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Still Running: The Art of Meditation in Motion
Learn how to bring the power of stillness into your running practice with meditations, guidance, and inspiration from a long-time runner and Zen practitioner.
When we see running solely as exercise and focus on improving our times, covering a certain number of miles, or losing weight, we miss the deeper implications of this art. We miss the opportunity to take up running as a practice that bridges the apparent gap between stillness and movement, meditation and activity.
Moving away from the limited definition of running as fitness training, Vanessa Zuisei Goddard combines her decade of experience leading running retreats with her two-decade practice of Zen to offer insight, humor, and practical suggestions for grounding your running, or any physical practice, in meditation. Whether you are a new or experienced runner, you will learn how to be more embodied through thirteen running practices to help improve your focus and running form. Using mantras and visualizations, as well as a range of other exercises, Goddard offers ways to practice running as a moving meditation with an eye toward bringing the power of stillness to all the activities in your life. Ultimately, Still Running is a book about freedom, ease, and the joy of movement; it's about the power of stillness and learning how to use that power to live wholeheartedly.
When we see running solely as exercise and focus on improving our times, covering a certain number of miles, or losing weight, we miss the deeper implications of this art. We miss the opportunity to take up running as a practice that bridges the apparent gap between stillness and movement, meditation and activity.
Moving away from the limited definition of running as fitness training, Vanessa Zuisei Goddard combines her decade of experience leading running retreats with her two-decade practice of Zen to offer insight, humor, and practical suggestions for grounding your running, or any physical practice, in meditation. Whether you are a new or experienced runner, you will learn how to be more embodied through thirteen running practices to help improve your focus and running form. Using mantras and visualizations, as well as a range of other exercises, Goddard offers ways to practice running as a moving meditation with an eye toward bringing the power of stillness to all the activities in your life. Ultimately, Still Running is a book about freedom, ease, and the joy of movement; it's about the power of stillness and learning how to use that power to live wholeheartedly.
176 pages, Paperback
Published August 11, 2020
61 people are currently reading
1319 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Zuisei Goddard
3 books33 followersVanessa Zuisei Goddard is a writer and Zen teacher. Born in Mexico City, Zuisei graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in English: creative Writing and a minor in Psychology. Soon after she moved to Zen Mountain Monastery in upstate New York, where she lived and trained from 1995 to 2018.
Zuisei is currently based in New York City, where she writes and teaches. Her second book, which she's currently working on, is a series of essays on faith, belief, and contemplation.
Zuisei is currently based in New York City, where she writes and teaches. Her second book, which she's currently working on, is a series of essays on faith, belief, and contemplation.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 25, 2020
“Why do you run?”
I am a runner but I have never given this simple question too much thought. Why, I run to keep myself fit. Stay in shape. Because it makes me feel good etc. But Vanessa Zuisei Goddard does not accept these answers.
She classifies them as vague answers. Rightly so. “Which shape do you want to retain? The one you had at eighteen and at your peak form? The shape you had at thirty? At fifty?”
These opening lines from Goddard’s mesmerising book “Still Running” pulled me in with a quiet embrace. Goddard teaches us how to be intensely aware of everything, of being entirely in the moment through lessons in running. Running is a movement-oriented activity and most of focus on external achievements like time and distance. But running can go beyond that and show us how to absorb the power of stillness. As contradictory as it sounds, we can be still while running. Or cycling. Or cooking. Or reading. Anything that includes movement can include stillness.
“It’s the kind of stillness that pulls you in, like a whirlpool tugging you toward its center. A stillness so complete that right now seems to envelop me and the whole subway car, the track we’re rattling along on…”
Goddard takes us through the meditation technique named zazen and addresses different aspects of our life – breath, mind, pain, silence. She outlines a “practice” in each chapter which is framed around running, but really can be adapted for anything and by anyone. I particularly loved that she illustrates everything with intriguing anecdotes from her own experiences.
I felt the gentleness, kindness, and a light in Goddard’s words. She leads you gently on to a path and leaves you there with a smile, and you can’t help but go on that path after everything she shared with you. That’s how I felt. A deeply thought-provoking book. I leave you with one of my favourite passages.
