Running solo: Send out some love

I don’t know about you, but I’m getting quite antsy during this lockdown. And I’m definitely missing human contact. I live alone and have been working from home, so don’t see a lot of people in my daily life. Because of this, I’ve noticed that I can really get in my own head. I’m a lot less patient and happy around other people, when I’m out in the world. Humans are so irritating, right? And yet, I miss them so much, and I’m sad about it! Argh!

So I started doing this practice on my runs and walks: when I cross another person’s path, I mentally send them a compliment and some love. I call these my “I love you” runs. It might feel silly when you start, but then becomes a fun challenge. You don’t have to make eye contact, or wave, or do anything out of the ordinary. Just think a nice thought, directed at whomever you see. Examples:

“I love you and you are rocking that purple hat!”

“I love you and it’s so great you’re on a walk with your baby!”

“I love you and you are running way faster than I am, go go go!” And so on.

I noticed two things when I went on these “I love you” runs. First, the run went by so much faster, because I was so distracted looking for people and thinking of compliments and nice thoughts. Second, at the end of my runs, I would be in a fantastic mood. I started the run feeling alone and irritated, and ended it feeling peaceful and connected to the world around me. How was it possible?

The author Bob Goff wrote:

“Love does whatever it takes to multiply itself and somehow along the way everyone becomes a part of it.”

I love this idea. What a cool thought: I can help to multiply the love and good vibes in the air, and not only do I benefit, but maybe the people on my path do as well. It might be a little too “woo-woo” for some, but, I find comfort in it. And it motivates me to get out the door and go on a walk or a run, and share some love with everyone. I hope it inspires you as well. I love you and I think you are doing great!