I haven’t written any recent posts lately on my two favorite things: running and yoga. So here it is. Lately, I’ve been doing much more yoga than running. I’m ok with that, except that I have a half marathon coming up in November! So- I need to step it up.
Running is my moving meditation… I go into a state of inward self realization where I always find out more and more about myself. I like to use the phrase, “running into stillness.” When my mind starts to wander, I bring my focus back to my breath to slow the monkey mind. (The monkey mind is a Buddhist term to explain the minds distracting thoughts). But why isn’t this always guaranteed in my yoga practice? Why can’t I always let go of my ego and back off yoga poses when I need to? I continuously work on honoring my intelligent edge, and being appreciative of my body where ever that edge may be.
Yoga is my sanctuary. It’s my reality. Deeper than this, it’s how I generate energy. I am not hooked on the accomplishments of my practice (such as achieving an arm stand, hand stand, or split) but to the opening and generation of energy in my body. Don’t get me wrong, I still get really excited when I master a new arm balance or technical pose- but that’s not my main focus. I find balance in my yoga practice by letting go and relaxing when I notice I am pushing myself too hard, and when I am too laid back I have to concentrate on pushing myself to my intelligent edge and turn on the control of the energy throughout my body. I am humbled every time I practice yoga and I always learn something new and greater than myself. I take what I learned from my mat (my reality) to magnify it into what some call the “real world.”
I will be writing another post (since this one is already lengthy) about how yoga has brought me closer to God than any other time in my life. 60-90 minutes on my mat each day is my retreat, my worship, and my prayer. Meditation is where my prayers are answered.
Yoga and running are very similar in the fact that they both encourage focusing inward, bringing the mind to the breath- creating a meditation. But they are so very different because running teaches you to go-go-go, whereas yoga focus’ on slooowing you down.
Focusing on breath is my main goal during each which helps me release all things emotional or physical. But with this said- I use two completely different breathing methods. In running, I use a combination of breathing in through my nose and out with my mouth. Where as in yoga, I strictly use ujjayi breathing… only using my nose to breath creating an oceanic sound in the back of my throat.
Finding a balance in these two can sometimes be hard for me. Running tends to tighten your muscles, where as yoga does just the opposite- it lengthens them. So, how can I stay deep (physically) in my yoga practice after all of this training/running? After training for a marathon and several half marathons, I have finally learned my {personal} trick to preventing tightness. Scheduling the run BEFORE a yoga practice! And I don’t mean a hot vigorous class, but a slow deep stretch/YIN class. When I do this, it allows me to counteract the muscles before they tighten. This has really helped my running as well as maintaining my yoga practice. With that said, a little tightness in running is good. But not so much in yoga, so it’s important for me to find a balance between the two.
I have so much to share about these two activities because they are my passion. A light shines in my heart from each- and I will forever feed that light.
What makes your heart shine??
Namaste and/or Happy Running,
-Erin
