‘Rhythms of the Dance’

5Rhythms is a movement meditation practice devised by Gabrielle Roth in the 1970s.

The exercise focuses on putting the body in motion in order to still the mind.

The five dance rhythms are:
Flowing – fluid, continuous, grounded glide of our own movements;
Staccato – percussive, pulsing beat that shapes us in a thousand different ways;
Chaos – rhythm of letting go, releasing into a catalytic wildness that can never be planned or repeated;
Lyrical – rhythm of trance, where the weight of self-consciousness dissolves as we lighten up and disappear into our own uniqueness; and
Stillness – quiet emptiness, where gentle movements rise and fall, start and end, in a field of silence.

These rhythms come together as a wave as Roth discovered they can liberate the free creative spirit inside each of us, regardless of our age, size or physical ability.

As music and dance are key motivators in my life, I always compared running to the five rhythms of the dance.

‘Flowing’ is the gradual build-up, when most runners embark on their initial preparation for the marathon, half or walk.

But with six weeks to go, we are now in what I call the ‘Staccato’ phase, where the intensity and training will peak for the next three weeks.

We have set our goals and we are doing our utmost to achieve them. However, training the mind is just as crucial as any other exercise.

The mind and body can work together to reach full potential when they are strong, powerful and positive... that is when we have the ability to control thoughts, feelings and emotions. Creating positive thoughts enables one to become more confident.

Smooth running

There were times in my life when due to consistent and chronic injuries, I negatively compared my body to an old, battered car I used to own.

I loved my car though and I did not want to part with it.

Incidentally, that car was purchased by a friend of mine. A new engine was fitted and it kept running smoothly for me.

However, I could not change engine or body parts, yet I never stop running.

In my vulnerable state, I had to find a solution. Throughout my daily training routine, I focused on the pain, the irritability within me and certain unbalances which were causing so many injuries and other ailments.

One by one, I addressed them all and replaced them with positive affirmations.

Feelings of fear, anxiety and fatigue are triggers that can cause under-performance in any individual. They are mental blockages which hinder our performances and can also cause unwanted injury.

Practising mental skills for 10 minutes a day, either by visualisation at home, during training runs or walks, can improve self-belief and motivation. You can learn how to remain calm when under pressure.

Avoiding physical injuries is also a requisite at this stage of the season. A proper warm-up is essential, with an easy jog of 10 to 15 minutes prior to your training session followed by stretching exercises.

Listen carefully to your body. Pay attention to any warning signs and ease down on training when tired or in pain.

Rest is also an important factor for proper training as it gives muscles and connective tissues time to repair.

Be flexible. If you have to miss a training session, do it and don’t worry... then continue with your schedule.

After all, it is the consistency of your training rather than one particular workout that is important.

In the meantime enjoy your running!