By Theos Stamoulis 

On October 17, 42 seekers from 21 cities around the globe completed the Running from the Mind Challenge. The Running from the Mind Challenge, organized by Chinmaya Mission Niagara, invited seekers with various levels of experience to quiet their minds through long distance running/walking. The only guidance that Vivekji provided was to run/walk without input, such as listening to podcasts, chants, or music. This guidance ensured that runners paid attention to the thoughts arising in the mind rather than seek distraction from media. 

For five months, this community sought ways to support one another, build accountability and encourage each person on his or her journey. The 42 seekers repeatedly engaged in community through multiple channels and formats. Everything from email threads where seekers shared their physical and spiritual goals to virtual documentary film gatherings, helped build an ongoing sense of community regardless of physical distance. One seeker even developed a data tracker to document each person’s daily run and reflection. This tool not only created a centralized location for seekers to monitor each other’s progress but reinforced the collective effort being made as a group toward completing the challenge. 

The challenge culminated when most seekers completed a half-marathon (13.1 mi/21.1 km) in their respective cities. For most seekers, this accomplishment demonstrated the power of quieting their minds and building stillness in their intellects.

This was the fifth consecutive year for the Running from the Mind challenge and already, there is much anticipation toward next year, as more seekers aim to benefit from the power of this communal activity.