Just wanted to throw something out there and see what you all thought J
I was first introduced to the concept of Mindfulness at the beginning of 2012.
Whilst being an ancient eastern practice it does not conflict with any other beliefs in any way.
It is actually very simple and is generally described as “paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgementally “
With the busy lives that everyone lives these days and our heads forever cluttered with what needs to be done and indeed what has already happened, Mindfulness asks you to allow these thoughts to come and go in the background but to focus more on the actual moment, sights, sounds, smells, physical sensations, things that you may not otherwise notice. Thus choosing and learning to control the focus of your attention.
An example I read was that you may walk into your garden and think, “Look at that mess, really needs to be sorted out” whereas a child may say “Come and look at this ant”
Effectively you are blinded to the detail by the thought of what needs to be done.
So, all of this being said, whilst Mindfulness can be used as a form of meditation using mindful breathing exercises, or indeed as a way to cope with negative thoughts, I wondered whether it could be advantageous if you applied the same principles to running.
What I mean is, rather than focussing either on the whole distance, the height of a particular hill, how far you still have to go or indeed general discomfort which I feel regularly, you choose to focus differently.
Not on your watch or the time but perhaps a deep focus on your breathing, the sound of your feet hitting the ground, the differing sensations as you run on different terrain, the minute detail of the scenery around you, would that potentially not only make your run more enjoyable and relaxing but perhaps also make you run stronger?
I am sure like with Mindfulness itself it will take some practice to move away from the automatic thoughts your mind throws at you when you run, however I once did a fire walk focussing on a mantra of cool moss and didn’t burst into flames. Oddly I still use the same technique when barefoot on a stony beach, so long as I walk positively and keep focus no pain, the minute I forget and think about stones I lose balance and start doing the hop, hop, ouch, ouch dance.
Anyway, a little food for thought, any techniques you use on looooong runs or even ultras, do you already run with this kind of focus?
PS. Excuse the rambling this stuff interests me
PPS. Not wearing a Kaftan, honestly, although I'm sure I could carry it off!
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