The past week has been spent trying to curb my need to go fast, and, therefore, run out of breath and enthusiasm! So there's been a lot of walk breaks to bring the heart rate down to a moderate range before picking up the tempo and running again. I've noticed on my walk breaks that if I concentrate on breathing and walking, enjoying the scenery and fresh air, the heart rate comes down rather quickly (a sign of fitness). But if I let my mind wander and I start to worry over something, I look down and my heart rate has jumped up a couple of beats. No change in my tempo - still walking the same speed - but the heart rate goes up!
On Sunday, I focused more on this. Sure enough, as soon as I started to think of something that needed to be done - or began making plans in my head for the week's events - or even thought about my running goals - the heart rate climbed! Then, as I cleared my mind and just let everything slip away, the heart rate slowed down and regulated. Interesting! No wonder people advocate meditation as a way to relieve stress!
As mentioned, I have spent time working on getting rid of the Worry Wart Gene - one of those strategies was to meditate. But, like most things, it takes dedication, commitment and routine. I got out of the habit. Looking back, I really enjoyed my daily meditation. Looking back, I also realize I didn't spend as much time on the computer. Perhaps some of my computer time needs to be replaced with meditation. The heart rate monitor has not only shown me why my running isn't improving (too fast, too out of breath, too discouraging), but it's also shown me that I need to spend some time clearing my mind, focusing on the now and, ironic, slowing down!
Are you a Worry Wart? Have you tried meditation?
I don't feel like I sit around worrying, but I am a worrier. In any given situation, my mind automatically goes to the worst possible outcome. I do try to throttle it back once I realize what I'm thinking, but I'm not always that self-aware. For me, introspection is more the key than meditation - although, I suppose introspection can be a form of meditation. I sit and think about my stress and try to figure out what's causing it, and whether I can do anything about it. If I can't, I try to let it go. That's the hardest part - letting go of things I have no control over. And that's where I fall down most often.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely introspection can be a form of meditation, B.E. And good for you for 'letting go' that which you have no control over (or trying to, as the case may be). I tend to hold on for so long by the time I am ready to let go, I'm the only one either still worrying about it or still remembering what it was all about (yeah, can you say 'hold a grudge'?).
Delete"Worst possible outcome" - default for me, too!
I'm most definitely a worrier and my daughter who has special needs is a HUGE worrier. Oddly enough, we haven't tried meditation together! Will have to do that. We do have an awesome book (great for adults, too) called, Sometimes You Just Have to Think About Tomatoes. And you're right, managing that worry gene (because it's strongly linked to heredity)takes conscious effort!
ReplyDeleteGood luck meditating!
Ooh, I'll have to check out that book, Karyn! I totally think you and your daughter should look into meditating together - I know when I taught I used deep breathing exercises and trigger points for my more challenging students and they really responded to it! Helped me, too ;)
DeleteWell thank you to the extended family, well and you too. LOL just cause. I worry about worring to much so..... yep I am a worry wart. Oddly enough I have been having issues you know about so maybe it is that and stress? MMM maybe I should try meditating, not sure I am disciplined enough for that though. Ah well look at gran, she is a huge worry wart and she is 82. I will just take after her.
ReplyDeleteIs this why you said talk to you later today? LOL you knew I was going to comment on this post.
You're welcome, Richelle! And you're right, meditation takes a lot of discipline - sitting doing nothing in this time of constantly moving and instant gratification is a very difficult task! I think you should try it - really simple, you don't even need to sit on the floor...just a comfortable chair and close your eyes, breathe in deeply through your nose, out through your mouth, relax. When I started meditating back when, I used to count my breaths - aimed for 50 - always bring my mind back to my breathing if I lost count and aimed for ten before calling it done for the day. Eventually, I was able to move to timed meditation - but it took a long time!
DeleteI'm totally a worrier. It's in my genes as well. I just try saying to myself, "don't worry about the things you can't control."
ReplyDeleteI think that's the important thing, Patti - to not let the things that are out of our control play havoc with our mind! At least that's what I try and tell myself ;)
DeleteThanks for stopping by today - looks like you're in the company of worriers!!
Honestly! You haven't known a worry wart until you meet Husband. He worries about everything. He is sure I can't return something or get something or find something or do ANYTHING. I say "Of course I can. Wait here". There is no point telling him not to worry.
ReplyDeleteI ask myself: Will this hurt anybody? Me?
"What is the worst that can happen"?
Has anyone who has done this lived to tell the tale?
Or were they eaten by dragons and/or panda bears?
Did anyone cut me out of their life? Do I care about that person?
Will I get praise - even a medal?
And then I worry that I haven't asked myself enough questions.......
There really is no point in telling a worrier to not worry! And great questions to ask yourself if you are a worrier, Connie. I know in the past I've used the "Is this going to matter when I'm 80?" and then worry accordingly. It used to work - maybe I'll have to go back to that mantra ;)
DeleteWorry? Who me? *hides hands so no one sees chewed nails* I live and breathe by the paper bag. But I don't worry. No. Not at all.... *looks shifty-eyed*
ReplyDeleteI am proud of you for your running perseverance. And meditation may be just what you need. Now, if you can only figure out a way to meditate while you run. You know, find The Zone(tm).
Holy Crap - just realized I was over at your blog first thing this morning and didn't get back there to share in the excitment...
DeleteEveryone - today's release day for Silver's new book Blood Moon, part one in a super-duper trilogy called Moonstruck She's launching the self-published novella with a sweet opening week - just 99 cents! Head on over to her website www.silverjames.com for all the details!!
I would be worried sick right now if I were in your shoes, Silver (and you're talking to a nail biter, too). But I know you'll do great!!
Ah, The Zone - gotta love it when you find it :)