Sensory Feasting
Here's the setting:
A mid-western half-finished basement, not well lighted, an overhead fan whirling
away at high speed, and the rhythmic belt of the treadmill turning and turning.
The smell of laundry detergent, a clothes dryer, and a general dampness in the
air.
A lot of my runs the past few days have been under these circumstances. My
senses get bored real quickly with this setting. Sensory deprivation sets in and
then ... running blackout! I hate running blackouts! One of the reasons I run is
for awareness. Indoor running seems to rob me of the constant rush of sensory
information that I get when barefoot running outdoors.
When I finally get outside for a run, the first thing I notice is the sunshine
(or rain, wind, whatever), then the different textures under my feet, whether it
be concrete or asphalt. I can feel the sun's warmth as it stimulates my "soles".
Then, there are people passing, saying "hello!" or kids playing nearby, or a
lawn mower producing its distinctive sound and the smell of fresh cut grass. Ah,
this is more like it! Once again, my senses are feasting!
I appreciate, and have a deep sense of gratitude for outdoor running, especially
when these runs are limited due to circumstance (such as my schedule the past
couple of weeks working the gulf coast disaster). I think that is one of the
reasons I enjoy running so much sans shoes, especially outside. It is a virtual
sensory smorgasbord! The smells, the sights, and the feelings of all the various
things the soles of my feet touch. Even the sweating is different. When I am
treadmill running, the constant fan speed dries the sweat as fast as I perspire.
However, when I am running outside I can actually smell the sunshine and
humidity as it mingles with the sweat. I always appreciated what Dr. Sheehan
said about a good workout ... "Honest sweat doesn't stink".
Think about the sensory monotony of solitary confinement -- how it must be
horrific to the psyche. However, on the other end of the spectrum, one might
find too much stimulation. I grew up in the 60s and 70s where the motto "if it
feels good, do it" prevailed. I'm sure I used that saying to justify some of my
youthful excesses, however it also taught me to look for simple pleasures in
life and enjoy them. Since I no longer tear myself down with over indulgence of
mind altering substances, I satisfy my body, soul, and spirit with sensory
indulgences such as barefoot running. And, especially, outdoor barefoot running.
Maybe I could compare indoor barefoot running on a treadmill or a track to
settling for a Swanson's TV Dinner. However, to step outside and cover the same
distance might be like feasting at Thanksgiving. Hmmmm .... wonder which I would
choose? I think I would get overly satiated with rich foods if I ate like
Thanksgiving everyday. Not sure that feasting is a good idea to do on a regular
basis. I also know that TV dinners would be a bad choice day after day.
Once again, I am confronted by the principal of moderation -- a position of
balance. Recalling those immortal words by the contemporary Muse, Joni Mitchell,
"Don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you got 'til it's gone" I
just have to remember that lack will always drive me toward fulfillment and
vice-versa.
So, the next time someone sees me running barefoot and yells "Hey buddy, you've
lost your senses!" I can turn around and say with a smile, "Nope, just my
shoes!"