Emma aged 12 crossing the Boston finish line.
Today is the 113th Boston Marathon and Emma Stockley is one of over 27,000 runners taking part in the race. Ten years after she ran in a junior high Massachusetts BAA race, she is crossing the finish line as an adult.
Some runners are competing to win while others are raising money for a charity of their choice. Emma is running for Great Kids Marathon Team (which is organized by Goodwill Industries and marks their 5th year participating in the Boston Marathon.) Details of Emma's fund-raising efforts are in a separate link at the end of today's blog.
Runners sometimes have a buddy that they run beside, or stay close to a pack where they pick up on each others energy, but running is predominantly a solitary sport.
It is an extraordinary feat of endurance that requires discipline, dedication, and a focused mind.
As the race continues and the miles go by, the rhythm of the pace takes over. Scenery, houses, trees and people drift by and gradually the thoughts lessen until the mind is focused only on the single step or breath. Mental strength develops and prepares an individual to control their body and thoughts.
Emma has laughingly said that "after a while, you run out of thoughts to think and just notice what is happening in the moment."
Meditation is the same.
With a person new to meditation, during the quiet moments the mind races and distracting thoughts intrude causing some people to give up by thinking that they can't focus enough to successfully meditate. In the same way that runners train alone but get to know their strengths and find their rhythm, learning to meditate requires getting to know your Self.
With continued practice, thoughts lessen as the mind develops clarity and learns how to develop single-pointed focus. Like most things in life, meditation takes practice but it can easily be learned bringing with it the rewards of purpose and self awareness. Allow your meditation to release your drive and enthusiasm and let it add significance to all you do.
THE DAILY EDGE
Helping You Expand Your Possibilities
TODAY'S EDGE:Hello Self
Meditation
In your meditation, practice sitting still and focus on getting to know your Self. Begin by focusing on the breath, finding a gently steady rhythm, and quieten the mind.
You may decide beforehand what you want to discover about your Self, or you may like to see what emerges during your meditation.
Like the marathon runners, stay the course. Know that after meditating regularly, thoughts and distractions will pass and you will be left only with your Self.
Your Self will not judge, but will be comforting and direct you to your life's purpose and help you find answers to questions.
This meditation helps you to know who you are and stay true to your real Self and to use each meditation session to strengthen your ability to bring your thoughts under control.
Each meditation session carries you over obstacles.
Delight in getting to know your Self and as each thought drifts on by you can find out how truly amazing you really are.
Meditation is for life. Practice it daily.
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