“What you do is completely up to you. Just choose deliberately. Choose to be awake in all the many and varied moments of your life so that, in the end, hopefully you’ll be able to look back at that life and say, ‘It wasn’t perfect, but I was there for it.’”
I am a runner but I have never given this simple question too much thought. Why, I run to keep myself fit. Stay in shape. Because it makes me feel good etc. But Vanessa Zuisei Goddard does not accept these answers.
She classifies them as vague answers. Rightly so. “Which shape do you want to retain? The one you had at eighteen and at your peak form? The shape you had at thirty? At fifty?”
These opening lines from Goddard’s mesmerising book “Still Running” pulled me in with a quiet embrace. Goddard teaches us how to be intensely aware of everything, of being entirely in the moment through lessons in running. Running is a movement-oriented activity and most of focus on external achievements like time and distance. But running can go beyond that and show us how to absorb the power of stillness. As contradictory as it sounds, we can be still while running. Or cycling. Or cooking. Or reading. Anything that includes movement can include stillness.
“It’s the kind of stillness that pulls you in, like a whirlpool tugging you toward its center. A stillness so complete that right now seems to envelop me and the whole subway car, the track we’re rattling along on…”
Goddard takes us through the meditation technique named zazen and addresses different aspects of our life – breath, mind, pain, silence. She outlines a “practice” in each chapter which is framed around running, but really can be adapted for anything and by anyone. I particularly loved that she illustrates everything with intriguing anecdotes from her own experiences.
I felt the gentleness, kindness, and a light in Goddard’s words. She leads you gently on to a path and leaves you there with a smile, and you can’t help but go on that path after everything she shared with you. That’s how I felt. A deeply thought-provoking book. I leave you with one of my favourite passages.
“What you do is completely up to you. Just choose deliberately. Choose to be awake in all the many and varied moments of your life so that, in the end, hopefully you’ll be able to look back at that life and say, ‘It wasn’t perfect, but I was there for it.’”
August 21, 2020
Some books are so transformative. I have been a runner for more than a decade now. But after reading this book, I realized just how mindlessly I run. Not that the book says I should cast such judgement on myself. But ‘Still Running’ is a beautiful meditation on the art of running or any exercise. If you are a cyclist, please pick this up. Or well, anyone really. Walking. Running. Cycling. Dancing. Wherever we move.
In beautiful, sparse language, Vanessa Goddard guides us through the basic elements of zazen. The principles offered for running, she elaborates, are those that can be applied anywhere in life: intent, discipline, commitment. Honestly, we can all do with some intent, commitment, and discipline, can’t we?
Rich with practical exercises, there’s much to love in this book. So much to love. So much gentle kindness. So much warmth.
In beautiful, sparse language, Vanessa Goddard guides us through the basic elements of zazen. The principles offered for running, she elaborates, are those that can be applied anywhere in life: intent, discipline, commitment. Honestly, we can all do with some intent, commitment, and discipline, can’t we?
Rich with practical exercises, there’s much to love in this book. So much to love. So much gentle kindness. So much warmth.
December 31, 2023
I'll give this book a solid five because it is one of a kind. This is the only book that I have read on running from Zen Buddhism perspective. Not only it has some quality insigths but also a skillfull writing as well. I am eagerly waiting for the follow up from Ms. Goddard.
December 6, 2020
Intent, Commitment, Disciple: 3 key requirements for living awake. Goddard redefines this key concepts in a useful and unique way.
I can become aware of a lot more as I run: breathing, cadence, shifts in tension or posture... and above all I should be grateful for each run.
This book is much more about Buddhism than about running, as is Goddard's life.
Some of the stories are more interesting and relevant that others. Surprisingly, I didn't feel drawn either to Buddhism or the monastic life. Perhaps a longer book about "spirituality in motion" including taichi and qigong, with fewer historical anecdotes and more science and expert witness might be stronger.
I can’t help but contrast this with “Happy Runner” which covers some if the same topics in a more entertaining voice.
I can become aware of a lot more as I run: breathing, cadence, shifts in tension or posture... and above all I should be grateful for each run.
This book is much more about Buddhism than about running, as is Goddard's life.
