Equanimity. A sense of evenhandedness and composure. I want my running to always be in balance with the rest of my life, although I will admit that it plays a larger role in my life than it does for most. The key for me is to ensure that running always enhances my physical and mental health. When it it causes me harm, then I need to reevaluate my goals and training strategies.
Running is not just a physical activity I engage in for my cardiovascular health. It is just as important to my mental health. It enhances my meditation practice. It gives me something I haven't been able to find anywhere else, a sense of calmness, a slowing of the mind. So why not get the most out of every run that I can?
To that end, I have decided to attend a workshop called Running with the Mind of Meditation in Colorado in early September. I had read the book with the same name about 4 months ago. The book was written by the leader of the Shambhala, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. It was the first of numerous books on the subject of finding a meditative element while running. I have also read Zen and the Art of Running, and I am currently re-reading it. For subjects like this, it helps me to read a book 2 or more times. I figured, though, that a workshop would be yet another enhancement to my running and meditation practices.
The joy of vacations are only about 40% contained within the actual vacation time. The remaining 60% of the joy is found in the planning and preparation. Now that I know where and when I am going, my planning can truly begin. And this is the fun part.
