sport – Doing not Dreaming

Back in the day, my impression of volunteers was of elderly ladies with time on their hands being seen to be “doing good”. I hasten to add, this is not my impression now. Having given my time for different causes from packing hampers to be delivered to those in need at Christmas, to project management in a conservation charity and latterly in a variety of roles at sporting events I’ve definitely gained as much as I’ve given. I’ve got experience from working in different organisations, I’ve helped people to run distances from 5K to over 30 miles and met a great bunch of people and this has made my life richer.

I spoke to Linda Cairns, who I met at our local parkrun – an advert for the benefits of volunteering if one were needed – and we talked about her experience of volunteering, the London Olympics and how volunteering has led to her getting her perfect job.

Grab a cuppa and listen in to get motivated to find your place in your community. We recorded this after a parkrun in a sports centre café, so there’s a little background noise, but that’s all part of the parkrun spirit.

Inspired but not sure where to start?

Firstly read Linda’s blog: http://poweredbyvolunteers.net/wp/ and then check out https://do-it.org/ ; and here https://www.joininuk.org/ or just get in touch the next time your see something going on and wonder how you can get involved. I did just that to entertain a local lunch and activity club for the over 60s – they were delighted that I’d offered and I got an opportunity to practice my flute performance.

I thought this was just me. But apparently I’m not alone – does anyone else identify with this feeling. Not just of being able to run [or swim or cycle or yoga] forever, but of all sorts of things being possible. It seems that in the midst of exercise, once your mind has let go of the everyday worries and your body is dealing physiologically with the stress cycle, you inadvertently focus on your wildest dreams.

I can finish a run or a walk having generated an idea, clearly planned it out and be filled with enthusiasm to get started, even confident I can overcome any obstacles in my way including the naysayers’ attitudes. This could be a big travel plan, my next career move or adopting a new lifestyle. Everything seems so clear, so easy and, ultimately, possible and achievable.

If nothing else, this is one of the best reasons to do exercise. As well as the well documented physical health benefits, there’s another side. Exercise takes you back to reality: to the wild, natural you. Doing exercise gets you out of your mind and into your body. Your mind is then free to tap into those things that you want to think about, not the things that you feel you should do and not the barriers that we create for ourselves.

I’ve been inspired by Anna Kessel’s book Eat, Sweat, Play and she touches on this. On how being able to do sport/exercise can empower women in so many ways. From meeting new people to building physical strength and mental strength. She quotes Sarab, an Iraqi football coach working with girls in camps for displaced people and refugees, who explains:

“If you are shy to chase a ball, how can you achieve your dreams? Playing sport makes you feel free. It makes you feel like you can achieve anything”

I don’t think this feeling is unique to women and if everyone exercised a little bit, the world would be a healthier and happier place. I think sport can take us back to a baseline, a fresh start, where anything is possible.

I can’t answer the question of why or how. For me there’s a meditative aspect to running – a focus on breathing and rhythm and that’s all. Mindfulness on the run. Literally.

Give it a try – step outside and get moving. Who knows where it might take you?

If you’re feeling stuck and want some help and encouragement to get that oomph back in your life then get in touch.

Tag: sport

I could never…volunteer

When I run, anything seems possible