Some of the stories are more interesting and relevant that others. Surprisingly, I didn't feel drawn either to Buddhism or the monastic life. Perhaps a longer book about "spirituality in motion" including taichi and qigong, with fewer historical anecdotes and more science and expert witness might be stronger.
I can’t help but contrast this with “Happy Runner” which covers some if the same topics in a more entertaining voice.
July 29, 2022
An interesting look at running and how it can be meditative. I really enjoyed the Buddhist information.
January 20, 2025
I love the concept of still running and have been incorporating it into my routine so I was looking for a book that’s empowering and motivating.
I didn’t find any of that in this on. I thought it was very superficial and the concepts were barely explored in a meaningful way for the reader. It’s quite underwhelming.
I didn’t find any of that in this on. I thought it was very superficial and the concepts were barely explored in a meaningful way for the reader. It’s quite underwhelming.
July 28, 2021
I am of two minds when it comes to this book but the TL;DR is that I would definitely recommend it to others. Let me explain...
This book is centered on two things, running and Zen meditation (zazen), and it can be read and appreciated by anyone who is a beginner at one or both of these things. It is probably most interesting and useful to someone who is a novice (or close to it) in both.
I am a beginner at zazen but not at running so some of the recommendations for running are not important to me, as I don't need tips on stride, etcetera. Nonetheless, the running exercises are interesting, even if done following the spirit rather than the letter of them.
My favorite aspect of the book is that Zuisei brings in Zen teachings and integrates them well. Reading the book makes me feel more knowledgeable and more interested in Zen. It gave me much to think about, learn, and work on. It opened doors for me that I will be able to explore for a long time. But this aspect of the book is also a source of frustration for me. I wish there had been more teaching but I recognize that doing so may not be the book Zuisei wanted to write. Given that there was not more teaching, I wish that Zuisei would have done more in the text to point readers towards other books or sources of learning. (With that said, she did include endnotes that list source materials so intrepid readers can seek out more. While I appreciate this, I feel like I lack the understanding to navigate which texts would help with which teachings.)
This book is centered on two things, running and Zen meditation (zazen), and it can be read and appreciated by anyone who is a beginner at one or both of these things. It is probably most interesting and useful to someone who is a novice (or close to it) in both.
I am a beginner at zazen but not at running so some of the recommendations for running are not important to me, as I don't need tips on stride, etcetera. Nonetheless, the running exercises are interesting, even if done following the spirit rather than the letter of them.
My favorite aspect of the book is that Zuisei brings in Zen teachings and integrates them well. Reading the book makes me feel more knowledgeable and more interested in Zen. It gave me much to think about, learn, and work on. It opened doors for me that I will be able to explore for a long time. But this aspect of the book is also a source of frustration for me. I wish there had been more teaching but I recognize that doing so may not be the book Zuisei wanted to write. Given that there was not more teaching, I wish that Zuisei would have done more in the text to point readers towards other books or sources of learning. (With that said, she did include endnotes that list source materials so intrepid readers can seek out more. While I appreciate this, I feel like I lack the understanding to navigate which texts would help with which teachings.)
October 25, 2020
I have worked with Zuisei as a teacher for a while, so not being a runner wasn't going to stop me from reading this book. Of course, much of what she offers for runners could be applied to what I do for physical exercise including walking and practicing yoga asana. And I will use the book in that way. And still, the book is so much more. It is an introduction to Buddhism, to Zen practices, and really a guide to living a true spiritual and contemplative life, no matter your religious inclinations. What's more, you won't find platitudes in Zuisei's book. She writes as she teaches: clearly and to the point and skillfully willing to take us to the depth of our being. Zuisei uses stories from Buddhism as well as other traditions and perhaps most potently, her own experiences, to guide our effort and attention in our body work, our meditation, and all the moments of our lives. I can't recommend this book highly enough.
Also, glad to have found this site today. I can't wait to look around some more and share what I can and get recommendations from you all!
Also, glad to have found this site today. I can't wait to look around some more and share what I can and get recommendations from you all!
