How to running Information

Long distance running commonly creates a suspension of knee-jerk judgments and creates a sense euphoria that is sometimes also referred to as an “altered state of consciousness.” As an amateur runner who averages only about 10 to 12 miles a week, I still concur with that statement.

Actually there are quite a few religious orders which use long-distance ultra-marathon running (anything over 26 miles) as a tool to transcend the body consciousness, to eliminate the mental limitations and biases, and to open up the mind to a new “floating” awareness which looks at the world from a brand new objective point of view. There are actually reports of out-of-body experiences among some ultra-runners as well.

The Shri Chinmoy Order headquartered in New York City, for example, is well known for the fantastic running feats it encourages its members to tackle in order to transcend the mind’s concepts about “physical reality” and the “body’s limitations.”

The Shri Chinmoy Marathon Team regularly organizes and participates in 50K and 100K races.

The “Running Monks” present another amazing fusion of running ands religious discipline.

In order to gain access to higher levels of consciousness through running, a certain Buddhist sect in Japan allegedly run (are you ready for this?) 100 marathons on 100 consecutive days!

Waking up at 1:30 a.m. in the morning, the monks pray and meditate for an hour. Then they hit the road and run 26 miles. After the marathon they are back to their normal daily chores and prayers, and then to bed early in the evening.

The next day they do it all over again, for 100 days straight.

The monk who fails in the task, is asked to “end his life with the belt of his robe,” according to the Shri Chinmoy web site.

I’m all for pushing my body a little in order to reach a somewhat more elevated state of consciousness, humility and kindness.

But I don’t think I’ll ever reach a stage where I’d be going for the belt of my robe just because I can’t run 100 marathons in a row. I hope not anyways.

Ugur Akinci, Ph.D. is a Creative Copywriter, Editor, an experienced and award-winning Technical Communicator specializing in fundraising packages, direct sales copy, web content, press releases, movie reviews and hi-tech documentation. He has worked as a Technical Writer for Fortune 100 companies for the last 7 years.

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Have you ever wondered why joggers, as they plod forth in grim determination, never smile? It’s something that mystified me occasionally, as I enjoy my walk along a country path with my dog. And then I finally figured it out. Well, at least I think I did.

Not far from where I live, there is a disused old railway line. It’s an overgrown lane now and a rather pretty place to walk - far from traffic noise, with hedges and shrubs on either side, bursting with birdsong and the innocent beauty of country life. Admittedly, at times it’s a bit of a dog walkers’ highway and then there are the joggers racing along.

I’m aware that not everyone is keen on an overfriendly four legged fur ball bounding toward them, so when dog free people cross our path, I call Cookie and keep her at heal until they have passed, normally with a friendly hello and thanks. Not so with most runners.

Whereas other walkers smile, exchange a greeting and maybe even a few words, those people who run tend to hold their heads straight and their lips too. Rarely a word or even a nod, to loosen the concentrated gaze toward an invisible, maybe unattainable goal.

For a while I thought that maybe they’re so far up on their jogger’s high, that they don’t see us down below. But that wouldn’t make sense. would it? If you’re somewhere close to bliss, then surely you would exude that from every part of your being. It would be joy and joy is contagious, it’s fun and brings a smile and a bounce.

So, why do joggers never smile? And what’s the secret of those who do? My theory is that the reason many people run isn’t one that really motivates, inspires and energises them. They aren’t running ‘in the moment’, but hastening toward more fitness, less weight and social acceptance as a trend follower. They are literally chasing after an external goal that is frustratingly far away in the future. But then, occasionally, there is a very different kind of runner.

The person who may be just as pooped, but has a glow on their face that’s not just sweat. They are the ones who are moving with their body, mind and soul right here in the present moment. Feeling the movement with each step they take, breathing in fresh, crisp air and experiencing pure delight at being able to do so. These are the runners who seem to glide past elegantly, leaving you feeling just that little bit better about your day as they send a little smile and a nod your way.

I’m certain that these are also the joggers who run for the mere sake of being alive, of enjoying their body and being in nature. There’s a spiritual side to their running - a kind of moving meditation. The fact that they will become healthier and fitter as a result is a welcome side effect and their joy is in the present moment.

And maybe, watching the grim and the happy runners and figuring out what made the difference was partly responsible for the development of BodyBliss

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