MIND | Meditation & Mindfulness
How much of what we experience is created by the mind, and how much is actually being experienced by the body?
Our physical capabilities are not defined by strength and fitness alone. The mind has an important role in how we move, how we respond to challenges and how we experience discomfort. Through meditation and mindfulness, you can begin to notice the difference between what the mind is telling us and what the body is actually feeling. For me, when embarking on an activity such as running I often have to be aware of quietening the busy or “monkey mind”, coming back into the body and finding presence in the moment. It is learning to be still (while moving), focused, comfortable and strong within yourself, even when things feel uncomfortable.
Meditation is a practice of developing greater awareness and internal balance. We begin by bringing calm to the body, bringing attention to the breath or another point of focus, noticing when the mind wanders and gently returning our attention again and again. There is no expectation to empty the mind or stop thinking (this mind is designed to think) — the practice is in noticing and returning. The breath becomes an anchor, helping to ground us when the mind becomes distracted or the body experiences challenge.
With regular practice, these simple tools can become something we carry into everyday life and movement, helping us to pause, observe rather than react, and become more accepting of what we are experiencing.
Through my own meditation practice and teaching with LifeFlow, I incorporate meditation, breath and mindfulness into coaching to help athletes develop not only physical endurance, but a deeper awareness of themselves.
Small actions, repeated every day, can create profound change whether we are sitting quietly, running through nature or simply learning to be present in our own lives.
Recommended Meditation Apps
Insight Timer
Smiling Mind
Waking Up
Calm
