’t you like this?”

“Life is pain. Life is too hard.” I breathe deeper. I ask again, “Why is life too hard”? I breathe my deepest and hold—letting go—I get no response.

I will continue with these questions until I get no response. Then I’ll try and sink down deep into the pain and suffering I’m feeling and continue to focus on my breath.

I use the following visualization technique while breathing consciously during the run:

I begin to visualize my breath. I begin to visualize the complete enjoyment of taking in beautiful prana while my heart pumps and body flows through the cosmos of this neighborhood. I visualize this zen, this freedom. I let my mind go and let my body do the work. I am this deep breath with each foot forward, gracefully touching the pavement below. This pavement is building me into something greater with each glide, each stride. This scenery, this air, is healing my body. With each deep inhalation, I feel the ecstasy of life entering my body. With each exhalation, I feel release and letting go of what no longer serves me.

The motivation is here now. I want to run. I want to be healthy. I want to give this vessel the love and health it deserves. This vessel which is traveling warp speed through the cosmos of life. This vessel, the creator of my destiny. This vessel, a beaming spiritual body of love and light.

As I finish my run, I like to look at the world around me and truly see inside myself. I am at one with the earth which provides me with foundation for this run. I am at one with this city and all inhabitants growing consciously together. I am at one with my beautiful healthy body, mind, and soul. This being, radiating with love and light.

I will repeat this process as needed. For me this has turned running into more of an observational journey. It looks at the duality of a run—the highs and lows—and takes them for what they are.

Eventually, the highs I can achieve through this process outweigh the lows, and I’m truly enjoying the beauty of the run.

Like Forrest, “I feel like running!”

~

Author: Scott Constantine

Image: Author’s Own; Unsplash 

Editor: Lieselle Davidson