Balancing activity with current condition
Since injury well over two years ago, I have struggled to become more fully active without hurting myself. In other words, how do I use myself intelligently given my current condition of self?
My Osteopathic doctor recommended that I only run on softer surfaces. The beach in Kauai, where I can run barefoot with ease, is ideal, but since I don’t live in Kauai…. Although I respect, value and deeply appreciate my excellent Osteopathic doctor, and have every intention of using myself well in all circumstances, I just have to experience the exhilaration of a morning hill run with all the bird songs and fresh breezes from Puget Sound, as well as the resulting endorphins that inform the rest of my day.
So, what do I do? I go out for my morning run with a request for an overall elastic response to the ground. I intend for my breath and my use to be mutually supportive. As my breath proceeds through my entire length of spinal curves, my legs release into the ground, and all impact translates in a spiral up and out of my head. Running becomes an experience of invisible effort and spiraling ease. I pay attention to any pain signals and walk when running is not easy. I listen with joy to the morning bird songs, enjoy the breezes from Puget Sound, become a rhythm, and discover a new narrative beyond previous experience.
Balancing urgency for activity with current conditions of self is an ongoing exploration.