Blurring the lines between physical and spiritual training

Photo courtesy of zoetnet (Creative Commons)

Running each morning is an act of worship as much as exercise.

Yes, it’s a habit. Yes, it has become part of my morning routine. Yes, I feel incomplete without it.

But digging down deeper, I’ve realized there is more to the practice than just an endorphin rush. With each step, as my breathing settles into a rhythm, my mind begins to clear and a sort of peace settles in. Most days anyway. A song starts in my head, keeping time with my footsteps. I pray. I dream.

The route is decided before I head out, so there’s only enough alertness needed to watch for cars or creatures (like the skunk I’ve seen a couple of times). Running in the dark is preferable because it feels like a protective cover that increases the sense of peace.

The most satisfying runs result in extreme clarity of thought –ideas start flooding in and I fill the voice recorder capturing them – blog ideas, the solution to a problem at work, phrases to use in writing.

Normally a clock-watcher, the time seems to disappear for me on a run. As it fades into the background, I begin to notice the moon, sunrise, clouds, birds singing, deer, a fox.

When I open myself to the beauty of God around me and thank Him for that, He responds by unblocking my mind. I continue to be amazed at how a physical activity can become such a spiritual experience.

When has physical activity stimulated your mind and spirit?

 

Craft a reel vision for winning

Photo courtesy of NightRStar (Creative Commons)

What does winning look like to you?

No matter what your business or area of interest, winning plays a huge part in your ability to continue. A business that isn’t successful won’t last long, right? And if you are continually struggling with a skill or activity, your energy and effectiveness will wane.

In his book, The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg describes a tool Michael Phelps, the Olympic swimmer, used in his training. His coach suggested that he mentally visualize the perfect race – climbing onto the blocks, the start, strokes, turns, and finish. “He would lie in bed with his eyes shut and watch the entire competition, the smallest details, again and again, until he knew each second by heart,” says Duhigg.

Phelps has gone on to be the most decorated Olympian ever with 22 medals.

That habit of picturing the race made it possible for Michael to win even when his goggles malfunctioned and he couldn’t see to finish a race.

The practice of imagining works for more than swimming competitions.

Visualize the perfect customer interaction. The ideal shareholder meeting. A flawless training session. The ultimate conversation with your spouse. Whatever you do, imagine the Hollywood reel version in your head.

Envision the situation from beginning to end, and play it over until it feels part of you. Then when you are faced with the real situation, you will already know what to say and what to do.

Encouraging your team to visualize winning can empower them to become stronger team members and leaders. Have your team talk through their vision of winning at an off-site meeting to embed positive, successful ideas that will be released when they are faced with the circumstances in reality.

Don’t leave winning to chance. Proactively plan and rehearse the actions, words and expressions needed to gain victory.

What elements do you need to envision in order to win?