Shinrin-Yoku

I just ran across a concept that originated in Japan called shinrin-yoku (no, do not ask me how to pronounce that). This roughly translates into 'forest-bathing,' or taking a walk outside, in the woods, to benefit from the 'natural aromatherapy.'

 What I find fascinating about this is that it is not just a cultural activity, but has also been studied in a somewhat methodological way. See, for example, this study titled "Trends in research related to "Shinrin-yoku" in Japan.". The paper is quite extensive, citing several different measures (objective and subjective) in several different forests in Japan.

Another article, currently in press, links this shinrin-yoku concept with an improvement in depressive symptoms. A well written summary of the findings from that article are described here by a fairly well known exercise and fitness writer, Alex Hutchinson.

 What struck me about this article is the explanation (beyond the supposed intake of essential oils, which seems dubious) of the difference between voluntary and involuntary attention. The author states that voluntary attention, i.e. those things we have to focus on to get through the day, such as work, driving, and other distractions can be mentally, if not physically, exhausting. By contrast, going out into the woods (or some other quiet, natural area) allows their involuntary focus to take control; in other words, your mind is allowed to wander, and your brain gets a mental respite of sorts.

 This is fascinating for me on many levels, mostly because I seem to experience this phenomenon whenever I am able to get out into the woods for either a run, hike, or anything else. My mind does seem to switch gears, and I am able to sort out my thoughts, understand what I am feeling or thinking, and often experience moments of clarity about difficult issues or decisions I have to make. Without fail, I feel more relaxed, in a better mood, and better able to face whatever is being thrown at me afterwards. I often find that I do not get these same benefits if I run on the road/sidewalk; perhaps my involuntary attention never quite wins out over the voluntary attention in those settings.

These are also the times I get a much more clear sense of God, and what he is trying to get me to hear. It is far too easy to be dsitracted by music, people, TV, the internet, or any other stimuli that often surround us. Just simply leaving that ll behind, and getting out into the peace and quite of a natural setting can not only remove those distractions, but switch our focus entirely.

If you do not do so already, I would encourage you to take your next run in a natural setting; it could be a trail, park, or anything like that (and without your Ipod!). You may find your mind wander into areas that it has not been in a while. Perhaps you may finally hear God's voice in a way you have not in a while, either.

Old dogs, children and watermelon wine??. 

This song came to my mind recently on a run in Central Park. We had traveled to NYC to visit our children and celebrate our grandson’s 3^rd birthday. I always attempt to get in a few runs in the park when we visit NYC. The birthday party was a huge success. The party had about 14- 2 to 4 year olds and their parent entourage. The apartment where the party was held was great but claustrophobia had started to set in for me and I required some open space to breath and  run.

 This was a country song of the mid 70’s by Tom T Hall.   It was about a guy sitting in a bar in Miami pouring blended whiskey down when an old black gentleman was cleaning up the lounge. He sat down uninvited, and opened up his mind. About old dogs and children and watermelon wine. The song is about true friends and trust.

The guy cleaning up the lounge saw this guy attempting to drown his life with a bottle and realized that he could use some advice about life. I have always liked this song. Not because I like watermelon wine but the words have a great deal of truth to them. You see, old dogs are always faithful and stand beside you even when you don’t always treat them as you should. They always return to sit by your side or lick your hand. They are not capable of holding a grudge because you forgot to feed them or let the water bowl run dry. They just lay their head on your hand and look at you with their loving eyes like you could never do any wrong by them. They are your friend to the end. The song then explains about the heart of little children. The line says,, God bless little children when they are to young to hate. It is true. Little children are very forgiving and they will jump right back into your lap. Their innocence is unexplainable when they are still young. It is sad when they become older and learn how to hate.

And then there is the watermelon wine. The old gentleman explains how the wine can sooth the soul and will help you to get through life. I have to say that I drank some wine in my earlier years. I think it was even watermelon wine at that. Boones Farm was the brand if I remember correctly. All I remember about the three dollar wine with the screw off cap was it left my soul with a bad headache the next morning. I do not even remember it being much fun while I was drinking it.

OK, I agree with the first two points of wisdom from this old guy but I will have to disagree about the wine. What does this have to do with running?

