So thankful there's a church in my neighborhood...

I love my favorite running playlist. It’s exactly a satisfying 1 hour and 30 minutes long. It feels like every song evokes an emotion, a memory, a core issue I am struggling with, a relationship that I am deep in thought about, my own mental health, builds my confidence, etc. I find that the steady, bilateral movement of my legs and arms, and my breathing from running to be neurobiological beneficial in itself, and this music really flows well for regulating my nervous system and gearing me up for the day. I honestly think the whole experience of reflecting, running and listening to a powerful soundtrack helps psychologically process stuff. So when I feel the need to reflect, I find this really helpful. Sometimes, I take a completely different approach to running. I try to be present and notice as much with my senses as possible. I try to look around and adjust my gaze and perspective. I like to learn about the local nature in my community. I know quite a few of the trees, flowers, plants, birds, woodland furry creatures, amphibians, turtles, insects and rocks that are local to Minnesota (I haven’t seen too many reptiles, but I do like snakes!). I find this experience to also really settle my nervous system, to increase my sense of gratitude and feel nourished, as though I have taken a deep drink of water. I have also heard that the vagus nerve is stimulated by moving your gaze. “Life’s a game, but it’s not fair. I break the rules, so I don’t care. So, I keep doing my own thing, walking tall against the rain.” -Rhianna That line is so powerful to me, sung by Rhianna who danced on top of a glass ceiling while pregnant at the Superbowl. Everytime I