That’s funny isn’t it. In this time of the Olympics and the heavy influence of things like CrossFit we are quite inspired and competitive. But those 2 words can actually be combined into something that is not so helpful. So often we set our goals based on something outside of ourselves….5K, 10K, 26.2M 140.6M, 24H, 7D……. Those goals are EVERYWHERE!!! How can you not! It takes a strong heart and a mindful body and a bodyful mind to not!!! So what does that mean? I have a history of participation in endurance events. Those events shaped me. But, I learned the most when I didn’t finish one I set out to finish. It was odd though. I didn’t make a firm choice not to finish. I just sort of meandered into not finishing. Truthfully l had hypothermia and was not mindful or bodyful but my heart was strong. I was strangely joyful. So, was it divine intervention??? Hmmmm?? I don’t know.
Our bodies and minds are intimately connected. When one isn’t working well neither is the other in many cases. Stephen Hawking is one example of an extremely superior mind that keeps a weak body going. It can also go the other way which is why physical exercises is so important in diseases like Alzheimer’s.
To my friends who participate in endurance events of all kinds; be mindful of your body and bodyful of your mind. The mind and the body live on a 2 way street. Each sends and receives messages from the other if we listen. Know when you are able to notice your body and when you are able to notice your thoughts during your training and your events. Because, when you check out of one or the other or both the only thing that can save you is divine intervention. When we check out of one or both we are likely injuring one or both. We can get in the habit of checking out of one or both or get in the habit of producing our own progressive discomfort because of a willful mind and strong body. If you assume goals set by others, someone you see, or an event organizer you adjust what your goal would have been if it were uniquely inspired. Those uniquely inspired ones are the most important and the most valuable. And be careful not to judge yourself by the goals set by others. And maybe even if you don’t achieve one of the goals set by someone else that you are trying to meet you will achieve the most amazing moment you could ever imagine. Set your own goal. It can occur within an outside goal. But don’t forget to allow your own goal to have more meaning. Maybe you can have a goal to try something new and find something new about yourself. Don’t let it come at the price of a versatile mind and healthy body. It’s easy to develop habits in training. Some are useful. Some are not. Habits can outgrow usefulness. Following a habit is not necessarily being mindful or bodyful. Notice when you are in a habit. Nuns got rid of them for a reason!