Make Running a Spiritual Practice

How can we make running a spiritual practice? Can we combine these two very different activities into one and improve both aspects at the same time?  Let's explore this possibility...    

What is a spiritual practice and how can we use running to enjoy more peace everyday with less illness and injury? Spirituality is about discovering our true self -- who we are at our core. Who were we before we became a result of our circumstances or experiences that affect how we think and feel today.

Running can help us become aware of and let go of emotions and resentments that we are holding in our bodies. Many of these are not in our awareness. To become more peaceful, we need to let go of traumas that we hold in our mind and subsequently our bodies. Running can help us remember who we are. So how do we do this?

Spiritual Practice

We already practice this with our surface emotions. When we feel frustrated with a current situation, we often say, "I need to go for a run." After running we feel so much better and we have released our anger and frustration. We may also have developed a new perspective on the situation now that we can see it more clearly.

How to make running a spiritual practice

To make running a spiritual practice, we use our running time to access old hurts at a deeper level of our consciousness. Try this technique on your next run:

1) As you start running, set your intention to release all past traumas and grievances you have experienced.

2) While your are running, notice your thoughts. You may notice that some incident comes to mind that gives you an unpleasant feeling, such as anger, guilt, resentment, etc. Allow these feelings to rise to the surface and "sit" with them a moment. Feel the emotion and then send forgiveness and love to yourself and whomever else was involved. You can release all resentments with peace.

This practice allows healing to take place on a very deep level. Repeat this process for each incident that comes to mind. Some memories may arise that you have previously forgotten about and some events may come to mind more than once. These are the ones which have probably affected you the most and will need more attention than others. 

Running helps us remember who we are

The following beautiful and relevant guidance from Pathways of Light can also help us remember who we are! 

Spiritual Practice


Over time you will probably realize that it is yourself who is the hardest person to forgive. When we let go of old grievances, we can experience the peace of mind that forgiveness grants us.

On the other hand if we don't release these old traumas, they will come to the surface in some form -- usually in our bodies -- such as an illness or an injury. Illness and injuries are often an unconscious form of self-punishment for unacknowledged and unreleased guilt. 

A simple example would be the common cold. The next time you feel yourself coming down with a cold notice what your predominant thoughts have been recently. 

Running can be very effective as a spiritual practice when we make it our intention. The physical exertion that it demands helps us to heal as emotions and traumas are more easily released from our bodies in this active state. Make running part of your spiritual practice and experience a more peaceful, healthy and injury free life. 

Please feel free to add your comments or questions below.

Back to top of Make Running a Spiritual Practice

Return to Spiritual Running 



FTC Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying  purchases. Learn more

NEW FEATURE - DISQUS COMMENTS!

Be the first to comment.
Login using Facebook, Twitter, Google or Disqus.

Loading Comments
#disqus_thread { min-height: 200px; }

Recent Articles

  1. It's an Awesome Product!

    Aug 28, 25 09:25 AM

    My iPhone 16 fits perfectly!
    I went out for a walk this morning and I used the #PRPocket for the first time. I had to check at least 3 times because I thought I lost my phone (iPhone

    Read More

  2. Running in Hot Weather: What Every Runner Needs to Know!

    Aug 14, 25 01:00 PM

    Female running on bridge with colorful flowers

    Hot summer runs can feel brutal—but they don’t have to be. With the right strategies, you can keep your pace steady, your body cool, and your mindset strong.

    Read More

  3. Sick of Dieting? You’re Not Alone — And There Is a Better Way.

    Jul 30, 25 12:18 PM

    Young woman happy after losing weight

    It's not your willpower that’s the problem — it’s your subconscious beliefs. I help people reprogram the beliefs that keep them stuck, so they can finally lose weight for good — without the constant…

    Read More

  4. Tips and Drills to Improve Your Running Cadence

    Jul 25, 25 12:52 PM

    Runner demonstrating quick, light steps to improve running cadence

    Learn how small changes can help you run faster, reduce injury, and feel stronger on every run.

    Read More

  5. Give Yourself a Self-Myofascial Release at Home with a Foam Roller!

    Jun 28, 25 07:19 AM

    Female athlete using foam roller to prevent running injuries

    Feeling sore after a run? Don’t skip your recovery! Foam rolling is one of the easiest ways to release tight muscles, boost flexibility, and prevent injuries.

    Read More

  6. The Overlooked Key to Better Performance and Fewer Injuries

    Jun 13, 25 01:13 PM

    Male runner on beach  running relaxed and injury free

    Most runners focus on building strength, endurance, and speed—but there’s a hidden performance booster that often gets ignored: relaxation.

    Read More

  7. 5 Ways to Speed Injury Recovery!

    May 02, 25 01:30 PM

    Smiling and happy female runner running injury free

    Struggling with a running injury and feeling frustrated or stuck? Let's take charge of our own healing so we can quickly recover from any running injury!

    Read More

  8. Want to Run Stronger and Feel Better Doing It?

    Apr 19, 25 10:14 AM

    Female runner feeling happy proud at finishing line

    Discover how positive affirmations for running can completely shift your mindset and transform your runs—from start to finish.

    Read More

  9. Do You or Someone you Know Suffer from Achilles Tendonitis?

    Mar 28, 25 03:14 PM

    Diagram of Achilles Tendon problems and Tendonitis

    Find out more about this frustrating condition, including why active recovery is essential and exercises to speed recovery.

    Read More

  10. Every runner needs to master this essential drill!

    Mar 17, 25 01:55 PM

    Young male runner running fast on a road on a beautiful sunny day

    The 100-Up exercise is a highly effective drill that enhances both running technique and performance. It can be practiced indoors or outdoors, and it also serves as a valuable tool for injury recover…

    Read More