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Erin's avatar

“….this idea that to truly change, we must have the patience to do the same thing over and over again.” So good!

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Bert Reid's avatar

Bert R

Yes, I do understand the calm when I started jumping rope, fifty years ago, not to mention the lucid dreaming at nights!

After millions of turns of the rope, thousands of miles of brisk walking and cycling, years of playing Squash I still,to this day, crave and enjoy my minimum five miles of walking each morning..irrespective of the weather. As I write I look forward to my 87th birthday…..and still more of these activities.

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marcella's avatar

Relatable 💫 running is so meditative - it’s like your brain turns off and you zone out at mile 5. Currently working through an injury but so ready to be back!!!

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Brian M's avatar

I was a runner (past tense, I wore out my joints by the time I was 60) and the "runner's high" was worth all the long term damage. It calmed me in the teen years when I was a hyperactive mess. Good for anyone who takes on distance running and finishes a marathon, or even gets close to finishing. It is worth the journey

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kevinjudahwhite's avatar

I wonder if long walks, eg. hikes, or swimming numerous laps of the pool would have the same meditative effect ...

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Peter E's avatar

It's why I go on 500 mile cycle touring rides through mountainous areas every year. It takes all your effort and concentration to get you to your destination each day. You have to let go of all the inconsequential clutter that has built up over the year. When you get back not only do you have the memory if an incredible experience you are so careful to only pick back up the things that really matter in your life.

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rachel's avatar

I love this so much! Running has given me peace like nothing else. The repetition and monotony really turns my brain off and lets me feel so content in the moment. Good luck on the marathon!!

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Sydney Salazar's avatar

Finally see the light at the end of the tunnel with a running injury and this made me so excited to get back out there :,)

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Lisa Shroyer's avatar

This resonated with me 🙏🏻 The biggest changes come from slow, long work. You should pay yourself $70!!!

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Loretta's avatar

I am smiling. I ran long distance for 30 years of my life and currently in my sunset. Running solitary most of those miles and miles I gained confidence and grace. Grace from above, ability to put one foot in front of the other allowed me to feel alive and complete. Now that life is slower and knees older I still put one foot in front of the other as I hike the woods not in search of anything because I know I am home. Proudly smiling at and with you! Enjoy!!!

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Elizabeth Williams Haarberg's avatar

I'm a licensed therapist and certified in EMDR. Yes, running is absolutely therapeutic, especially if done outdoors, accessing the chemicals that nature puts off to help the body and mind heal. Also, running ,because it is s a bi-lateral movement, bi-laterally stimulates the brain, similar to what EMDR does. Bi-lateral movement may help someone feel better, physically and emotionally. Keep moving!

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Sky Biedron's avatar

Obsessed with this: "How you feel something warm, and glowing, and enduring within you and you think: this must be what I was looking for."

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ClemenceDane's avatar

Sounds awesome. I never get bored. I've taken 12 hour train trips without any reading material or video players and looked out the window musing the whole time. I need to get back to running.

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Psauter2018@gmail.com's avatar

There are proven benefits from exercise and if it works for you that’s great. Personally, I’d rather put my effort into working hard physically in my garden and then have the additional benefit of enjoying the fruits of my labours.

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Ethan Calvert's avatar

“And then, suddenly, when the rain is pelting you on the West Side Highway, you realize how different you’ve become, how you exist in a body that can run 20 miles of New York City with ease, how your mind has developed a callous of resilience.”

And vice versa. We often repeat unhealthy things for years and find ourselves out of control of our minds, like you said, and wonder why it’s so hard to take control back. I love that you showed that so neatly! Great read!!

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Amy Gates's avatar

beautiful, Lydia!🌼

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