Running to slow down…
Posted on August 27, 2012 by Sue Abuelsamid, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.
How running can help you get you in the zone of focused thinking and lead you to engage in clear and meaningful conversation.
So, I guess I am a runner. I am not one of those runners that must run at all cost, according to a schedule, and wear a heart rate monitor and know how fast (or slow) I’m going. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but it’s not me. I love to run because like some of the other sports I enjoy it gives me a chance to really focus, and let thoughts come in and out of my head without rattling me (most of the the time). I love to run near water, which is not too surprising to people who know me well. I love the idea that the water, even if I am not actually in it, is cleansing me somehow.
Sometimes I love to run with a friend. Contrary to popular belief, running can be a social sport. And you can have some incredible conversations, and revelations, while running. The best thing about that is that is since you have to conserve breath, you really only say what you need to, the important part of what you are thinking. The conversation is simple, and direct. It’s hard to beat around the bush when you are running, I think it would be exhausting.
Simple conversations are amazing. Short powerful questions. And thoughtful responses. A lot like coaching. Because you simply (or at least most people) can’t be long winded on conversation and maintain a pace faster than a walk. And because you’re running, you are really in tune with your body, and you notice more. You notice your reactions to things, and pay attention. And to conserve breath, you think about your responses, you don’t just answer right away. You slow down. The irony in that does not escape me. Running slows me down? Yes, indeed it does. And for me at least, that’s a good thing.
Conversation is what connects us all. Through conversation we can discover what matters to someone. We learn things about each other that make it harder to judge each other. If we speak about what is important to us, what we are passionate about, what we believe in.
Also, there is something about pushing yourself physically (at least for me) that makes me more vulnerable and open to whatever might come up. I made a starting discovery the other day. I realized that it is impossible to run and cry at the same time. Seriously. Have you ever tried it? I was in a conversation with my running buddy and something he said affected me and I started to cry. And I tried to hide behind my sunglasses, but it was no use, before long I had to stop as I couldn’t breathe. I had to slow down. And consider what it was that was so important to me.
I’m not saying you can only have meaningful conversations while running. But it’s a good reminder that conversation is precious, connecting with people has incredible value, and hearing what others have to say is a big step towards tolerance and understanding. I challenge you to have a simple, meaningful conversation today, and see what you notice.
“We don’t have to start with power, only with passion” ~ Margaret Wheatley, “Turning to one Another”
