Striding with Attention and Intention
I do some of my best work while out on a run. What kind of work? Not just physical work, for sure. Some of my best healing, recovery, creativity, and resets happen with the left-right, left-right bilateral movement of my limbs carrying my torso through a couple of miles. My head and heart are cleared and clarified, energy builds, endorphins calm.
Running has always been effective in returning me to some sense of balance and level of sanity, helping me shed worries, frustrations, impatience and the like. It is my best motivator and gets the creative juices flowing for my next poem or other composing.
One stride at a time, I tune into my footfalls and the ground beneath me, for keeping me safe and for feeling connected to this earth. One stride at a time, I pay attention to my surroundings, the weather of the hour, the season of the year. I may or may not be listening to a meditation track, a poem, or a podcast. Even if my ears are busy with that, my other senses are having the full experience.
Pay attention with intention. The more I can do this during my day, the more fully I am alive, and also the more fully I can interact with the people, things, and circumstances of the hours as they unfold. The collage below includes photos captured on a recent run, in just a few minutes, in a place I have been exploring and discovering lately.
A curved sidewalk, reminding me of the ARC I wrote about in last week’s post. Running does all three- amplifies the good, rescues me from my negativity bias, and connects me to others and the world around us. A sign telling anyone who passes by and pays attention “You are Beautiful.” It is far more than an airy sentiment. It is the truth we each need to see in ourselves and one another. Plant life sharing space and blooming in their own colorful ways. What if humans everywhere could do this more freely? How do we impede ourselves? How do our societal systems impede us collectively? The clouds and blue sky remind me that I am part of a stunning universe and I belong here in this moment, this stride. Sky and clouds are ever evolving. How can I be evolving in healthy ways today?
A few minutes, a few photos, a few meaningful reminders. Let’s each go into our day today considering how to pay attention with intention. When we do, what do we see, hear, taste, touch, smell? What do we experience in our head and heart? What are we meant to share with others and what is meant for just us? Be open to what arrives and have a good day!
