Well-being, the key to realization is with oneself

Once it happened, two friends, Krishna and Arjuna, while returning from the city. It got late and dark, luckily, Krishna had a light that helped them until they reached his place. Just as they got there, Krishna said, “Arjuna, good night”, and that's when it struck Arjuna that he still had a bit of a walk left to get to his own house. It dawned on him that while you might have some great company along life's journey, ultimately, it's your own journey you're walking on.

I hope that my experiences, both recounted here and those yet to come, will inspire someone to embark on their own journey, just as someone inspired me to begin mine.

My own journey started with a casual plan among friends at a potluck gathering, where we agreed to start jogging from the next day, choosing not to wait for that dreaded Monday. It was pleasant experience when everyone showed up, and we began with alternating ¼ mile runs and jogs. It was encouragement from each other which kept us going through the week even when the temperature ranged from 25 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit.

As weeks passed by, I made use of the spare time when I take my child to classes, replacing idle sitting and media consumption with walking and listening to media. New ideas emerged, I put concerted effort to find a meeting during work hour where I could walk and attend the meeting. All this helped me keep going with walking. Motivated by my progress, I invested in a watch to track my activities.

Few weeks passed…

During a casual conversation at another social event, a friend and I made an impromptu decision to go for a run the next day. With no specific plan in mind, we began running, only to discover that I could sustain a run for close to 90 minutes. Excitedly, I shared this achievement with my friends, which led to me and my friend registering for a half marathon. Over the following four weeks, we gradually increased our Saturday runs, covering distances of 6, 7.5, 9, and 11.5 miles.

Moving ahead…

The morning of the half marathon was wonderful experience, witnessing individuals from diverse backgrounds, ages, and genders, all sharing the excitement of the run. Surely run was tough and demanding perseverance and mental strength to complete. As I completed the half marathon, I realized that I hold the key for my wellbeing which has set me into new journey which I refer as “me being in spiritual path”. I look forward to sharing more of my experiences in the days to come. In the meantime, here are some valuable lessons I've gleaned from my journey:

·       You may find company one day and be alone another day. Just remember, it's your own journey.

·       Find a reason to engage in an activity, whether it's walking, jogging, or anything else.

·       Avoid making a rigid schedule or plan; instead, keep it fluid and spontaneous.

·       Make use of any available slot in your day.

·       When engaging in any physical activity (like walking, jogging, or running), remember to breathe through your nose and avoid mouth breathing.

·       Keep a smile on your face while doing activities.

·       Attach a higher purpose to your activity. During my runs, I often find a meditative state in the latter part, which brings me a sense of bliss and motivates me to keep going.

·       In the initial days, your body may not cooperate. Find ways to soothe it, such as taking a warm bath with Epsom salt or giving yourself a massage.

·       It's natural for different parts of your body, both upper and lower, to ache or feel pain. Acknowledge these sensations and find ways to soothe them. However, don't let it hinder your activity; keep going.

·       Consider registering for a marathon, whether it's a 5k, 10k, half, or full marathon. It can serve as great motivation in the initial stages.

·       Don't view this as a short-term endeavor but rather as an integral part of your life.

Keep realizing. I look forward to sharing more of my experiences soon.

Article in the series:

Wellbeing: My Experience with Weight-Loss Programs

Wellbeing: From Knowing to Becoming

Wellbeing: Realization from Knowing to Becoming