Think It. Do it!

I often exercise without listening to music, which seems quite odd these days, especially to the younger generation. On trails, the road or in gyms most folks are plugged into some electronic device. Even when I do run with a MP3 player, I do so to allow the music to provide background while my mind wanders and wonders. More times than not, I take time to pray while running. Along with prayer, I've noted many times how much I appreciate connecting to nature while running. Other than that I tend to muse, recollect, construct sociological and religious theories or plan for things I need to do. These tasks can be in the short or long term. I “run” through mental checklists of what has been accomplished and what needs to be addressed. In short, it’s like doing a progress check on my goals. I'm a firm believer in setting positive goals and using affirming mantras with great regularity. Over the years one of the things I visualized while exercising was participating in a community of scholars. In 2000 that goal came to fruition, and continues to evolve. I’m delighted at the to be participating in research and educational settings. These achieved goals did not disappoint. Still, each day I am mindful and fairly intentional about thinking through my to-do list and my dynamic list of goals. Also, I tend to rotate mantras. Here are two quotes that I like. “Take the first step in faith. You don’t’ have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “When you visualize then you materialize. If you have been there in the mind, you’ll go there in the body.” ~Denis Waitly, Jr. I’m not suggesting things just happen. I support being a positive advocate for what you want and actively being involved in making things happen. Think it. Do it. Run. Tom