It’s funny how easily we can get distracted. In my case it was dealing with a runner’s low that reintroduced the iPod back into my running routine. Without thinking about it, my 0ne-on-one time with God and prayer became less and less on my runs. It’s difficult to pray with Nickelback and DragonForce blowing out your eardrums.

So it came in the form of a simple message on Facebook, from someone commenting on earlier post on spiritual running, that brought about my Easter Eight with God (sort of ironic that that someone’s name was Faith). I left the iPod at home on a gorgeous Easter morning in Las Vegas. After saying my prerun prayer, I headed out on my usual 8-mile course but with my priorities set straight once again.

I don’t want you to think that this is something you need to learn. An exact science it is not. It’s simply using the time you have during your run to talk to God. In my case it starts with a running mantra “He has risen, saved by grace.” I break up the syllables to my stride and that helps clear my mind and lets me focus on the task at hand. Usually after a mile or so, I’m ready. Today being Easter, my mantra fits perfectly and that’s what my runs prayers focused on. It’s not all about prayer though. I use this time to just talk to God. Asking questions, making comments and saying prayers for other runners and cyclists. Living in the moment and appreciating everything He has done and will do in my life.

While I know this may not strike a chord with some of you, I find it spiritually rewarding and I think you will too. This is Our time. Not performed with hundreds of people but my direct connection with God that’s not limited by rituals or time constraints. It’s from my heart and I know that He is running along side me. Not just on that particular run, but running along side me in life.

Next time out, leave your iPod and distractions at home and give it a shot. I think you’ll be surprised at the results.

He has risen. Saved by grace.
RMFR

Finally finished reading Roger D. Joslin’s book, Running the Spiritual Path. I’m a slow reader. I generally drift off when I’m reading, but with this book, I reread parts because I wanted to – not because I had to. I treated it as a text book. A “guide” on how to better run in a meditative state where I could more easily be open to God and His world around us. While Mr. Joslin lays out great techniques and tips to help you on your journey, I found that when it comes right down to it – you need to do what works for you.

While Mr. Joslin runs most of his runs on trails, I run mostly on crowded streets with cars, bikes and a variety of stimuli that can make it hard to concentrate on your breath and stride. That’s the great part about it though. The harder you work to establish that connection to the Divine, the better the results.

I’ve attained the mediative “blue aura”, I’ve been able to focus on taking in God’s breath and have even held a mantra through the duration of the run. How we get there isn’t the point. It’s the willingness to try that matters. The same goes for my running philosophy. I don’t attain to be the strongest or fastest runner. To me, it’s effort, diligence and love that I have for running that matters most to me.

You may read these posts on Spiritual Running and could care less. That’s OK. But on your next run, I urge you to give it a try. The intent of your meditation does not need to be Spiritual in nature. By clearing your head and working towards quieting your soul – God will reach out to you in His way. Whether it is a strong wind, a gorgeous trail, the warmth of the sun or a smiling stranger – God is there.

“Run toward God and know that far in the distance God is running toward you.”
- Roger D. Joslin