 I think I would like to change this song to old dogs, children and a good 5 mile run. There is just something about being out on the road or trail that helps to open up our mind and refresh our soul. Many runners know exactly what I am talking about. I have never returned from a run that I didn’t see or hear something that helps me with life. Sometimes  very trivial, and sometimes something life changing. Sometimes just to ease the stress of what ever has been a heavy burden on my back. So,,,I wonder if Tom T is still alive and would consider a revised edition?

What is your burden today? Maybe you need to just lace them up and go sooth your soul.

I KNOW WHERE I AM RUNNING

It is interesting to wake up one day and discover you are almost 59 years old. It is not that 59 has any significance but is does make one ponder what happen to the first 58 and how many more days are still on God’s calendar for your earthly existence. I guess the one good thing about reaching the 59 mark is you realize that all the hype about life and grabbing all the gusto is exactly as king Solomon aptly described, Vanity of vanity, all is vanity and striving after the wind. I cannot really tell the number of times I have fallen into a false belief that every thing is running pretty smoothly and my troubles have finally provided me a break. I guess some of that is true except the break never seems to last long enough. I am however thankful that the short breaks allowed me to catch a breath and start swinging again. It is at this point of almost 59 that I realize I am tired of getting back up to proceed with the fight and swinging again. I guess I could actually say some of this thinking began about 7 years ago when I started running. I discovered a wonderful thing while pounding the pavement with dreams of returning to my driveway without a major M.I. When I was out running I could sense a real closeness with my thoughts and the quite whispers of my Almighty. I could think much more clearly. I could not hear a cell phone ring or someone asking me a question or wonder why the person in front of me is driving 35 mph in a 45mph zone. I could hear my thoughts, I could hear my answers and if I was really listening carefully, I could hear God’s answers. I also came to understand that worship is not what happens within a church. Maybe this is true for some folks, but not for me. My best times of worship always come when I am truly alone with God and the pavement. Maybe it is just me but I find organized religion more of a distraction from God instead of drawing one to God. It is for this reason that after being involved in many different aspects of ministry of 36 years, I have decided to set aside religion and be still. It sounds funny to talk about being still when I understand that really means more road time and intense discussions. The modern church has really made the main thing for people to invest in is their religion. It is and will always be about relationship. Relationship with the Lord. So off I go to deepen that relationship with the One, not some one or something to hold on to. I understand and know where I am running. Do you?

Introverted running

I ran across this blog post the other day, from a blog called the Introverted Church:
http://www.introvertedchurch.com/2012/05/introvert-saturday-top-5-things.html

Being rather introverted myself, especially in larger social situations, this really struck home to me.  I cannot count the number of times I have either snuck out of the service right before the meet and greet phase, or busied myself with something vitally important at my seat.  Similar situations arise at work; if I am in a meeting, there is an expectation that I actually participate.  This is not a big deal if it is a smaller group of colleagues I work with on a regular basis.  However, the pressure is higher if it is a larger group--i feel a need to contribute and to say something smart.  Conferences are the worst--hundreds of people I do not know and feel a need to impress with my impressive PowerPoint skills and knowledge is daunting and simply exhausting.

This is where running saves me, at least psychologically.  Whether it is by myself (which it usually is) or with others, there is no pressure to be something I am not comfortable being.  It is hard to pass yourself off as smarter than you are (or, in this case, faster than you are) when you are sweating, panting, and wearing running shorts.  It's also hard not to get to know folks when running; at least for me, it is a much more natural way of getting to know someone than going up to them in the middle of a Sunday service.  Maybe next time we do a meet and greet during the service, I will ask the person I've just met if they would like to go for a run...

Rest?

One basic tenet in running, and running well, is knowing when to push yourself, and when to take a break and give your body some rest.  I am not good at resting; I like to be active, moving, and most of all, running. Sometimes, this gets me into trouble with excessive fatigue, poor performance, or even an injury.  Even then, I am reluctant to take it easy and give my body a break.

Now, though, I am forced to take a two week break due to a recent sinus surgery.  There is nothing like the treat of a gushing nose that will force one to stop, take a step back, and take a break from running for a bit.  While I was a bit annoyed that I cannot run for so long, I am actually now looking forward to the respite.  I hope that a couple nagging injuries can clear up (I'm talking to you, right ankle and left Achilles) during this time.  I am also looking forward to a bit more free time to get things done--running 4-6 times per week is a bit of a time sink.

But more than that, I am looking forward to a newer appreciation of running, when I do return.  Hopefully this surgery will allow me to not only sleep better, but run better as well.  This, combined with a renewed perception of running itself, will keep me going for years to come.