Chi Discussion Forum

After having finished reading the ChiRunning book, one of the things I want to add to my training program is Meditation. I have done a little bit of yoga, but not meditation per se. Can anyone recommend some resources as a starting point? General tips, books, websites, experience… anything would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Luisa

I’ve never actually done chi-running or chi-walking, but I meditate all the time. I can recommend all the books and tapes in the world, but really, it’s just about focusing your mind. Clear your mind of all thoughts and focus on one singular thing or nothing (a blank slate—perhaps a dark room). Once your mind is cleared, focus your attention on your heartbeat/breathing and only that. I assure you this works! It works for me, at least.

The mind can be so scattered that simply telling yourself to clear it can seem like an impossible task. By focusing on your breath, you can calm your mind and funnel it down to only one thought. Focus on how it feels to inhale and how it feels to exhale. When another thought comes to your mind, acknowledge it and then let it go. The point isn’t to stop these transient thoughts from coming, but instead to train ourselves to acknowledge and dismiss the thoughts when they come to our minds. Meditation is the act of learning focus and discipline.
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Thank you both for your recommendations.

StayCalm, I’ve started with the simple basis, but would like to do some reading. if you wouldn’t mind recommending your favorite book(s), that would be very helpful!

Luisa

Just the act of running in a Chi form is meditative in itself. You are so focused on form and even the metronome that your mind becomes clear. In the middle of a 12km run yesterday, around the river, I noticed very clearly a very beautiful spot by the river that I had passed many many times before. Because my mind was so clear, I was very aware of the beauty around me at the time and I even felt like I should stop and lie down and drink in some of that beauty. I didnt however and pushed on for rest of my run. On the last couple of kms I ran past a young fellow who was clearly struggling with his run. I slowed down and let him catch up to me. He asked me if the metronome was annoying and I suggested that he run with me and focus on the cadence. He did this and was amazed that he ran the last Km quicker than the other part on his run. I gave him the website and I think that he may now be a Chi Running convert !! Happy Running All !!