“Good humor is a tonic for mind and body. It is the best antidote for anxiety and depression. It is a business asset. It attracts and keeps friends. It lightens human burdens. It is the direct route to serenity and contentment.” – Grenville Kleiser
Buddha Beach, Sedona, Arizona.
What seems obvious to some, is incomprehensible to others. Like the other day, someone said to me, “I don’t understand why you run.” I restrained from answering, “Well, Dah!” because I realize how absurd it must look to see a runner on some obscure road, at any hour of the day, immersed in sweat. It has to be just as outlandish to believe that person is running by choice and having a good time. What is completely illogical to most, makes perfect sense to us runners.
The person who asked me why I run rides horses. As our conversation progressed, it turned out that he feels many of the same sensations saddling up and riding a horse that I do on an hour run—relaxed, unburdened, stress-free. Plodding one foot in front of the other year after year, for hours on end, sometimes for 26.2 miles, gives me an appreciation why mountain climbers climb, cyclist cycle, musicians play music and writers write. Each activity may be different in practice, but they all have the same in outcome.
Everyone needs an outlet, especially during stressful times. It doesn’t matter if it’s taking a walk, gardening, reading, pounding on the piano, cooking or going for a run. An outlet helps you decompress, restore order and invigorates your spirit. Or you could try Frank Costanza’s remedy for relieving stress and scream, “Serenity now!”
Relaxes, unburdened, stress-free. Some days it takes more miles than others to get there.
It certainly does. The important thing is to stick with it until you get there, even if it’s another day.
One of my all-time favorite Seinfeld scenes!
Me too, Jess. My problem is that I find myself saying that while watching many episodes. It is a classic, though.