FALL 2023
“Consciousness is only possible through change; change is only possible through movement.”
~Aldous Huxley, The Art of Seeing
How we get through our daily lives is dictated by movement and non-movement. Even in non-movement, we are breathing, beating, flowing on a deeper level that we are not always conscious of unless there is intention. The intention of movement instead of the obligation; finding the meaning in each step and rotation of the body, mind and spirit.
In movement we find change. In change we find a deeper sense of self that could possibly lead to moments of deeper consciousness.
Making every movement count is difficult. Living with full intention can be exhausting, and anyone saying they are is selling something or are the 1% who truly are able to do it.
Does there have to be an assigned meaning to every movement? No, of course not. We don’t always have to name a dance move, a yoga pose, a mental shift, a new habit, an altered belief or a feeling that moves within us or affects us, but maybe we can acknowledge that something is moving within us and does affect us.
What I forget about running is that it will always honor hard work.
I have been going on morning runs this past week instead of the usual afternoons, and it has not been easy to make that switch. Setting more alarms than normal, I hit snooze and find a new position under my blanket–I wrestle with the intention of change.
I had felt heavy and slow during my runs all week and was not necessarily looking forward to a long run (9 miles) this morning in preparation for a marathon in December. But for some reason, I felt great.
The air was cool after a strong storm the night before. Large branches broken off in neighbors lawns, scattered puddles, dark clouds drifted away from me with traces of lightning still striking as they moved to the next town.
I kept a consistent pace throughout the first 5 miles and before I knew it, I was already at mile 7 before making my way back home for my last 2.
I finished with a burn as I climbed my own little “Heartbreak Hill” in this slow suburb neighborhood. My despondent attitude had emptied on the road and I was now filled with satisfaction for my small accomplishment of the day.
What I forget about running is that it will always honor hard work. Whether or not I had a good attitude going into my long run, I had already put in the miles the week before to be able to do it. Experienced runners will know that this is only the beginning of a marathon training regimen that requires consistency, but taking these small wins with me for my next run is vital and sometimes all I have.
I was reminded that my willingness to move initiated change in my body and, now, in my mind. A new message resonates in my self-talk that I am capable, and everything I need is within me to accomplish my goals…I find my deeper self during and after running.
Will I remember to move with meaning tomorrow? I don’t know, but today I made an intention and saw it through. I decided to move with meaning–with a purpose. I decided that I would like to see change in the future and that has to begin today.
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