Run for the sheer joy of moving your body from "summary" of The Joy of Movement by Kelly McGonigal
When you run for the sheer joy of moving your body, you are tapping into one of the most fundamental reasons humans have ever run. Long before running became a competitive sport or a form of exercise, it was a means of survival and a way to explore the world. Our ancestors ran to chase down prey, to escape danger, to deliver messages, or simply to see what was over the next hill. Running was not a chore or a punishment; it was a joyous expression of what it means to be alive.
When you run for the sheer joy of moving your body, you are connecting with something primal and deeply human. You are embodying the freedom and possibility that running has always represented. In a world where we are often disconnected from our bodies and our natural environment, running can be a powerful reminder of our physicality and our place in the world.
When you run for the sheer joy of moving your body, you are not focused on outcomes or performance. You are not running to burn calories or to achieve a personal best. You are running for the pure pleasure of feeling your muscles move, your breath flow, and your heart beat. You are running to experience the simple, unadulterated joy of being in motion.
When you run for the sheer joy of moving your body, you are embracing a mindset that is rooted in play, exploration, and self-expression. You are engaging in an activity that is inherently joyful and fulfilling, regardless of pace or distance. You are running for the sake of running, for the sake of feeling alive and connected to your body and the world around you.
When you run for the sheer joy of moving your body, you are honoring the ancient and universal impulse to move, explore, and connect with the world through your own physicality. You are tapping into a wellspring of vitality and pleasure that is available to all of us, regardless of age, ability, or experience. So lace up your shoes, step outside, and run for the sheer joy of moving your body.
