should we listen to music when we run? some thoughts on having control over our life
Ideothetic Flow
Hi!
In Why You Should Run Without Music , Martin Fritz Huber describes some of the reasons why we should run without listening to music. By choosing our music for the run, we are "trying to tacitly control your experience". In a modern world where we are exposed to far too much information all the time, he feels we should use running as a time to leave the mind to wander and let our imagination go wild, rather than try to control it.
I found this article interesting because I never thought of my running music as trying to gain control over the running experience. It had me thinking further about how much control we have over our lives, and our efforts to be in control.
I think there is nothing wrong with trying to control an experience. The pace of the world and the demands of work on most of us are such that uncertainty is a huge part of our lives. Often, work never goes as planned and we end up having to fight fires, or cancel evening plans. We have little control over many other things: the outcome of our decisions; whether or not people like us; whether that event will be worth our time; traffic and public transport; how the future will turn out; and most importantly, that we will always have our health.
Amidst all this, I am not surprised that, when we have a chance to do so, we jump at the chance to take control of that experience. Our running music is one of the few times in which we can actually reduce that uncertainty and feel in control of what is happening. This could be a good break from the vagaries of our normal existence, and might be more important than letting our mind wander during a run.
I have always had trouble with the lack of control. Especially since starting work as a lawyer, and now being legal counsel in a fast-changing company. Thankfully, I have always been quite fortunate to have good hours. However, I still constantly fear having to cancel on plans because of something that crops up suddenly.
Just this week I have been feeling stressed because of several unconfirmed work trips in the coming few weeks, that might possibly conflict with one another and some other personal commitments. This lack of certainty has been causing both anxiety and frustration, as I may have to miss some important personal events. I tend to easily let the negative thoughts build up, and until things crystallise, am unable to feel relaxed.
I have a deep respect for those who are able to handle these issues unflinchingly. To drop or change plans without a hint of frustration, or to stay positive in the face of what might possibly be a bad week or period. I wish I could learn to be more like this.
What do you all think about this? Should we try to control our running (or any other) experiences? Perhaps you are asking why we should even run at all (I sometimes do). How do you deal with uncertainty in your life and work? Is it something you get used to, or embrace as a good thing? I would love to hear any recommendations.
Hope you have a great week ahead!
James
ABOUT
Ideothetic Flow is a fortnightly newsletter where I reflect on insights that I have found useful in rethinking life in a more realistic way.
Modern culture, media, and technology, for all their benefits, have distorted the view of a complete and happy life. The ideas I share are those which have helped me gain a deeper understanding of my own identity and circumstances, and inspire change towards a happier life, and I hope they will do the same for anyone else who reads this.
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