August 21, 2020
Running as a meditation... I believe most runners feel unconsciously, during their practice, the liberating feeling of motion beyond the occasional pain, struggle and other distractions. Mrs. Goddard shares her insight of decades of running and practicing zazen. By including meditation techniques and Buddhist philosophy within the "mundane" practice of running, the author reveals how stillness and calmness can be achieved through motion. What could be more beautiful than the merging of mind and body, of body and environment, the realization that you are part of everything and everything is within you.
October 18, 2022
This is what I was personally looking for, a straightforward book about how to infuse spirituality into your running practice as well as other parts of life. I have been in a bit of a running and book reading funk and I feel like this is what I needed to make a spiritual connection once again to this physical activity that I wake up early all the time to do. Great for beginning runners as well as those looking for a boost to their practice!
September 15, 2020
A highly readable book that explores physical exercise as a meditative practice. While the book details aspects Goddard's experiences with running, her approach and exercises easily apply to other forms of activity, be it swimming, cycling, walking as well as sitting in meditation.
Practical, informative and complete with personal anecdotes that flow throughout the book.
Highly recommended.
Practical, informative and complete with personal anecdotes that flow throughout the book.
Highly recommended.
October 11, 2020
A step by step guide on bringing a meditation practice into running, and ultimately turning running itself into a meditation practice. Each step is introduced with relevant examples from Buddhist teachings. It is transforming my running into a deep and sustainable practice. I'll continue working through the practices and update my review as I go.
January 25, 2021
I enjoyed the progression of the book from Intent, to Stillness, to Silence.
This is not a book on running per-se, it is a book on meditation, Buddhism, mantras, meaning, and mind. While being unfamiliar with eightfold and disturbing emotions I found myself listening to these unique words. Agreeing. It is a book on the beauty of the struggle, a book on reflecting and running, run and reflect.
This is not a book on running per-se, it is a book on meditation, Buddhism, mantras, meaning, and mind. While being unfamiliar with eightfold and disturbing emotions I found myself listening to these unique words. Agreeing. It is a book on the beauty of the struggle, a book on reflecting and running, run and reflect.
July 4, 2021
A whopping 5/5 for this one. I was lucky enough to hear her interview with Sam Harris and this is how I discovered this gem. Now meditation and running, that's quite a niche but she pulls it off with remarkable grace. Her ideas are crystal clear and I will be keeping an eye out for whatever else she publishes.
August 21, 2020
Impressive. It is supportive and gentle while peppered with enough research and history to jump in for a deeper dive. This book really resonated with me as someone with a somewhat good grounding in zen meditation and avid runner.
August 11, 2021
Such an elegant, well-written book about so much more than running. By combining her Zen practice with a sport she loves, the author has created a guide to living. Thank you for this much-needed book.
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August 3, 2020I received my copy free through Goodreads Giveaways
September 20, 2020
I was given this book as a gift by my partner because he knows I run and meditate daily, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one!
October 27, 2020
A nice little book giving a different perspective of stillness.
August 2, 2022
Utili consigli per correre senza stress o ansie da prestazione. Ascoltarsi passo dopo passo rispettando il proprio corpo ed i propri ritmi con l'unico obiettivo di stare bene, in equilibrio.
June 13, 2022
My full review here: https://youtu.be/enMOd3c-zPc
Not a book for everyone as it's very niche - meditation and running but if you're a runner this is a 5/5. In 2021 I ran too much and burned out for running and 2022 has been a struggle for me mentally and physically with running. I kept trying to redo streaks but only for 10-30 day spurts after my big one streak ended due to a dental surgery. This book reminded me of all the reasons why I love running when I reach a certain level of endurance and a reminder it's not about the pace or the distance but doing it cause I enjoy it. I'm not sure where running is in my life right now, maybe not a daily thing but I want to learn to love it again.
Not a book for everyone as it's very niche - meditation and running but if you're a runner this is a 5/5. In 2021 I ran too much and burned out for running and 2022 has been a struggle for me mentally and physically with running. I kept trying to redo streaks but only for 10-30 day spurts after my big one streak ended due to a dental surgery. This book reminded me of all the reasons why I love running when I reach a certain level of endurance and a reminder it's not about the pace or the distance but doing it cause I enjoy it. I'm not sure where running is in my life right now, maybe not a daily thing but I want to learn to love it again.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews