To mark this year’s Global Running Day in June, Julia Chi Taylor explains how her lifelong relationship with running has helped her to grow, develop and learn skills that can be transferred into everyday life.
Running has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. It’s more than just a form of exercise or a way to stay fit – it’s my natural expression, my form of creativity, and my soul in motion.
From the moment I could walk, I’ve been running. It’s always felt like the most natural thing in the world. For me, running is not merely about physical movement; it’s about emotional and spiritual liberation. Every step I take is a step towards discovering and becoming my true self, free from attachments and ego.
A Journey of Self-Discovery
Running has been an incredible place of learning and growth, a mirror reflecting my innermost self. It has taught me resilience, endurance, flexibility, and adaptability. Through running, I’ve faced myself, shed layers of ego, and confronted my deepest fears and doubts. It’s been both my nemesis and my salvation, always leading me back home to my true self.
The Meditative Aspect
Running is my meditation in motion. When I’m running, I am fully present, connected to the rhythm of my breath and the cadence of my steps. It’s a spiritual practice that aligns perfectly with my life’s spiritual orientation. It’s where I’ve experienced the greatest challenge of letting go of ego-driven desires and outcomes.
Training for Excellence
While running for fitness is enjoyable and keeps me healthy, it’s the pursuit of excellence that has truly shaped me. Training for races in the past and striving to push beyond my limits has been the ultimate test. This quest for excellence has forced me to confront myself and recognise innate skills such as resilience, presence, and mental fortitude, all of which can be applied to everyday life.
Facing Myself
In training to run fast and compete, I’ve had to face myself in the most honest way possible. It’s in these moments stretching to see if what I thought was possible was, in fact, possible, where I’ve grown the most as it is where I have come face to face with myself. It taught me how to stay present, adapt to challenges, and endure hardships, not just in running but in life as well.
The Essence of Running
Ultimately, running is a spiritual practice and a path to self-discovery. It’s a way for me to express my true self, free from the constraints of ego and societal expectations. It’s a testament to what’s possible when we align our body, mind, and spirit.
Join the Journey
If you’re a running enthusiast or someone who wants to run, I invite you to explore what running can mean for you. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming for a new personal best, running can be a powerful tool for transformation.
It’s not just about the miles you cover or the races you win; it’s about the person you become along the way.
Join my warm-up!
Incidentally, on Wednesday, 26 June, I’m hosting the warm-up at Run Through’s Women’s 5K and 10K events at Olympic Park in London. I’m also speaking at this event. You can find more information and details on how to enter on the Run Through website.
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